Author: HANNAH METZGER hannah.metzger@coloradopolitics.com
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Colorado bill makes ‘swatting’ — falsely reporting mass shootings — a felony
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“I have an AR-15 and pipe bombs with me. I’m going to shoot every kid I see in the school. I’m walking in now.” That threat was made against at least 17 schools throughout Colorado on Feb. 22. The 911 calls — featuring the sound of rapid gunfire — resulted in school closures, heavy law enforcement…
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‘Our leaders need to do more:’ Colorado family honors school shooting victims at Capitol
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Around 200 people have been killed in school shootings since the Columbine High School massacre in 1999. On Monday afternoon, a Colorado family laid one rose for each victim on the steps of the state Capitol building. Stacy Ravenscroft placed the roses with her husband, sister and step-mom, along with the Centennial family’s 11 children. …
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Democrats pass 3 bills strengthening abortion rights in Colorado
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A trio of bills seeking to bolster abortion rights in Colorado passed their last vote in the House on Saturday, now only needing the governor’s signature to become law. If enacted, Senate Bill 188 would protect abortion patients and providers in Colorado from penalties from other states. Senate Bill 189 would expand health insurance coverage for abortion, particularly among…
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Colorado Democrats move to shield abortion, transgender care from out-of-state penalties
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Democrats advanced a bill Friday to protect Colorado abortion patients and providers from facing consequences from other states in which abortion is illegal — the second of three bills seeking to strengthen abortion rights in Colorado. Senate Bill 188 would prohibit Colorado from recognizing criminal prosecutions or civil lawsuits regarding legally protected abortion care and enshrine…
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Colorado considers forcing HOAs to allow water-saving landscaping instead of grass
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As Colorado continues to suffer through harsh drought conditions, the state legislature is considering removing barriers for some residents to save water on lawn watering. Around 60% of Coloradans live under a homeowner association (HOA). If passed into law, Senate Bill 178 would allow those homeowners to swap their grass lawns for landscaping that needs less water…
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Ban on corporal punishment in Colorado schools advances to Polis’ desk
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An effort to prohibit corporal punishment in Colorado schools and child care centers passed its final vote on Tuesday. The legislation now only needs the governor’s approval to become law. If signed by Gov. Jared Polis, House Bill 1191 would ban willfully causing physical pain to a child as punishment by employees and volunteers in public schools,…
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Colorado proposes $1,000 tax credit for teachers to buy classroom supplies
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More than 90% of teachers spend their own money on classroom supplies, according to the National Education Association. In Colorado, lawmakers want to put an end to that practice. If passed into law, House Bill 1208 would reimburse full-time, licensed public school teachers $1,000 each year to pay for school supplies, with a new refundable state income…
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Colorado advances eating disorder prevention, intervention bills: ‘It’s time we take a stand’
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In Colorado and nationwide, around one in 10 people will be diagnosed with an eating disorder in their lifetime. State lawmakers are trying to address that with a new pair of bills. The Senate Health and Human Services Committee advanced Senate Bill 14 and Senate Bill 176 on Thursday. If signed into law, SB 14 would create a statewide…
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As 1 in 10 Coloradans experience eating disorders, lawmakers consider action
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When she was 15 years old, Aimee Resnick’s eating disorder nearly killed her. Resnick said she was teased and bullied for being “bigger” than her peers throughout middle school and early high school. So, when a health class assignment required Resnick to set a weight loss goal and track her daily calorie consumption, she quickly…
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Polis signs 17 more bills into law | CROSSING THE FINISH LINE
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With 44 days left in Colorado’s 2023 legislative session, Gov. Jared Polis has signed 64 bills into law. After being signed, bills take effect in August, 90 days after the general assembly adjourns, unless otherwise specified in the bill. A full list of legislation signed this year can be found online by clicking here. Here…