Highlights from the Legislature on Friday:
— The House gave initial approval to House Bill 1276 that lawmakers say will help responsible borrowers get back on track, stay in their homes, and hold onto the American dream by providing a three-month time-out for those facing foreclosure. The extra 90 days gives time for homeowners to work with their banks to figure out how to stay in their home. The bill faces a third reading before it goes to the Senate.
— The House voted to adhere to its position after the Senate rejected the House’s plan to cut this year’s tourism promotion budget to $15 million. The Senate backed using gaming revenue to get that figure to $18 million. Colorado originally planned to spend $20 million promoting tourism and the arts this year, but lawmakers are cutting that to help balance the budget. If the Senate refuses to back down, Senate Bill 217 will die.
— The Senate gave initial backing to House Bill 1082 requiring school boards to record all meetings in which votes are cast. That’s weaker than the original bill which would have required recordings off all regular and special meetings. The recordings must be kept for 90 days.
— The Senate gave initial approval to House Bill 1174 to help farmers along the South Platte River. It would let them off the hook for replacing water from their wells taken from the river before March 15, 1974. That’s the date they were warned they would have to replace well water that drew down the area’s aquifer. Currently, they’re responsible for replacing the water taken before and after that date.
New Bills
— Require state agencies to give a preference to Colorado steel products (House Bill 1302).
