As I have previously mentioned, I am sponsoring a bill (SB23-097) to address the high rate of auto theft in Colorado. According to FBI statistics, Colorado leads the nation in auto theft. Amending our auto theft statute is one step of many that Colorado must pursue in addressing this issue. Colorado’s current motor vehicle theft law assigns crime severity based upon the value of the vehicle. This approach minimizes the impact of motor vehicle theft to those of lesser economic means. Senate Bill 23-097 promotes equity for victims in the application of Colorado law by making all motor vehicle theft a felony regardless of the vehicle’s value.

What is important to know, however, is that the bill concept did not start with me. Rather, it has been in the works for more than two years and originated in the Colorado Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justince felony sentencing reform task force. The CCJJ study group on sentencing reform agreed on removal of value from the offense early in its felony work. Then, last summer, when it started to look like the comprehensive work on felony sentencing reform would not be completed in time for the 2023 session, the DAs started working on this bill instead.

After several discussions with our Jeffco DA, Alexis King, and members of the Arvada and Westminster City Councils, and after I began hearing from constituents regularly about this problem, I took up the CCJJ bill concept and submitted it for drafting. The fundamental premise is that the market value of a car has no place in the determination of the severity of this crime both in terms of impact to victims and potential criminal penalties.

I am pleased that the concept has gone through the entire CCJJ process and came out with a unanimous recommendation in favor. I must stress, however, that it will not solve auto theft. It is not and was never intended to be “the solution” to the auto theft crisis. Nevertheless, I do think this bill is a piece of the puzzle in addressing the issue, and I look forward to our hearing tomorrow in the Senate Judiciary Committee at 1:30 pm. If you'd like to tune in, you can do so by clicking HERE.

Special select committee formed to address high utility costs: Several House and Senate members were appointed to a special select committee charged with looking into the rising costs of utilities in Colorado. From the Senate Majority, President Stephen Fenberg and Senator Lisa Cutter were appointed, as well as Senator Barbara Kirkmeyer from the Senate Minority. From the House of Representatives Majority, Representative Chris deGruy Kennedy and Representative Matthew Martinez were appointed, as well as Minority Leader Mike Lynch. President Fenberg will serve as the Chair of the select committee and Representative deGruy Kennedy will serve as the Vice-chair. To learn more, click HERE.

Package of gun law reform legislation introduced: Democratic lawmakers unveiled a package of bills aimed at combating gun violence in Colorado and creating safer communities across our state. The bills include: SB23-170 to expand and strengthen Colorado’s “Red Flag” law, SB23-169 to raise the minimum age to purchase a firearm to 21 years old, HB23-1219 to establish waiting periods, and SB23-168 to remove Colorado’s overly-broad firearms industry immunity protections so survivors of gun violence can better seek accountability and justice through the courts. For more information, click HERE.

Variety of program reports for DOLA now available: Every year, the Colorado Department of Local Affairs is requried to submit a varity of annual reports on the various grant programs they oversee. The purpose of these reports is to communicate to the public on how the department distribued their discretionary grants awards, formulaic direct distributions, and loans, etc. Here are a list of those program reports:

Arvada Chamber opens up nominations to honor women: In honor of Women’s History Month, the Arvada Chamber of Commerce has opened up nominations for "Badass Women of Arvada." In addition, the chamber plans to highlight women leaders in business, non-profits, and our community throughout the month of March. As part of Women's History Month, the Arvada Chamber plans to include weekly spotlights for construction, hospitality, and healthcare professionals, as well as an exclusive networking event for those recognized. To nominate a woman to be recognized, click HERE. Nominations will be accepted through March 17, 2023 at 5:00 PM.

Study on native pollinating insects launched: Last summer, at the Butterfly Pavilion right here in Senate District 19, the Governor signed into law SB22-199 on Native Pollinating Insects Protection Study. This bill created the study within the Department of Natural Resources so that we could gain a better understanding of Colorado’s pollinators that keep our ecosystems healthy and resilient. The study will be conducted by Colorado State University Extension, the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation, and the University of Colorado Museum of Natural History, in consultation with state and federal agencies, researchers, scientists, and land managers across the state. For more information, click HERE.

JBC Recap for the week of February 20: On Tuesday, the JBC considered figure setting recommendations for the Department of Natural Resources and the Department of Corrections. On Wednesday, we considered figure setting recommendations for the Departments of Public Safety, Public Health & Environment, Local Affairs, and Law. Then, on Thursday, the JBC considered figure setting recommendations for the Department of Education.

Coming Up This Week: Due to the House Second Reading debates, the JBC was unable to meet on Friday. As a result, Friday's schedule will move to Tuesday. The JBC will take up figure setting for the Legislative Department, the Department of Public Health and Environment, and Public Safety. For the full schedule, click HERE.

It is my pleasure to join Indivisible Colorado this Wednesday, March 1 at 6 pm to dicuss various topics in education. The panel of speakers will incluce Lisa Weil from Great Ed Colorado, State Board of Education member Kathy Plomer, and myself. To register, click HERE.

Mark your calendar now for our next town hall meeting! Please plan to join us on Saturday, March 18 from 10:30 am - 12:00 pm at the Indian Tree Golf Course Clubhouse, 7555 Wadsworth Blvd, Arvada, CO 80003. The topic for March will be the State Budget proposal. For more information, click HERE.

Below is a list of bills that I am sponsoring that have been introduced and are awaiting action from either the House or Senate. For a full list of bills, click HERE.

SB23-155 Sunset Continue Nursing Home Administrators: Concerning the continuation of the regulation of nursing home administrators, and, in connection therewith, implementing the recommendations in the 2022 sunset report by the department of regulatory agencies. The bill will be heard in the Senate Health and Human Services Committee on Thursday, March 2 at 1:30 pm.

SB23-097 Motor Vehicle Theft And Unauthorized Use: Concerning the adoption of the 2023 recommendations of the Colorado commission on criminal and juvenile justice regarding motor vehicle offenses committed by a person who is not the owner of the motor vehicle. The bill will be heard in the Judiciary Committee on Monday, February 27 at 1:30 pm.

SB23-110 Transparency For Metropolitan Districts: Concerning transparency for metropolitan districts. The bill passed out of the Senate and heads to the House.

HB23-1001 Expanding Assistance For Educator Programs: Concerning expanding financial assistance for educator programs. The bill will be heard in the Senate Education Committee on Monday, March 6 at 1:30 pm.

HB23-1053 Veterans' Cemetery Department of Public Safety Gifts Grants Donations: Concerning the authority to accept and expend gifts, grants, and donations, and, in connection therewith, authorizing the division of veterans affairs to expend gifts, grants, and donations in support of the western slope military veterans' cemetery, authorizing the department of public safety to accept and expend gifts, grants, and donations in support of its purposes, and creating the department of public safety gifts, grants, and donations fund. The bill passed out of the Senate and heads to the Governor's desk.

In an effort to be transparent and accessible, here are the events and meetings that I have attended in the last week as your state senator: