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Colorado Senate 2026 Legislative Day 079

April 2, 2026 · 5,470 words · 16 speakers · 148 segments

Senator Kippssenator

Bazley, Ball, Benavidez, Benavidez, Bridges, Bright, Carson, Catlin, Cutter, Cutter, Cutter. Cutter. You've got to come into the chamber. Danielson. Excuse. Doherty. Here. Exum. Frizzell. Gonzalez. Hendrickson. Judah. Judah. Excuse. Kip. Kirkmeyer. Kirkmeyer. Excuse. Kolker. Linstead. Liston. Marchman. Marchman, excuse. Mullica. Mullica, excuse. Pelton B. Pelton R. Rich. Roberts. Rodriguez. Simpson. Simpson. Excuse. Snyder. Sullivan. Wallace. Weissman. Zamora Wilson. Aye.

Senator Kirkmeyersenator

Mr. President. Let's do this. The morning roll call is... Molokka. Now let's do this. Oh, one more just walked in. Judah. And Marchman. Very good. Mr. President. Let's do this again. The morning roll call is 32 present, zero absent, three excuses. We have a quorum. Senator Marchman, would you please lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance?

Senator Marchmansenator

Yes, Mr. President. Colleagues, please rise and join me in the Pledge of Allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Senator Kirkmeyersenator

Senator Byron Pelton will be fined $1 for just because. Just because. Approval of the journal. Senator Baisley.

Senator Baisleysenator

Good morning, Mr. President.

Senator Kirkmeyersenator

Morning.

Senator Baisleysenator

Mr. President, I move that the Senate Journal of Wednesday, April 1st of 2026 be approved as corrected by the Secretary.

Senator Kirkmeyersenator

You may or may not have heard the motion, but all those in favor, say aye.

Senator Kippssenator

Aye.

Senator Kirkmeyersenator

Opposed, no.

Senator Kippssenator

Aye.

Senator Kirkmeyersenator

The ayes have it and that motion is adopted. Senate Services. Correctly printed, Senate Joint Resolution 19. Correctly revised, House Bill 1007, 1120, 1145, and 1253. House Joint Resolution 1025. Correctly re-revised, House Bill 1002, 1023, 1024, 1058, and 1259. Committee reports. Committee on Transportation and Energy after consideration on the merits. the merits, the Committee recommends the following. House Bill 1237 be referred to the Committee of the Whole with favorable recommendation and with the recommendation that it be placed on the Consent Calendar. House Bill 1081 be amended as follows and as so amended, be referred to the Committee of the Whole with favorable recommendation. House Bill 1208 be referred to the Committee of the Whole with favorable recommendation. Committee on Education after consideration on the merits, the Committee recommends the following. Senate Bill 103 be amended as follows, and as so amended, be referred to the Committee of the Whole with favorable recommendation.

E

Majority leader, Rodriguez. Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Senate proceed out of order for moments of personal privilege.

Senator Kirkmeyersenator

You vote the motion. All those in favor say aye.

Senator Kippssenator

Aye.

Senator Kirkmeyersenator

Opposed, no. The ayes have it and the Senate will proceed out of order for moments of personal privilege. Senator Frizzell, Madam Minority Leader.

Senator Frizzellsenator

Thank you, Mr. President. I would like to request a moment of personal privilege.

Senator Kirkmeyersenator

Granted.

Senator Frizzellsenator

Thank you, sir. So, members, I'm really excited to welcome students from Fort Lewis College, Colorado State University, and Adams State University to our chamber today. They are here with Fort Lewis College's Indigenous Policy Institute, and they're right over here standing, so please welcome them. Fort Lewis College is a Native American serving non-tribal college located in the Four Corners region. They launched the Indigenous Policy Institute this year, providing a student-focused initiative designed to foster advocacy, research, and leadership in indigenous policy. It features a cohort model with speakers and workshops, empowering students to influence local, tribal, and national policies while exploring crucial issues like boarding school legacies. These students are getting a full day of immersion in the public policy process, so we apologize in advance. Just kidding. Please join me in welcoming them to the floor.

Senator Kirkmeyersenator

Welcome to the Senate. Mr. Majority Leader.

E

Thank you, Mr. President. I ask for a moment of personal privilege.

Senator Kirkmeyersenator

I don't know. Granted.

E

It's only my second one this year, Mr. President.

Senator Kirkmeyersenator

That's good. Keep it that way.

E

Colleagues, I'd like to welcome over here to my right, your left, is the Volunteers of America. If you guys would all please stand up. They're here in the Capitol today, so if you haven't seen them. I have a tribute I'd like to read. the state of Colorado, the Senate and House of Representatives convened in the second session of the 75th General Assembly to hereby extend its heartfelt recognition and commendations to Volunteers of America. Volunteers of America was founded in 1896 with a mission rooted in compassion, dignity, and a service to those most in need. For 130 years, Volunteers of America has supported individuals and families across the nation by providing critical programs and services that strengthen communities and create pathways to stability. VOA has carried this legacy forward through more than 50 programs serving Coloradoans who experience homelessness, hunger, poverty, and crisis, including seniors, veterans, children, women, and families. Each year they serve more than 100,000 individuals across the state, providing essential support and hope to those navigating life's most difficult moments. though the general generosity of donors volunteers and community partners volunteers of america colorado provides more than 2.2 million meals 1.1 million nights of safe shelter and vital resources to help individuals and families regain stability and move towards brighter futures 2026 marks the 130th anniversary of volunteers of america and represents a history of opportunity to honor the organization's enduring commitment and service to its measurable impact across colorado communities on request of Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez and House Majority Leader Monica Duran, given the second day of April 2026, State Capitol, Colorado, Denver, Colorado, signed by President James Coleman and Speaker of the House Julie McCluskey.

Senator Kirkmeyersenator

I'd like to give you guys all a hand and thank you for the work you do. Welcome to the Senate.

Senator Kippssenator

Mr. Schaffler, please add Senator Kirkmeyer to the role.

Senator Kirkmeyersenator

Senator Marchman.

Senator Marchmansenator

Thank you, Mr. President. A moment of personal privilege, please. Thank you. I want to welcome Zonta International to the chamber today. If you're from Zonta, you can stand up. You're on both sides, I believe. Very good. Zonta is a global organization of professionals empowering women through service and advocacy. They were founded in 1919 in Buffalo, New York. They're one of the oldest women's service organizations in the world. They advocated the UN and national local levels on women's rights, ending gender-based violence, and economic development. Service projects focused on maternal health, girls' education, and ending child marriage. There are active chapters throughout Colorado, including Fort Collins-Larimer and Boulder County. So when you get an opportunity to speak to them, it's a bunch of young women and their advocates. So welcome to the Senate and welcome to the Capitol today. Thank you.

Senator Kirkmeyersenator

Welcome to the Senate. Further moments of personal privilege? Seeing none. Third reading of bills, final passage. Mr. Schaffler, please read the title of House Bill 1120.

Senator Kippssenator

House Bill 1120 by Representatives Martinez and Velasco and Senators Simpson and Kipp. Concerning the implementation of the recommendations of the Mobile Home Taxation Task Force and in connection therewith, modifying the process for the collection of delinquent property taxes to align with real property tax lien sale and public option procedures, extending the redemption period for mobile home owners and clarifying that a mobile home owner under legal disability is entitled to an extended redemption period of up to nine years.

Senator Kirkmeyersenator

Very good, Mr. Schoffler. Senator Kipp.

Senator Kippsenator

Thank you, Mr. President. I move HB 261120 on third reading and final passage, and I ask for permission for a third reading amendment.

Senator Kirkmeyersenator

Senator Kipp, please tell us why you like permission for a third reading amendment.

Senator Kippsenator

Because we need to strike one word from the text. The treasurers were very thorough in going over the bill after it passed second reading and they found that we left one place where it said certified mail instead of just mail and we need to fix it so that it goes along with the rest of the bill

Senator Kirkmeyersenator

The question before the body is Senator Kipps request permission to offer third reading amendment. All those in favor say aye.

Senator Kippssenator

Aye. No.

Senator Kirkmeyersenator

The eyes have it and permission is granted. There is an amendment at the desk.

Senator Kippssenator

Mr. Schaffler. Please read. L-17. Amendment L-17.

Senator Kippsenator

Thank you. I've already explained it. I ask for an aye vote.

Senator Kirkmeyersenator

Further discussion.

Senator Kippssenator

I move L-017 to HB 26-1120.

Senator Kirkmeyersenator

Very good. Further discussion. Seeing no further discussion, the motion is the adoption of L-17 to House Bill 1120. Are there any no votes?

Senator Kippssenator

with a vote of 33 ayes, 0 no, 0 absent, and 2 excused.

Senator Kirkmeyersenator

L17 to House Bill 1120 is adopted. Senator Kipp, would you like to renew your motion?

Senator Kippsenator

Yes, and so I would move HB 261120 as amended on third reading and final passage.

Senator Kirkmeyersenator

Further discussion? Seeing a further discussion, the motion is the passage of House Bill 1120 as amended. Are there any no votes?

Senator Kippssenator

What? Senators Zamora Wilson, Baisley, Liston, with a vote of 30 ayes, 3 noes, 0 absinthe, 2 excuse.

Senator Kirkmeyersenator

House Bill 1120 is passed. Co-sponsors.

Senator Kippssenator

Senators Henrickson, Cutter, Weissman, Judah, Mr. Majority Leader, Marchman, Gonzalez, Sullivan, Snyder, Linstead, Kolker, Madam Minority Leader, Wallace, Benavidez, Exum, Doherty, Mullica.

Senator Kirkmeyersenator

Please add the president. Mr. Schauffler, please read the title of House Bill 1007.

Senator Kippssenator

House Bill 1007, my Representative Smith and Stuart R. and Senators Kip and Ball concerning measures to improve a customer's ability to use distributed energy resources.

Senator Kirkmeyersenator

Senator Ball.

Senator Ballsenator

Thank you, Mr. President. I move House Bill 26-1007 on third reading and final passage and encourage an aye vote.

Senator Kirkmeyersenator

Further discussion? There is discussion. Senator Pelton B.

Senator Peltonsenator

Thank you, Mr. President. As many of you guys know, I'm a master electrician, and I was very concerned about this bill from the very beginning. Yeah, that is new, I know. and i and i have to tell you i just want to tell you everybody here that i was concerned about the safety aspect of it because i didn't want anything to back feed through these um solar panels that they'll be sitting on their balconies to go back through and hurt somebody on the um utility lines the sponsors have done an excellent job to making sure that they keep that they worked with utilities um the creas everybody to make sure that they were safe and and everything was safe in the whole situation with the um collars with the meter collars everything from point a to point b so i just want to say thank you to the sponsors for this um it got me to a yes vote but i just wanted to come up and tell everybody that these things are going to be safe now because of the work that they did and I do appreciate them and the fact that they're going to be you they have to be ul listed is a big deal because it's no different than plugging in a toaster than when you have to when you plug these things in as long as they're certified by underwriters laboratories that's the way it needs to be so I'm not necessarily love the fact that we're going to be doing this but I do like the fact that you guys work so hard to make to make everybody okay so thank you and I will encourage an aye vote. Everybody say aww. Man, that's so sweet. Senator Pelton B. Senator March.

Senator Marchmansenator

Senator March. Thank you, Mr. President. I rise in strong support of House Bill 1007, much like my good colleague from North Peltonia. This is a straightforward bill. It says if you want to put a small safety listed solar device on your property, a device that passed the national testing, the UL label, it meets fire code, you don't need permission from your utility company to do it. It also addresses something that I didn't know about that my colleague just spoke about called a meter collar adapter that allows distributed energy resources to connect to the grid without a costly panel upgrade. Under current law, utilities can require a separate production meter as a condition of interconnection. This bill says no more. The PUC updates those rules by the end of this year. Municipal utilities and co-ops will follow the same standard. For my constituents in SD15 and Loveland, Wellington, Nutterland, Lyons, this is an affordability bill. Energy costs are real. The federal picture on grid reliability is uncertain. And we have people who want to build their own resilience, who want to reduce their bills, who are not asking for a subsidy. They're asking to use their own property. That's what this bill does. So I would urge an aye vote on House Bill 1007. Thank you. Very good. Further discussion. Seeing none of the motion is the passage of House

Senator Kirkmeyersenator

bill 10 0 7. Are there any no votes? Senators rich Samora Wilson. Carson. Pelton are

Senator Kippssenator

with a vote of 29 eyes for no zero absent and to excuse house bill 10 0 7 is past. Co-sponsors, Senators, Marchman, Linstead, Cutter, Wallace, Gonzalez, Judah, Benavidez, Colker, Snyder, Roberts, Henriksen, Weissman, Bridges, Amabile, Doherty.

Senator Kirkmeyersenator

I like it. Please, oh, Senator Sullivan. Okay, thank you. Please add the president. Mr. Schauff, I will please read the title of House Bill 1253.

Senator Kippssenator

House Bill 1253 by Representatives of Law and Senators Kirkmeyer and Snyder concerning the process for disconnection of property from a statutory municipality.

Senator Kirkmeyersenator

Senator Kirkmeyer.

Senator Kirkmeyersenator

Thank you, Mr. President, and good morning.

Senator Kirkmeyersenator

Good morning.

Senator Kirkmeyersenator

I move House Bill 26-1253 on third and final reading and ask for an aye vote.

Senator Kirkmeyersenator

Further discussion. Seeing a further discussion of motion is the passage of House Bill 1253. Are there any no votes? Senators Zamora Wilson, Baisley, I'm assuming you two were not offered a cookie this morning. All right. With a vote of 31 ayes, 2 no, 0 absent to excuse House Bill 1253. 1253 is passed. Co-sponsors.

Senator Kippssenator

Senators, Henriksen. Bright. Kip. Madam Minority Leader.

Senator Kirkmeyersenator

Please add the President. Mr. Schaffler, please read the title of House Bill 1145.

Senator Kippssenator

House Bill 1145 by Representatives Velasco and Phillips and Senators Cutter and Mullica concerning water quality and mobile home parks.

Senator Kirkmeyersenator

Senator Mullica.

Senator Mullicasenator

Thank you, Mr. President. I move House Bill 1145 on third reading and final passage.

Senator Kirkmeyersenator

Further discussion? Seeing none, the motion is the passage of House Bill 1145. Are there any no votes?

Senator Kippssenator

Senators. Samora Wilson. Basing. Carson. Bright. Madam Minority Leader. Madam Minority Leader again.

Senator Kirkmeyersenator

There we go.

Senator Kippssenator

Pelton B. Kirkmeyer. Pelton R. With a vote of 25 ayes, 8 noles, 0 absents, 2 excuses.

Senator Kirkmeyersenator

House Bill 1145 is passed.

Senator Kippssenator

Cosponsors, Senators, Kip, Wallace, Gonzalez, Marchman, Doherty, Benavidez, Judah, Amabile, Roberts, Weissman, Lindstedt, Henriksen.

Senator Kirkmeyersenator

Please add Senator Coker as a co-sponsor. Mr. Majority Leader. Please add the President. Second reading of bills, general orders, consent calendar. Senator Hemrickson.

Senator Hemricksonsenator

Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Senate resolve itself from the Committee of the Whole for consideration of General Orders Second Reading of Bill, Consent Calendar.

Senator Kirkmeyersenator

You vote the motion. All those in favor say aye. Opposed, no. The motion is adopted. The Senate will resolve itself from the Committee of the Whole for consideration of General Orders Second Reading of Bill's Consent Calendar. And Senator Henriksen will take the chair. Get you some. The Committee will come to order. The code rule is relaxed.

Senator Kippssenator

Mr. Shaflu, will you please read the title of the bill on the General Order Second Reading of Bill's Consent Calendar? House Bill 1234 by Representatives Ryden and Soper and Senators Wallace and Frizzell concerning access to records of child abuse or neglect.

Senator Kirkmeyersenator

Mr Majority there Thank you Mr Chair I move for the passage of the bill on General Order second reading of bill consent calendar which is House Bill 1234 and there are no committee reports The motion is the adoption of House Bill 1234, or the bill, on the General Order's second reading of bill's consent calendar. All those in favor say aye. Aye. All those opposed, no. The ayes have it, and the bill is adopted. Mr. Majority Leader. Thank you, Mr. Chair. I move the committee rise and report. Motion is for the committee to rise and report. All those in favor say aye. Aye. All those opposed, no. No. The ayes somehow have it, and the committee will rise and report. Senate will come to order.

Senator Hemricksonsenator

Senator Henriksen. Thank you, Mr. President. Your Committee of the Whole has met and had a bill under consideration.

Senator Kirkmeyersenator

Mr. Schauffler, will you please read the report?

Senator Kippssenator

April 2, 2026, Mr. President, the Committee of the Whole begs leave to report and has had in consideration the following attached bills being the second reading thereof and makes the following recommendations thereon. House Bill 1234, passed in second reading, in order to be revised and placed in the calendar for third reading and final passage.

Senator Hemricksonsenator

Senator Henriksen. Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the report.

Senator Kirkmeyersenator

The motion is the adoption of the Committee of the Whole report. Are there any no votes?

Senator Kippssenator

with a vote of 33 ayes, 0 no, 0 abstinence, excuse committee.

Senator Kirkmeyersenator

The whole report is adopted. House Bill 1234, passing second reading, overvise place and counter for third reading and final passage. General orders, second reading of bills.

Senator Hemricksonsenator

Senator Henriksen. Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Senate resolve itself into the committee of the whole for consideration. General orders, second reading of bills.

Senator Kirkmeyersenator

You've heard the motion. All those in favor, say aye. Opposed, no. The ayes have it and the motion is adopted. The Senate will resolve himself to meet the whole consideration or segmenting the bills and Senator Hemrickson will take the chair. The committee will come to order and the code rule is relaxed again. Mr. Majority Leader. Thank you, Mr. Chair. I move the Senate proceed out of order to take up House Bill 1186. The motion is to proceed out of order for consideration of House Bill 1186. All those in favor say aye. Aye. All those opposed, no. The ayes have it, and we will proceed out of order for consideration of House Bill 1186.

Senator Kippssenator

Mr. Schoffler, will you please read the title to House Bill 1186? House Bill 1186 by Representatives Mabry and Soper and Senators Ball and Weissman. Concerning the continuation of the regulation of bail bonding agents regulated by Article 23 of Title 10, Colorado Revised Statutes by the Division of Insurance.

Senator Ballsenator

Senator Ball. Thank you, Mr. Chair. I move House Bill 26-1186 and encourage an aye vote.

Senator Kirkmeyersenator

Any further discussion on the bill? Senator Ball.

Senator Ballsenator

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Colleagues, House Bill 1186 is the sunset bill for two types of bail bonding agents. It was recommended that we continue to regulate this space. It's important that we regulate this space to ensure that we have a place that can adjudicate disputes about licensure, things like that. So encourage an aye vote on 1186.

Senator Kirkmeyersenator

Seeing no further discussion, the motion is the adoption of House Bill 1186. All those in favor say aye. Aye. All those opposed, no. The ayes have it. 1186 is adopted. Mr. Majority Leader. Thank you, Mr. Chair. I move the Senate now proceed out of order to take up House Bill 1044. The motion is to proceed out of order for consideration of House Bill 1044. All those in favor say aye. All those opposed, no. The ayes have it, and we will proceed out of order for consideration of House Bill 1044.

Senator Kippssenator

Mr. Schoffer, will we please read the title to House Bill 1044? House Bill 1044 by Representatives English and Joseph and Senators Aksum and Benavidez concerning measures to improve equity in maternal health.

M

Senator Aksum. Thank you, Mr. Chair. I move House Bill 1044 and the committee report. There is no committee report. So to the bill, I see an amendment at the desk.

Senator Kippssenator

Mr. Schauffler, you please read L-008. Amendment L-008, amend re-engross bill page 4, line 21, strike statement of rights and substitute. Required notice 2, page 4.

M

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I move amendment L-008.

Senator Kirkmeyersenator

So move to the amendment. Thank you.

M

There were some concerns from the governor's office about the bill creating new rights for birthing mothers, rights that have never been guaranteed before. So this amendment modifies the statement of rights in the bill to a required notice, which has informed birthing mothers about how to file complaints if they feel like they've been mistreated or discriminated against. There's also some concern about the bill requiring 50-member maternal health task force to include at least one black maternal care advocate for focusing on racial specific issues. So the amendment strikes the language about having a black maternal health care advocate and replaces it with racial neutral language about advocate representing populations known to have worse maternal mortality outcomes in Colorado, which we all know as black women who die by numbers much higher than other racial groups. This amendment also addresses the two major concerns brought to us by the governor's office. This is why we urge a yes vote on Amendment L-008. Thank you.

Senator Kirkmeyersenator

Further discussion on L-008. Seeing none, the motion is the adoption of L-008. All those in favor say aye. All those opposed, no. The ayes have it, and L-008 is adopted.

M

Senator Exum. Thank you, Mr. Chair. And I want to thank my co-prime sponsor for joining me on this bill, Senator Frommo, from Adams in Arapahoe. Just a few points about this bill. Colorado continues to see unacceptable disparities in maternal health outcomes, especially with black birthing parents who face higher rates of severe maternal morbidity and maternal death. The bill before you today, House Bill 261044, strengthens Colorado's response to maternal health inequities by improving provider training and increasing transparency, all while serving respectful maternity care. The bill focuses on addressing racial disparities and through education, data collection, and reporting. It does three major things. It requires the state medical board to consider requiring doctors and nurses as part of continuing medical education to learn more about cultural competence in equitable maternal care to reduce the problems faced by many African American women giving birth. It requires the maternal parents to be giving birth. Well, actually, we took the Birthing Parents Bill of Rights and Amendment L-008. And it also codifies the Maternal Health Task Force within CDPHE requiring the task force to have at least one person representing the African American community. It's a 50-member board and requires CDPHC to report to the General Assembly every three years on maternal health outcomes and equity, including outcomes with African American birthing parents suspected to be known causes of disparate outcomes. They had several amendments in the House. We did a few amendments here in the Senate, still working with stakeholders to get this bill in a good place, and we ask for an aye vote.

Senator Frommosenator

Senator Benavidez. Thank you, Mr. Chair, and I want to thank my co-prime for getting me up to speed on this bill. And I'm going to repeat a couple of things I said in committee because I think this is important for people to understand how important this bill is. that in the United States, which is the only place we have numbers for, because in 2023 there was a bill passed that the state of Colorado will start compiling these numbers, and we will have our first report out in October of 26 to show the disparities in birthing parents. In the last report nationally was done, and out of 100,000 births, Asian mothers, there are 10.7 deaths while giving birth. For Hispanics, it's 12.4. For white mothers, it's 14.5. For black mothers, and this is the one I want you to really hear, there's 50.3 deaths. You know, the difference is striking. And when you think of the U.S., we're at just over 18 deaths per 100,000. We're the highest of the industrialized countries. Some countries have less than two deaths per 100,000. That's why this is so important. And for black women particularly, oftentimes, you know, they may cite pain or something, and doctors and health professionals ignore what they're saying. One example, and I gave this, which many of you might think might make this a real problem for you. Some of you know who Serena Williams is, the tennis player. when she gave birth to her first child she had a pulmonary embolism and she kept telling them something's wrong I need you to check this and they wouldn't do it so you know she's got a lot of money she's well known they ignored her statements about pain and as a result she had a hematoma near where she had a cesarean section. And I'm telling you this health stuff because she has made it one of her personal causes to go forward and tell people I told everybody this was going on and they ignored me As a result she had to have several surgeries to correct the problem that could have been avoided had they listened to her while she was going through childbirth So this is a real problem and I think this bill will take us hopefully where we need to go or identify problems in the birthing process so we will know. So I urge a yes vote on this bill and thank you for your attention.

Senator Kirkmeyersenator

The motion is the adoption of House Bill 1044. All those in favor say aye. Aye. All those opposed, no. The ayes have it. 1044 is adopted. Majority. Leader.

E

Rodriguez. Thank you, Mr. Chair. I move to lay over the balance of the calendar until Monday, April 6th.

Senator Kirkmeyersenator

The motion is to lay over the balance of the calendar until Monday, April 6th. All those in favor say aye. Aye. All those opposed, no. The ayes have it. We'll lay over the balance of the calendar.

E

Mr. Majority Leader. Thank you, Mr. Chair. I move the committee rise and report.

Senator Kirkmeyersenator

Motion is for the committee to rise and report. All those in favor say aye. All those opposed, no. No. The ayes have it. Committee will rise and report. Senate will come to order.

Senator Hemricksonsenator

Senator Henriksen. Thank you, Mr. President. Your Committee of the Whole has met and had a number of bills under consideration.

Senator Kirkmeyersenator

Mr. Schauffler, will you please read the report?

Senator Kippssenator

April 2, 2026. Mr. President, your Committee of the Whole begs leave to report it. It's had under consideration the following attached bills, being the second reading thereof. It makes the following recommendations thereon. House Bill 1186, House Bill 1044, as amended, passed on second reading in order to be revised and placed on the calendar for third reading and final passage. Senate Bill 134, House Bill 1071, House Bill 1084, laid over until April 6, 2026, and retaining their place on the calendar.

Senator Hemricksonsenator

Senator Henriksen. Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the report.

Senator Kirkmeyersenator

The motion is the adoption of the committee of the whole report. Are there any no votes?

Senator Kippssenator

With a vote of 33 ayes, 0, no, 0, absent to excuse the committee of the whole report is adopted.

Senator Kirkmeyersenator

House Bill 1186-1044 is amended. Passed, second, read in order of violence, place, count of third, and final passage. Senate Bill 134. House Bill 1071. House Bill 1084, laid over until 4-6-2026, retaining their place on the calendar. Consideration of Governor's appointments.

Senator Kippssenator

Mr. Schaffler, please read the appointments to the State Board of Parole. Members of the State Board of Parole, after completion of their first term for a second term expiring June 30, 2029, Catherine Rodriguez of Denver, Colorado, to serve as a citizen member, reappointed. Rodrigo Lovano of Henderson, Colorado, to serve as a citizen member, reappointed. Greg Sies of Wheat Ridge, Colorado, to serve as a parole and probation representative, reappointed.

Senator Kirkmeyersenator

Senator Wiseman.

Senator Wisemansenator

Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Senate confirm the governor's appointments to the State Board of Parole, namely Catherine Rodriguez of Denver, Rodrigo Lovano of Henderson, and Greg Sies of Wheat Ridge.

Senator Kirkmeyersenator

Any discussion? Senator Wallace.

Senator Wallacesenator

Thank you, Mr. President. Members, I just want to note we heard these appointments in the Judiciary Committee. I appreciate the members of the parole board for their service to our state. I also want to highlight what they highlighted to us, which is that the Department of Parole itself is delayed on parole plans, which means hundreds of folks who have been rehabilitated, who should have been replaced back into our communities to be contributing members of our society, are remaining in prison. As the Joint Budget Committee votes to fund private prisons in order to house our expanding inmate population, this is what the Department of Parole is doing. I will be voting for these nominees today, but something needs to change.

Senator Kirkmeyersenator

Very good. Further discussion? Seeing no further discussion, the motion is the confirmation of the members of the State Board of Parole. Are there any no votes?

Senator Kippssenator

With a vote of 33 ayes, 0 no, 0 absent, and 2 excused, those appointments are confirmed.

Senator Kirkmeyersenator

The following persons, Catherine Rodriguez, Rodrigo Luevano, and Greg Sias are appointed to the State Board of Parole. Announcements with the Senate choir.

Senator Kippssenator

Please assemble to wish a happy birthday to Senator Lindstedt, whose birthday is today.

Senator Kirkmeyersenator

He turns 21. and I'm just joking and Senator Wiseman whose birthday is tomorrow he turns 22 two, one okay assume the position there we go happy birthday to you happy birthday to you happy birthday Senator Houston Happy birthday to you. Woo! Happy birthday. Further announcements. Senator Wallace.

Senator Kippsenator

Thank you, Mr. President. The State Veteran and Military Affairs Committee will be meeting today, 15 minutes upon adjournment in the old Supreme Court to hear House Bill 1088 and Senate Bill 147.

Senator Kirkmeyersenator

Very good. Senator Hemmingson. Thank you, Mr. President. 15 minutes upon adjournment in Senate

Senator Ballsenator

Committee Room 352, Senate Business Labor Technology Committee will meet for consideration of Senate Bill 90, Senate Bill 91, and Senate Bill 114. Very good. Senator Roberts.

Senator Kirkmeyersenator

Thank you, Mr. President. The Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee is meeting today at 1.30 and 3.52.

Senator Peltonsenator

We will hear Senate Bill 136 followed by House Bill 1197. Very good. Senator Mullica.

Senator Kirkmeyersenator

Thank you, Mr. President. Members, Senate Health and Human Services Committee will be meeting at 1.30 in the Old Supreme Court

Senator Kirkmeyersenator

to hear confirmations from members on the Commission of Aging, members of the Solid and Hazardous Waste Commission, as well as House Bill 1096, House Bill 1229, Senate Bill 6, and Senate Bill 1244, Senate Bill 140, Senate Bill 8, and 130.

Senator Kirkmeyersenator

Very good. Senator Exum.

Senator Mullicasenator

Thank you, Mr. President. Senate Local Government Housing Committee will meet this afternoon, 1.30, Room 357. We will hear House Bill 1239 with Senator Mullica.

Senator Kirkmeyersenator

Thank you. Senator Cutter.

Senator Hemricksonsenator

Thank you, Mr. President. May I have a moment of personal privilege?

Senator Kirkmeyersenator

Grancy.

Senator Hemricksonsenator

Members, yesterday at 435 Mountain Standard, Artemis II was successfully launched, and it's currently headed to the moon.

Senator Kirkmeyersenator

Cool! How cool!

Senator Hemricksonsenator

With four passengers, there's NASA astronauts Commander Reed Weissman, Pilot Victor Glover, Mission Specialist Christina Hammock-Cock, and Canadian Space Agency Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen. I teared up a little bit while I was watching this launch because it reminded me that we can all still work together to do beautiful and noble things with technology. The Orion capsule is currently orbiting about 184 times higher than the International Space Station. The crew is prepping for a maneuver to send them toward the moon, and we expect a lunar flyby around April 6th. You can tune into the NASA's channel on YouTube if you also need a reminder. They're broadcasting every single second of this mission live, and I think my son and his wife, who are aerospace engineers, have watched like almost every moment of it. They're glued. It's pretty exciting. So sending good thoughts to the crew. Very good. Senator Amabile. Thank you, Mr. President. So

Senator Kirkmeyersenator

it turns out JBC needs to meet again today. And it will probably be later this afternoon. We have

M

a couple of more bills to approve. Very good. Senator Mullica. Thank you, Mr. President. We have a long calendar in health and human services today and I forgot to announce that based on the calendar listing is not correct. Senate bill 140 will be up first on the calendar and so I just

Senator Kirkmeyersenator

wanted to make sure that was clear. I apologize. Thank you. Mr. Majority Leader. Thank you colleagues.

Senator Frommosenator

We will be recessing to read bills across the desk so there's no need to return on that Mr. President. I move the Senate recess until 12 p.m. today. For the motion all those in favor say aye.

Senator Kirkmeyersenator

Polls know what the ayes have it and a center will recess until 12 p.m. today.

Senator Kippssenator

Thank you. Thank you.

Source: Colorado Senate 2026 Legislative Day 079 · April 2, 2026 · Gavelin.ai