We've finished eight weeks of the 2015 legislative session and there are nine weeks left before the end. So far, I have introduced five bills four of which have passed out of the House.
Of the 445 bills that were introduced, 166 were bipartisan and 90 bills were defeated. March 7th marks the halfway point in the 70th Colorado General Assembly.
Focus for the remainder of session:
Leading advocacy in education, public safety, workforce development, and JOBS!
2015 Legislative Work:
HB15-1221: Employee Leave to Attend Child's Academic Activities
The bill expands the types of academic activities for which a parent is entitled to leave from work to allow parents to attend meetings with school counselors in which the employee's child is directly participating or academic achievement ceremonies.
Status: Bill Passed out of House Education Committee.
HB15-1101 : Public Defender Subject to Open Records
Current law exempts the judicial department from the Colorado Open Records Act (CORA). The bill makes the records of the state public defender and office of alternate defense counsel in the judicial department subject to the act, except for records that are privileged attorney-client.
Status: Bill Failed in the House Judiciary Committee.
Read the Denver Post coverage:
Protects Coloradans and Colorado's youth by expanding the harassment statute to include interactive electronic harassment, or cyber bullying. This expansion will help defend the over half of adolescents and teens that have been bullied online.
Status: Passed Third Reading in House and passed Senate Judiciary Committee. To be heard in Senate Business +Tech Committee.
HB15-1035 : Update Crime Victim Compensation Laws
Supports crime victims in Colorado by increasing the compensation received after an accident. This bill expands coverage a victim receives to include compensation in incidents where an accident causes injuries, which could render them unable to work. HB15-1035 would also protect middle class families by providing a safety net of assistance to dependents when their primary wage earner is killed in an accident.
Status: Passed third reading in the House and moves to Senate Judiciary Committee.
HB15-1122 : Parole Application
Clarifies procedures regarding parole for offenders under the supervision of the Department of Corrections (DOC) to align statute with current DOC practice.
Status: Passed Third reading in the House and Senate Judiciary Committee.
Bills on Deck for March
HB15-1183 : Child's Statements Of Attempted Sexual Crimes
Current law requires an out-of-court statement by a child who is the victim of or witness to a sexual offense to be admitted in evidence. The bill extends this evidentiary rule to attempted sexual offenses.
Status: Scheduled to be heard in House Judiciary Committee March 5th
HB-1240 : Reduce Student Contacts With Law Enforcement
Recommends local school board to establish a MO with municipal law enforcement agency to minimize students' contacts with law enforcement agencies and courts as disciplinary responses to school.
Status: Scheduled to be heard in House Judiciary Committee March 9th
NOTE: My work under the gold dome is about showing up in each conversation. It's about content, intent and relationships!
Stay Engaged and Connected,
Rhonda Fields
Colorado State Representative
House District 42
