Bill addresses sex offender treatment prior to ComCor
This week, I have a bill that will be heard in the Senate Judiciary Committee that may be somewhat controversial. Senate Bill 85 on Sex Offender Community Corrections Requirements will require a high-level sex offender placed in a community corrections program to meet the same requirements as a sex offender being released on parole.
With veterans at the Veterans Caucus Social
at the VFW Post 1
The Colorado Sex Offender Lifetime Supervision Act (LSA) allows for individuals convicted of high-level sex offenses to remain incarcerated and/or supervised by the state until it is determined that they have "successfully progressed in treatment and would not pose an undue threat to the community."
Despite the misleading title of "lifetime supervision," people who receive an indeterminate prison sentence (high-level offenders who are sentenced a minimum number of years to life) can earn their way out of both incarceration and supervision by actively participating in rehabilitation programs. Under current law, sex offenders can earn their way out through parole or by transferring to Community Corrections.
The problem, however, is that the eligibility criteria for parole and for Community Corrections are not the same. Unlike parole, there is no statutory requirement for high-level sex offenders to even participate in treatment before being transferred to Community Corrections. I find this to be problematic. Allowing high-level sex offenders to return to a community setting without treatment is dangerous and unacceptable. Senate Bill 085 will close this loophole in the law.
The bill will be heard tomorrow, Monday, February 9 at 1:30 pm in the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Bill to limit exotic animals in traveling circuses
Several years ago I was approached by a constituent who asked me to work on legislation to ban the use of exotic animals in circuses that travel to Colorado. At first, I was ambivalent about carrying a bill of this nature; I was limited to five bills and I didn't see the issue rising to the same level as other initiatives. I also had reservations about my colleagues' willingness to support this kind of legislation.
With veteran David Ortiz at the VFW Post 1
But my constituent didn't give up. She pressed me to look into it and she educated me about the need for this legislation. And after seeing the mountains of evidence, I feel the need for Colorado to end this type of animal cruelty. And so, this week, I will be joining my colleague Sen. Joann Ginal in presenting Senate Bill 125.
Opposition to the bill has been strong and often misleading. So I feel it is important to separate fact from fiction. First, the proposed law does not affect accredited zoos or animal sanctuaries and has the full support of The Wild Animal Sanctuary, which is home to many animals that were either rescued or relinquished by circuses.
The law would not affect stock shows or rodeos that use domestic livestock. The law would not apply to organizations that conduct educational programs involving reptiles, raptors, and birds like parrots. And, the law would not end circuses, just prohibit the use of "exotic" animals in circus performances.
The bill was narrowly written to only prohibit exotic animals (lions, tigers, elephants, etc.) from performing in traveling circuses. Wild animals used for performances in circuses endure lives of constant neglect and abuse. These animals spend as much as 90% of their life in cages carted from town to town, often exposed to extreme weather temperatures and vehicle exhaust.
Animals are frequently unable to exercise or perform natural behaviors and receive inadequate or no veterinary care. Performing unnatural acts, such as standing on hind legs, can result in medical problems including arthritis. Animals are conditioned using bullhooks, whips, ropes and tasers. It is the fear of being hurt or beaten that motivates animals to perform.
The bill will be heard on Thursday, February 13 at 1:30 pm in the Senate Agriculture Committee.
Rachel Zenzinger
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.
Monthly Town Hall to feature FAMLI act
Please join us for our next town hall meeting on Saturday, February 15 at 10:30 am at Covenant Living, 9270 Yarrow St, Westminster. The topic will be a panel discussion on the Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) bill featuring representatives from 9to5, the business community, and Representative Matt Gray. Come prepared to learn about the different perspectives on the issue, as well as your questions!
On the floor, chairing the
Committee of the Whole
Upcoming events
Town Hall Meeting, Saturday, February 15 at 10:30 am at Covenant Living, 9270 Yarrow St, Westminster. The topic is a panel discussion on the Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) bill.
Coffee With Constituents, Tuesday, February 18 at 7:00 am at Morning Story Restaurant, 8025 Sheridan Blvd, Arvada. This is a casual group discussion on bills making their way through the legislative process.
What's Brewing at the Capitol? Wednesday, February 19 at 6:30 pm at Odyssey Beerwerks Brewing and Taphouse,
5535 W 56th Ave #107, Arvada. This is an informal event where you can chat one-on-one with me about your priorities.
Tracking your Senator
On Monday,we welcomed the Volunteers of America to the Capitol... The JBC took public testimony on the Budget... I met with members of the Fire and Police Pension Association... On Tuesday, we recognized the Colorado Bioscience Association day at the Capitol... I presented and passed SB20-152 an SRC bill that fixed an effective date on a bill from last year... The JBC started figure setting recommendations for the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, the Department of Transportation, the Department of Treasury and PERA, and considered potential legislation...On Wednesday, the JBC met with the House and Senate Transportation and Energy Committees... We recognized Study Colorado Day at the Capitol... I attended the Veterans Caucus Social event at the Denver VFW Post 1... I was the guest speaker at the NW Business and Professional Women's meeting... On Thursday, we recognized the American Heart Association Go Red Day at the Capitol... I attended the SIPA Board meeting... Also, I attended the Housing Colorado luncheon... The JBC also did figure setting recommendations for the Department of Agriculture and the Department of State...On Friday, it was DRCOG Day at the Capitol... We also celebrated Military Day at the Capitol.
With John Kane, visitor to the Capitol
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!
