Death penalty bill on way to first hearing in the Senate
Tomorrow, the Senate Judiciary Committee will hear Senate Bill 20-100 on the repeal of the death penalty. A similar bill came forward last year but faced a series of hurdles and was not successful. I am not certain whether SB100 will be successful this time around or not, but the bill seems to have more support this year and was brought forward very differently than last session, which could positively impact the fate of the bill.
Presenting to House and Senate Committees of reference with the Joint Budget Committee
When controversial bills like this come up, people will call or email me with their opinion--something I highly value. However, there are a few things to know about the process and timing of your feedback that may help you get your message across most effectively. For example, if the bill is a House bill and being debated in the House, it will take some time for the bill to reach me in the Senate, if at all. I recommend waiting until the bill is on the Senate side and when it appears to be heading to the Senate floor for debate.
Also, while I usually have a vague opinion of a particular bill based on the topic, I try to keep an open mind about bills until they come before me. Bills usually
undergo changes (amendments) as they make their way through the process that could influence my support. And changes can happen either way; the changes could make the bill better or worse and therefore change my opinion of the bill.
With this in mind, I've had several people ask me where I stand on the repeal of the death penalty. I believe the practice is expensive when dragged out, cruel when carried out, and not evenly applied when administered. I try to remember that we sometimes get things wrong, and carrying out the death penalty is the most irrevocable of mistakes. Further, research demonstrates the penalty does not deter behavior. In my opinion, it salvages nothing and replaces justice with vengeance.
Again, the issue will head to its first hearing in a long process on Monday, and anything can happen between that process and when/if the Governor signs a bill into law. For now, I believe repealing the death penalty is the right way to go and will be eager to see this bill pass through committee. If you are interested in weighing in, the committee will meet at 1:30 pm in Senate Committee Room 357 and can be heard online
HERE.
First and second bills pass through committee
With constituent Joan Lyons at
Bicycle Day at the Capitol
We were very pleased to receive a unanimous vote in favor of SB20-006 on the Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative in the Senate Education Committee last week. Next stop for the bill will be the Senate Appropriations Committee. We were very grateful to the many college students who testified on the bill and were in attendance for COSI Day at the Capitol.
Rachel Zenzinger won election to the Colorado State Senate, representing District 19, in November 2016. She also served as Senator for SD19 in 2014. Sen. Zenzinger is a member of the Joint Budget Committee, the Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and Vice Chair of the Statutory Revision Committee.
Tuesday, January 28 at 1:30 pm Senate Bill 20-036 Emissions Inspection Check Engine Light in Senate Transportation and Energy Committee in Senate Committee Room 352. This bill will submit
to the EPA a revision to the state implementation plan for air quality that would enable a vehicle that fails the on-board diagnostics test solely because a check engine light is illuminated on the vehicle's dashboard to undergo a tailpipe emissions test.
Wednesday, January 29 at upon adjournment Senate Bill 20-009 Expand Adult Education Grant Program in Senate Education Committee in Senate Committee Room 352. This bill will expand the
adult education and literacy grant program.
Wednesday, January 29 at upon adjournment Senate Bill 20-052 Smart School Bus Safety Pilot Program in Senate Education Committee in Senate Committee Room 352. This bill will
The bill creates the smart school bus safety pilot program to increase the safety of students and the security of school buses.
Tracking your Senator
On Monday, commemorated Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday... On Tuesday, I hosted Coffee With Constituents... the JBC heard supplemental requests for the Judicial Branch, Human Services, HCPF, Dept of Revenue, Capitol Construction, CDPHE, and the Dept of Personnel... I presented to Webelos Cub Scouts Pack 667... On Wednesday, the JBC met with the House and Senate Energy and Environment Committee... I gave a tribute in honor of the Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative Day at the Capitol... the JBC met with the Health and Human Services Committees... I presented and passed SB20-006 on COSI... I presented and passed SB20-034 on SRC... the JBC continued with supplemental requests... I attended the Motor Carriers legislative reception... On Thursday, the JBC met with the House Judiciary Committees... The JBC met with the House and Senate Finance Committees... I attended the Housing Summit Luncheon... The JBC met with the Senate and House Education Committee... The JBC heard Figure Setting recommend-ations for Compensation Common Policies... I attended the Colorado Hospital Association reception... On Friday, I attended the Statutory Revision Committee meeting... I attended Bicycle Day at the Capitol... The JBC had a hearing on the Public Option and Reinsurance proposals... I attended the Arvada Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Dinner.
Webelos Cub Scout Pack 667
If there is an event you think I should attend, please notify me!
Donations to
Rachel For Colorado
I am pleased to announce that I will be running for re-election for a second term as your senator for Senate District 19. I would be honored to have your support! Can you help by making a contribution? THANK YOU!
