Highlights from the Colorado Legislature on Monday:
— Business slowed to a crawl because of slow negotiations over next year’s budget. The Senate didn’t meet at all Monday because of an impasse between Democrats and Republicans on the Joint Budget Committee, and the House had an abbreviated calendar. Lawmakers say it appears the budget debate will be delayed at least a week.
— The House gave preliminary approval to a bill to enhance the power of the Colorado officials in ranchers’ water disputes with gas and oil companies (House Bill 1286).
— The House gave preliminary approval to a bill extending voluntary contributions to the 9Health Fair on state income tax forms (Senate Bill 81).
—The House Education Committee voted 13-0 for a bill making state education mandates optional unless the state appropriates money to pay for them (House Bill 1277). The bill also reduces oversight for online schools.
