People are usually not aware that 85% of bills that come to the senate floor for debate pass with little fanfare. There might be a small disagreement here or there, but nothing too extraordinary. Conversely, approximately five percent of the bills that come to the floor are very controversial. That means the remaining 10% land somewhere in the middle--they are neither routine nor controversial.
Testifying on SB20-125 including First Gentleman Marlon Reis and constituent Michelle DeLaria
Quite frankly, those bills are the most difficult ones to navigate. Perfectly reasonable arguments can be made for either side of a particular issue and finding compromise can be tricky. That certainly seems to be the case for a bill we are debating now, Senate Bill 20-093. The bill enacts the "Consumer and Employee Dispute Resolution Fairness Act" for certain type of consumer and employment arbitrations.
On the one hand, the bill aims to create greater protections for consumers by establishing new ethics standards and re-defining the disclosure requirements for arbitration. I think we can all agree that consumer and employee arbitration should be a more fair and transparent process.
So, if these changes are desirable, what's the problem? Who could possibly oppose making arbitration more fair and transparent? As it turns out, some of the changes could actually have some unintended consequences with regard to affordable housing. Wait a minute... huh?
If you are like me, you may have trouble figuring out the connection. I didn't think there were any problems with cleaning up the arbitration process until I heard from several metro area mayors who pointed out how some of the proposed changes could negatively affect the carefully negotiated balance that was struck for arbitration agreements concerning construction defects. This is especially worrisome given that since those changes were made three years ago, affordable housing has started to improve.
And just like that... a simple straight-forward bill becomes complicated. Both sides are right and neither side is wrong! I hope the bill sponsors are looking at the concerns presented and working on a compromise. We could all stand to benefit by addressing the concerns and then moving this bill forward. In the meantime, I want to thank the many constituents who have weighed in on this important bill on both sides and let you know that I hear you. While this debate is neither routine nor controversial, it is still an important conversation to have!
In the news
Members of the Jefferson County Business Lobby on their day at the Capitol
HB20-1036 Align Emergency Medical Service Provider Statutes.Concerning the addition of references to licensed emergency medical service providers in the emergency medical service providers' peer health assistance program. This will be heard on Wednesday, February 19 at 1:30 pm in the Senate State, Veterans and Military Affairs Committee.
HB20-1156 CO Colorado Municipal Election Code Administrative Modifications. Concerning modifications to certain administrative requirements specified in the "Colorado Municipal Election Code of 1965." This will be heard on Wednesday, February 19 at 1:30 pm in the Senate State Affairs Committee.
SB20-125 Prohibit Exotic Animals In Traveling Performances.Concerning a prohibition on the use of exotic animals in a traveling animal act. This will be heard for Action Only in the Senate Agriculture Affairs Committee on Thursday, February 20 at 1:30 pm.
SB20-052 Smart School Bus Safety Pilot ProgramConcerning the creation of the smart school bus safety pilot program. Will be heard on Thursday, February 20 Upon Adjournment in the Senate Finance 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.
Coffee With Constituents
Please join me for 'Coffee With Constituents' bright and early Tuesday morning, February 18 at 7:00 am. We will meet at the Morning Story Restaurant, 8025 Sheridan Blvd, Arvada. This is a casual group discussion on bills making their way through the legislative process. I provide the coffee and breakfast is available for purchase on your own.
Members of the JCBL on the
Senate floor
'What's Brewing' returns to Odyssey Beerwerks & Tap
Please join me for the next installment of 'What's Brewing at the Capitol?' on 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. The first beer is on me!
Monthly Town Hall meeting on FAMLI
Tracking your Senator
On Monday, I attended the
Governor's Transportation Funding forum... I also presented my bill
SB20-085 on Sex Offender Treatment in the Senate Judiciary Committee...
On Tuesday, I chaired the first
Senate Appropriations Committee... I attended the
Laws for Paws Lobby Day... I presented
SB20-134 an SRC bill to the Senate Finance Committee... The
Joint Budget Committee discussed potential legislation that the Committee may carry... I attended the
Global Medical Response legislative reception...
On Wednesday, I spoke to the
Jefferson County Business Lobby who were visiting as part of their day at the Capitol... The
Joint Budget Committee discussed figure setting for the
Tobacco Master Settlement recommendations as well as for the
Department of Law... I met with
Stakeholders from the IDD community to discuss a bill to end the waiting list for Comprehensive services...
On Thursday, I had breakfast with the
City of Westminster... The
Joint Budget Committee discussed figure setting for the
Department of Natural Resources and the
Department of Regulatory Agencies... I attended the
Realtor Day at the Capitol legislative luncheon... I presented
SB20-125 on Exotic Circus Animals...
On Friday, I chaired the Committee of the Whole... I met with the
Governor's staff to discuss school funding...
On Saturday, I hosted my monthly
Town Hall meeting where a panel of experts discussed the FAMLI act.
Supporters of SB20-125 on Exotic Circus Animals
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!
