We saw a small dip in the amount of communication from folks last week, perhaps due to the President's Day holiday. Nevertheless, we still heard from folks about various bills and issues. In honor of the Oscar's tonight, we have a few "Academy Awards" of our own to issue:
Most 'Unusual' Bill: I never imagined that I'd someday be debating a bill about animal chiropractic care, but that's exactly what happened with
SB17-135. The bill proposes r
emoving the requirement that licensed chiropractors who are registered to perform animal chiropractic obtain a veterinary medical clearance by a licensed veterinarian before performing an act that falls within an animal chiropractor's scope of practice on an animal patient. We heard from a number of dog and horse chiropractors encouraging me to vote in favor.
Most 'Controversial' Bill: The bill that seems most controversial at the moment is SB17-003 that would repeal the Colorado Health Benefit Exchange Act. We have heard from constituents who are worried they will lose their health insurance. Many have sent me stories about the Exchange and how it has benefited their families and, in some cases, even saved lives. The bill passed out of the Senate Finace Committee and will now head to Appropriations before receiving a full hearing in the Senate.
Most 'Terrifying' Bill: A bill that seemed quite terrifying, and thankfully died in the Senate during Second Reading, was SB17-053 concerning requirements for asbestos litigation claims. This bill would have created additional hoops for plaintiffs to sue asbestos manufacturers as well as asbestos bankruptcy trusts. The bill would have kept lawsuits from moving forward in a timely manner, as well as bog down the entire compen-sation process, making it more burdensome and difficult for asbestos plaintiffs.
On the Senate floor with Sen. Andy Kerr
