Since today is Mother's Day, my update will be short and sweet so that I can spend time with my children. With that in mind, I figured I would simply highlight one or two new bills that I filed this past week, a few of which have garnered some attention. We are at that point in the session where I do not expect to introduce very many more "new" bills.

First off, I filed Senate Bill 21-262 on Special District Transparency. As the Denver Post noted today in its editorial section, this bill is a good start at reforming metropolitan districts. The bill seeks to expand various transparency measures and enhance governing practices for special districts. The proposed language in the bill came from a robust 18-month stakeholder process and targets roughly seven different areas of special district law. While this bill does not address all the issues that have been brought to light, especially when it comes to metro districts, we think this is a positive first step. To read more about the bill and its need, click HERE.

Also last week, I introduced Senate Bill 21-257, to streamline and modernize the registration process for special mobile machinery (think asphalt spreaders or bucket loaders, earth moving equipment and the like). Another bill I introduced last week, Senate Bill 21-263, seeks to update and modernize the "Outdoor Advertising Act." Much like special mobile machinery, this bill will make changes to outdoor advertising along our state highways that have not been updated since the 80's. The bill will create a more efficient permitting process that will better balance private property rights and the beauty of our state highway system.

Lastly, the final bill I introduced last week was Senate Bill 21-265 that requires the state treasurer to transfer $124 million from the general fund to the state highway fund. Unlike other pieces of transportation legislation that involve complex fees and new enterprises, such as SB21-260, this bill simply transfers money to CDOT. This bill is by far the shortest bill that I have ever introduced--9 lines! While my bill is rather straightforward, I am looking forward to discussing the major transportation bill that was introduced last week at our upcoming town hall. For details on the transportation town hall, see below.

And with that... Happy Mother's Day!

Jeffco Public Health updates county mask order: In light of the new statewide mask order that allows for fewer restrictions on mask-wearing in certain circumstances, the Jefferson County Public Health department modified the county guidelines as well. Some of those changes include optional mask wearing indoors if 80% of the people in attendance are vaccinated. To view the key changes, click HERE.

All Coloradans 16+ eligible for COVID-19 Vaccine: As part of the Vaccines for All effort, the Governor has launched several State Community Vaccination Sites, including one at Dick's Sporting Good Park in Commerce City. All vaccines are free with no co-pay. The drive-through clinic will run Sunday through Wednesday, from 9 am - 5 pm. Individuals who are eligible to receive the vaccine can register HERE or by calling 720-263-5737. To learn more about where you can get vaccinated visit: https://covid19.colorado.gov/for-coloradans/vaccine/where-can-i-get-vaccinated. Call the vaccine hotline at 1-877- CO VAX CO (1-877-268-2926).

Below you will find a list of bills that were introduced or acted upon last week. Updates and new bills are highlighted in red text. For a complete list of bills, you can find a list on my website HERE or on the state's legislative website HERE.

SB21-265 Transfer From General Fund To State Highway Fund: Concerning a transfer from the general fund to the state highway fund. This bill will be heard in the Senate Appropriations Committee on Wednesday, May 12 at 8:00 am.

SB21-263 Outdoor Advertising Act: Concerning the regulation of outdoor advertising.

SB21-262 Special District Transparency: Concerning transparency for special districts. This bill is scheduled to be heard in the Senate Local Government Committee on Thursday, May 13 upon adjournment.

SB21-257 Special Mobile Machinery Registration: Concerning an exemption from motor vehicle registration requirements for certain special mobile machinery. The bill will be heard in the Senate Finance Committee on Wednesday, May 12 at 1:30 pm.

SB21-254 Eliminate Obsolete Committee Child Care Licensing: Concerning the elimination of the obsolete advisory committee on the licensing of child care facilities. This bill passed unanimously and was referred to the full Senate.

SB21-253 Women Veterans With Disabilities License Plate: Concerning license plates for veterans who have disabilities, and, in connection therewith, creating a license plate to honor women veterans with disabilities. This bill passed unanimously and was referred to the Senate Appropriations Committee.

HB21-1104 Professional Educator Licensure Renewal: Concerning extending the renewal period for professional educator licenses from five to seven years, and, in connection therewith, making and reducing an appropriation. This bill passed unanimously and was referred to the Senate Appropriations Committee.

HB21-1021 Peer Support Professionals Behavioral Health: Concerning supporting the peer support professional workforce, and, in connection therewith, making an appropriation. The bill passed unanimously and was referred to the Senate Appropriations Committee.

On Monday... I met with early childhood education advocates to discuss upcoming legislation... I met with CDOT Director Shoshanna Lew to discuss upcoming transportation legislation... I met with education stakeholders to discuss upcoming education legislation... On Tuesday... I attended the Transportation and Energy Committee meeting... On Wednesday... I attended the weekly COVID update with the Jeffco mayors and commissioners...I was a substitute on the Senate Finance Committee... I presented and passed four bills unanimously, including SB254 on eliminating obsolete child care licensing committee... SB253 on the Womens Veterans Disability license plate, HB1104 on Educator Licensing, and HB1021 on Peer Support Behavioral Health... I met with CDOT officials to review SB260... I had an interview with Avery Martinez of Law Weekly to discuss SB238 on Front Range Passenger Rail... On Thursday... I chaired the Senate Education Committee meeting... I attended the Transportation and Energy Committee meeting... I met with stakeholders to discuss the School Finance Act... On Friday... I passed SB238 on Front Range Passenger Rail and SB239 on 2-1-1 funding out of the Senate Appropriations Committee... I met the new Jeffco Superintendent Tracy Dorland... I attended the Colorado Commission on Higher Education meeting.

The Denver Post: Editorial: Senate Bill 262 is a good start at reforming Colorado metropolitan districts

The Denver Post: Colorado metro district reform bill would create greater transparency for homebuyers

Colorado Politics: Lawmakers unveil metro district transparency bill

Colorado Politics: General Assembly lawmakers advance 10 state stimulus bills

Denver Business Journal: Colorado workers' compensation system reform clears major hurdle

EIN News: Bills to Address Housing Crisis, Support Colorado Educators Pass Senate!

The Colorado Sun: Colorado education interests spend millions on lobbying. Most of it goes toward retaining, gaining funding.

Denver Westword: Colorado Legislature Passes Budget, Sends It to Governor Jared Polis

Please join Representatives Brianna Titone, Lindsey Daugherty, and myself on May 15 at 10:30 am for a town hall discussion on transportation. CDOT director Shoshana Lew will discuss the 10 year Transportation Plan, as well as Rep. Matt Gray to discuss SB260 on transportation funding. Click here for details.