Highlights from the Colorado Legislature on Thursday:
— The Legislature agreed on a youth concussion-prevention bill that calls for additional coach training in recognizing head injuries. Senate Bill 40 now heads to Gov. John Hickenlooper, who says he’ll sign it into law.
— A proposal to create a “fetal homicide” crime fell apart amid pressure from both sides of the abortion debate. House Bill 1256 failed in committee after sponsoring Rep. Mark Waller asked it to be postponed indefinitely.
— Hickenlooper signed four bills into law, including a “Blue Alert” advisory system that would take effect when authorities are looking for a suspect who injured a peace officer (House Bill 1036).
— The House gave preliminary approval to a bill restricting travel expenses by state-chartered entities. House Bill 1211 was inspired by a pricey golf trip taken last year by Pinnacol Assurance executives. Pinnacol is a quasi-public insurer.
— Lawmakers announced that a Denver TV station, KUSA, has agreed to donate $500,000 worth of advertising over the next two years for the struggling “Share In The Care” campaign to raise money for Capitol Dome repairs.
— The House gave preliminary approval to a bill allowing veteran free admission to state parks on certain days (Senate Bill 24).
— The Senate got a St. Patrick’s Day treat from Marianne Goodland, a reporter for The Colorado Statesman who plays Celtic harp and performed a short in-chamber concert after the day’s legislative session.
