Highlights from the Colorado Legislature on Thursday:
— A House committee has given a green light to a bill that would punish drivers who drive slow and leave five or more cars stuck behind them in traffic. The measure (House Bill 1042) passed the House Transportation Committee on an 8-2 vote. Under the proposed law, violators could be punished with a $50 fine and three points on their licenses. It now goes to the full House for debate.
— Rep. Kevin Lundberg, R-Berthoud, took his seat in the Senate, filling the vacancy left by the resignation of Steve Johnson. Lundberg placed his hand on a Bible held by his wife Sandy and was sworn in by Colorado Supreme Court Justice Allison Eid. Johnson stepped down to serve as a Larimer County commissioner. Another vacancy committee will now have to pick someone to replace Lundberg in the House.
New bills:
— Allow same-sex partners of state employees to be covered by the state’s health insurance plan (Senate Bill 88).
— Create an online Colorado State University global campus (Senate Bill 86).
— Expand exemptions for the business personal property tax (Senate Bill 85).
— Eliminate special tax refunds under the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights (Senate Bill 82).
— Allow voters to change their registration on the Internet (House Bill 1160).
— Increase bail restrictions for illegal immigrants (House Bill 1147).
