Shortly after the gavels came down to start the 2009 legislative session Wednesday, lawmakers proved there is no downturn in ideas at the Capitol this year.
A whopping 130 bills were introduced on the first day, and among them were expectedly serious bills on the economy, renewable energy, wildfire protection and help for the mentally ill.
There were a few head-scratchers, including House Bill 1019: “Concerning Cat Identification.”
Or Senate Bill 27: “Concerning the protection of the public from coyotes.”
Other highlights from Day 1:
Top spots: The ceremonial positions as the first bills in each chamber, House Bill 1001 and Senate Bill 1, went, respectively, to a bill creating tax breaks for companies that create more than 20 new jobs in the state and a bill that requires local governments to create community wildfire protection plans.
Boss’ picks: When both the Senate president and the speaker of the House put their names on a bill, it’s worth watching.
Such is the case with House Bill 1057 and Senate Bill 32.
The former makes it easier for parents to take unpaid leave from their jobs to attend parent-teacher conferences or other activities at their kids’ schools.
The latter creates the “Education Innovation Institute” at the University of Northern Colorado to develop new teaching techniques.
Rules rumble: Senate Bill 4, from two Republican lawmakers, puts a moratorium on the state’s new oil and gas rules until July 2010.
Eat your vegetables: Senate Bill 46 bars schools from selling unhealthy snack foods.
John Ingold: 303-954-1068 or jingold@denverpost.com
