Highlights from the Colorado Legislature on Thursday:
— House Republicans backed off an agreement to work toward a compromise with Democrats on a nonbinding spending suggestion for next fiscal year. Republicans say the spending estimate should be ratcheted back; Democrats say the resolution is symbolic and that the lower projection could prompt unnecessary teacher layoffs.
— The Senate confirmed another Cabinet pick of Gov. John Hickenlooper, Barbara Kelley to head the Department of Regulatory Agencies.
— House committees approved two GOP ideas unpopular with Democrats: a plan to lower late fees for tardy vehicle registrations, and a bill to exempt Larimer and Weld counties from mandatory vehicle emissions tests to reduce air pollution.
— The House voted to change grant rules for charter schools (House Bill 1089). The bill now heads to the Senate.
New bills:
— Prohibits synthetic marijuana commonly called “spice” (Senate Bill 134).
— Sets up a study of school discipline to see if too many pupils are being suspended (Senate Bill 133).
— Allows campus police at state colleges and universities to share more information about possible security threats (House Bill 1169).
— Sets up committee to study how the federal health care overhaul affects Colorado (House Bill 1171).
