Colorado Senate 2026 Legislative Day 113

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One.

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Good morning.

Thank you. Mr. President. Let's do this. The morning roll call is 24 present, 0 absent, 11. Mr. President, let's do this. The morning roll call is 24 present, 0 absent, 11 excused. We have a quorum.

Thank you, Mr. President, colleagues, guests, hockey players, if you would please join me in the Pledge of Allegiance, I'd appreciate it. 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.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Senate Journal of Tuesday, May 5, 2026, be approved as corrected by the Secretary.

Aye.

No.

Correctly engrossed, Senate Bill 167 and 181. Senate Resolution 8. Correctly re-engrossed, Senate Bill 115 and 152. Correctly revised House Bill 1028, 1069, 1078, 1132, 1196, 1210, 1224, 1227, 1282, 1314, 1317, 1336, 1338, 1344, and 1347. Correctly re-revised House Bill 1076, 1123, 1207, 1226, and 1332. Correctly enrolled Senate Bill 141, 142, 150, and 151. Senate Resolution 8. Committee reports. Committee on Business, Labor, and Technology. After consideration on the merits the committee recommends the following House Bill 1139 be referred to the committee of the whole with favorable recommendation House bill 1263 Be amended as follows and as so amended be referred to the committee of the whole with favorable recommendation Committee on finance. After consideration on the merits committee recommends of following. House Bill 1206 be amended as follows and as so amended be referred to the committee on appropriations with favorable recommendation. House bill 1111 Be referred favorably to the committee on appropriations. House bill 1014 Be referred favorably to the committee on appropriations.

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

Aye.

Thank you, Mr. President. How do you do this again? Request a moment of personal privilege.

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

Colleagues, we have an honor and a historic day today that we have the DU hockey team that has come here after they've won their 11th championship, national championship. I'm always proud to represent them in Senate District 32. The group of talented young men includes 10 freshmen, five sophomores, seven juniors, three seniors, and their head coach David Carl. Where is Coach Carl? Alright, just want to make sure you get recognized. With the young roster, hopefully this is just the beginning of many more victories to come. Notable individual achievements this season included team captain Kent Anderson scoring the winning goal in double overtime of their semifinal game versus Michigan. freshman forward Kyle Chazowski scoring the winning goal in the national championship game and freshman goalie Johnny Hicks finishing with an undefeated record as goaltender and being selected as the most outstanding player of the tournament just for the record if many of you are watching the playoffs now There are 10 former pioneers on the roster. Bobby Brink with the Philadelphia Flyers. Dylan Gambrel with the Columbus Blue Jackets. Danton Heinen with the Vancouver Canucks. Scott Mayfield with the New York Islanders. Ian Mitchell with the Boston Bruins. Trevor Moore, Los Angeles Kings. Troy Terry, Anaheim Ducks. Jason Zucker, Buffalo Sabres. Shai Boom Boyum. Did I say that right? Oh, good. Detroit Red Wings. Cameron Wright, Edmonton Oilers. and, of course, Logan O'Connor from our very own Colorado Avalanche. Their achievement not only brings national recognition to the university, but also Denver metro area and the state of Colorado. With that, I have the following joint Senate and House tribute. To the state of Colorado, the Senate and the House of Representatives convene the second session of the 75th General Assembly, hereby extends its heartfelt recognition and commendation to the University of Denver men's ice hockey team. The Colorado Senate recognizes and honors the accomplishment of the University of Denver men's ice hockey team, for winning the 2026 NCAA Ice Hockey Championship. This is their third national title in the last five years and adds to their NCAA record with 11 titles in school history. The Pioneers finished this season with a 29-11 record, including an incredible 17-game unbeaten streak to end the year. During the Frozen Four tournament, they defeated two Big Ten schools, the University of Michigan Wolverines, 4-1, the University of Wisconsin Badgers, 2-1. the University of Denver has proven more to be a stellar representative of the City of Denver and all of Colorado for the reasons of the University of Denver men's ice hockey team is highly deserving of this recognition and appreciation and congratulations On request of Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez Representative Stephen Woodrow given the sixth day of May 2026 State Capitol Denver signed President James Rashad Coleman and Speaker Julie McCluskey. Thank you guys for being here. Everybody give them a round of applause. I hope you've got time to get a picture. I got to see them here in their ninth year and got a picture of that trophy. Congratulations. Welcome to the Senate. it, please help the Rockies and other teams that cannot win championships. I hope they don't watch this.

Yes, yes. Ridges is walking in now. Thank you.

Kirkmeyer There she is and Senator Judah

Thank you Mr. President. I request a moment of personal privilege Granted. Thank you. Colleagues, this is my annual tribute day to recognize Tardive dyskinesia Awareness Day and the beginning of Tardive dyskinesia Awareness Week, which will be observed from May 3rd through May 11th. TD is what it's referred to as a neurological condition that causes uncontrollable and repetitive movements of the face, torso, and limbs. It most commonly occurs as a side effect of certain medications used to treat certain serious mental illnesses like bipolar disorder major depressive disorder and schizophrenia that often require treatment with antipsychotic medications so people can manage their health and live stable fulfilling lives However these medications do carry risk and it estimated about 20 of the people who take them develop TD. Despite how common it can be, TD often goes unrecognized. Nearly 60% of the estimated 800,000 adults in the U.S. living with TD remain undiagnosed. Even mild symptoms can be stigmatizing and affect a person's physical health, emotional well-being, and ability to participate fully in daily life. That is why this awareness and early detection are so important. And the American Psychiatric Association recommends routine screening for TD as part of treatment for a patient taking antipsychotic medications. There are now FDA-approved treatments that can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life for many people living with TD. Recognizing TD Awareness Week helps shine a light on this often overlooked condition, and it underscores the importance of early detection and treatment. And so I have a tribute today that I'll be handing out to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, also known as NAMI, recognizing TD. And I want to thank them for their support. Today we have Athena as our guest over here in the corner. If you could just acknowledge Athena, who is living with TD and has been a huge advocate of the awareness for TD. Thank you, members.

Mr. Majority Leader. Thank you, Mr. President. I move to lay over special order second reading of bills to later in the calendar.

I moved it later in the calendar.

Opposed, no.

Mr. Majority Leader. Mr. President, before we go into third reading of the final passage consent calendar, I need to remove House Bill 1028 and place it at the bottom of third reading of the bill's final passage. House Bill 1028, we remove from the consent calendar and place to the end of the third reading of the bill's final passage calendar.

Senate Bill 181 by Senators Zimaboli and Kirkmeyer and Representative Brown and Taggart concerning modifying the Colorado Works Program. House Bill 1338 by Representative McCormick and Winter T. and Senators Roberts and Simpson concerning the Colorado Water Conservation Board operations and in connection therewith funding projects and making an appropriation. House Bill 1344 by Representative Stewart Kay and Bradfield and Senator Linstead concerning the continuation of the Colorado Podiatry Board and in connection therewith implementing the recommendation in the 2025 sunset report by the Department of Regulatory Agencies to promote podiatrists to develop a written plan to ensure the security of the of patient medical records. House Bill 1336 by Representative Lindsay and Winner T and Senators Pelton R and Cutter concerning measures to increase access to pharmacy services. House Bill 1227 by Representatives Gilchrist and Bradfield and Senators Mullica and Doherty concerning affirming the rights of children and youth in dependency and neglect proceedings. House Bill 1314 by Representative English and Senator Exum. Concerning increasing family stability and in connection therewith, prioritizing kinship placements in certain circumstances and facilitating grandparent contact. House Bill 1282 by Representatives Phillips and Goldstein and Senator Mullica concerning the elimination of duplicative regulation of school district child care centers. House Bill 1317 by Representative McCluskey and Taggart and Senators Bridges and Frizzell concerning creating a unified system of post-secondary talent development and in connection therewith, creating a committee to develop a plan to transition oversight of workforce development programs to the Department of Higher Education.

And 1282.

Very good. Any discussion on any of those bills? Seeing none of the motion is the passage of all those bills on the third reading bill's consent calendar. Are there any no votes? Senator Zamora Wilson.

Senator Morrow Wilson will be recorded as a no vote on all of the bills, which include Senate Bill 181, House Bill 1338, House Bill 1344, House Bill 1336, House Bill 1227, House Bill 1314, House Bill 1282, and House Bill 1317. Senator Rich.

Senator Rich recorded as a no vote on House Bill 1344, 1227, and 1314. Senator Pelton R.

Senator Pelton R. recorded as a no vote on House Bill 1227 and House Bill 1314.

Senator Pelton B. We find one dollar for referring to the president as a chair and be recorded as a no vote on House Bill 1227 and House Bill 1314. The Senate needs money. Senator Kirkmeyer.

Senator Kirkmire will be recorded as a no vote on Senate Bill, House Bill 26, 1227. Very good. Senator Carson.

Senator Carson records a no vote on Senate Bill 181, House Bill 1344, House Bill 1314, and House Bill 1282. Senator Baisley.

Very good. And just to be clear, House Bill 1028 has been removed from the consent calendar. So Senator Baisley will be recorded as a no vote on House Bills 1344 1336 1227 1314 1282 and 1317 Senator Liston Thank you Mr President

And 1028 has been removed from the consent calendar, So for the third reading consent calendar, Senator, this will be recorded as a no vote on House Bill 1227 and House Bill 1344. Very good. Senator, for the no votes, with a vote of 33 ayes, 2 no, 0 absence rescues, Senate Bill 181 is passed. co-sponsors. Senators, Pelton B. If I was sitting right next to Senator Kirkmeyer, I too would be a co-sponsor. Mr. Minority Leader.

With a vote of 34 eyes, one no zero absolute excuse. House Bill 1338 is passed. Co-sponsors.

With a vote of 30 I's, 5 no, 0 absence, 0 excuse, House Bill 1344 is passed.

With a vote of 33 eyes, 2 no, 0 absence, 0 excuse, House Bill 1336 is passed. No sponsors.

With a vote of 28I, 7 no, 0 abs, 0 skews, House Bill 1227 is passed. Co-sponsors.

Exum Kip Amabile Weissman Lindstedt on 1227 Snyder is that Henriksen sitting down there Henriksen Benavidez Judah please add the president

with a vote of 32 eyes, 3 no, 0 abs, 0 skews House Bill 1282 is passed Senators Kip, Judah

Mr. Majority Leader.

Would anybody else like to be removed as a co-sponsor on 1282? Alright. Alright. Please add the president. With a vote of 33 ayes, 2 no, 0 absent, and 0 excuse, House Bill 1317 is passed.

Committee reports.

Third reading of the bills. Final passage. Mr. Schaffer will please for the title of House Bill 1078.

Senator Marchman.

Further discussion? Seeing none, the motion is James and Naomi getting their associates degree before they graduate from high school. House Bill 1078, please help me. Are there, that's correct. Forget what I just said. The motion is the passage of House Bill 1078. Are there any no votes? Senators, Zamora Wilson, Pelton B, Bridges. With a vote of 32 ayes, 3 no, 0 absence, 0 excuse, House Bill 1078 is passed.

Please add the president. Mr. Schaffler, please read the title of Senate Bill 167.

Senator Benavidez.

Further discussion? Seeing that the motion is the passage of Senate Bill 167, are there any no votes? Senators Zamora Wilson, Pelton B, Baisley, Carson, Liston, Pelton R. With a vote of 29 ayes, 6 noes, 0 absents, 0 excuse. Senate Bill 167 is passed.

Henrickson, please add the president. Mr. Schauffler, please read the title of House Bill 1069.

Senator Mullica.

Further discussion. Seeing no further discussion and motions to passage of House Bill 1069. Are there any no votes? With a vote of 35 I 0 0 0 0 0 0 excuse. House Bill 1069 is passed.

Please add the president. Mr. Schaffler, please read the title of House Bill 1132.

Senator Kipp.

Further discussion on 1132? Seeing or further discussion, the motion is the passage of House Bill 1132. Are there any no votes? Man, before I could even ask for it, huh? Mr. Minority Leader.

Catlin, with a vote of 24 ayes, 11, no, zero, absolutely. House Bill 1132 is passed.

Please add the president. Mr. Schaffler, please read the title of House Bill 1347.

Senator Doherty.

Further discussion. Seeing an emotion as the passage of House Bill 1347, are there any no votes?

with a vote of 31 ayes, 4, no, 0, absence, 0, excuse. House bill 1347 is passed.

Please add the president Mr Schauffler please mark Senator Danielson excused Mr. Schaffler, please read the title of House Bill 1210.

Senator Judah.

Further discussion? Senator for discussion and motions of passage of House Bill 1210. Are there any no votes?

With a vote of 19-9, 15-0, 0 absent, 1 excuse, House Bill 12-10 is passed.

Please add the President. Mr. Schaffler, please read the title of House Bill 1196.

Senator Benavidez.

Further discussion? Seeing or further discussion in the motion is the passage of House Bill 1196. Are there any no votes?

With a vote of 22 eyes 12 no 0 Absent 1 excuse House bill 1196 is passed

Please add the president. Mr. Schauffler, please read the title of House Bill 1224.

Senator Cutter.

Further discussion. Senator for discussion and motions to passage of House Bill 1224. Are there any no votes?

With A vote of 22 ayes 12 noes zero absinthe one excuse House Bill 1224 is passed Co Senators Marchman Kip Benavidez Judah Gonzalez Wallace Doherty Mullica Amabile Exum Weissman

Mr. Schauffler, please read the title of House Bill 1028.

Senator Cutter.

Oh, heck no.

The motion is Senator Cutter's request to offer a third reading amendment. All those in favor say aye.

No. But the ayes have it. That motion is adopted. There is an amendment to the desk. Mr. Schaffler, please read L-003.

Senator Cutter.

Further discussion on L-003? Seeing or further discussion, the motion is the adoption of L-003. Are there any no votes on the adoption of L-003? With a vote of 34-I-0-0-0, absent one excuse, L-003 is adopted. Senator Cutter.

Further discussion? Seeing none, the motion is to passage of House Bill 1028 as amended. Are there any no votes?

With a vote of? 28 I, 6 no, 0, 0, 0, 1, excuse. House Bill 1028 is passed.

Please add the President Would you like to grant leave, Mr. Majority Leader?

May the 7th.

Oh, Friday.

Friday May the 8th Very good The motion is later on the General Order Secretary of the Bill counter to Friday May the 8th All those in favor say aye Aye Opposed no The ayes have a General Order of Segundity Bill countered on Friday May the 8th 2026 Now, Mr. Majority Leader.

You wrote the motion. All those in favor say aye. Opposed, no. Opposed, no. Man, they must really love spending time with y'all. But just in case, that motion is adopted. The eyes have it. And you ain't got to go home, but you can get up out of here if you need to. Mr. Majority Leader.

Senator 5.

Okay. Sure. Oh, yeah, we back in the game, Mr. Majority Leader.

The motion is to take the Senate to take up those bills and special orders to the hour of 1247 p.m. All those in favor say aye. Aye. Opposed no. The ayes have it. That motion is adopted. The Senate will take up those bills and special orders and consent at the hour of 1247 p.m. Special orders, second meeting of the bill. Bill's consent calendar. Senator Roberts. Thank you, Mr. President. I move the Senate resolve itself into the Committee of the Whole for the consideration of special order second reading of Bill's consent calendar. You vote the motion. All those in favor, say aye. Opposed, no. The ayes have it. The motion is adopted. The Senate resolves itself. Committee of the Whole for the consideration of special order second reading of Bill's consent calendar. And Senator Roberts will take the chair. The committee will come to order. Will the clerk please read the title of all the bills on the special order second reading of bills consent calendar.

Majority Leader Rodriguez.

Is there any discussion of any of the bills on the consent calendar? Seeing none, the motion for the body is the adoption of all the bills on the special order second reading of bill's consent calendar. All those in favor say aye. Those opposed, no. The ayes have it, and those bills are adopted. Majority Leader Rodriguez.

The motion is for the committee to rise and report. All those in favor say aye. Those opposed, no. The ayes have it, and the committee will rise and report. The Senate will come to order. Senator Roberts. Thank you, Mr. President. The committee met and had a number of bills under consideration. Will the clerk please read the report?

Senator Roberts. Thank you, Mr. President. I move the report. The motion is the adoption of the committee of the whole report. Are there any no votes? With a vote of 34 ayes, 0 noes, 0 absent, 1 excused, committee of the whole report is adopted. Senate Bill 186, 188, past second reading, order of gross, place the counter for third reading and final passage. House Bill 1420, 1341, 1015, 1423, past second reading. Order of gross, place the counter for third reading and final passage. Mr. Majority Leader.

The motion is going to take up those bills and special orders at the hour of 1251 p.m. All those in favor say aye. Aye. Opposed no. Yes, having the motion is adopted. The motion will take up those bills and special orders at the hour of 1251 p.m. Special orders, second reading of the bill. Senator Roberts. Thank you, Mr. President. I move the Senate to resolve itself into the committee of the whole for the consideration of special orders. Second reading of bills. You move the motion. All those in favor, say aye.

Oppose, no. The ayes have it. Motion is adopted. The Senate resolves itself into the committee of the whole for consideration of special orders, second reading of bills. And Senator Roberts will take the chair. The committee will come to order. The coat rule is relaxed for everyone in the chamber. Will the clerk please read the title of Senate Bill 191?

Senator Frizzell.

I don't know. Did we move the bill? Oh, no, we didn't do that, actually. That would be helpful.

Will the clerk please read L1?

Senator Mobley.

And I need a motion, please.

That is a proper motion. Is there any further discussion? Seeing none, the motion before us is the adoption of L-1. All those in favor say aye.

Those opposed, no. The ayes have it and the amendment is adopted. Any further discussion on the bill?

Senator Amabile. Thank you, Mr. Chair. So healthcare policy and financing does have a cash fund to receive gifts, grants, and donations. And kind of like how you have a checkbook. I mean, nobody has a checkbook anymore, but we used to. Some of us still remember that. And you would write down, we received X amount, and it is for this purpose. And then as you spend the money, you also would keep track of that. and the money is sitting in this cash fund. As it's getting spent, there's an accounting for that, and that is what we're asking them to report on at the end.

Seeing no further discussion, the motion of force is the adoption of Senate Bill 191. All those in favor say aye.

Those opposed, no. The ayes have it, and that bill is adopted. The clerk, please read the title of Senate Bill 125.

Senator Marchman.

SENATOR MARCHMAN.

SEEING NONE, THE MOTION REFORS IS THE OPTION OF THE EDUCATION COMMITTEE REPORT. ALL THOSE IN FAVOR SAY AYE.

THOSE OPPOSED NO. THE AYES HAVE IT AND THE COMMITTEE REPORT IS ADOPTED.

and the committee report is adopted to the bill.

All right. There are amendments at the desk. Thank you. Sorry. Will the clerk please read L004?

Senator Colker.

Oh, I move L-004.

Thanks. I'm going to run through. It is a three-page amendment.

ANY FURTHER DISCUSSION ON THE AMENDMENT? Seeing none, the motion enforces the adoption of Amendment L-004.

Aye. Those opposed, no. The ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. There is another amendment at the desk. Will the clerk please read L-007?

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Seeing no further discussion, the motion enforces the adoption of L007.

Aye. Those opposed, no. The ayes have it, and that amendment is adopted. To the bill, any further discussion?

Minority Leader Simpson. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Thank you, sponsors. the bill. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, Mr Chair Thank you Mr Chair I just a comment about and look I appreciate this is what happens this time of the year A three page amendment so lot to absorb so just expect we work it into the bill and see what the implications are and reserve opportunity if it on thirds tomorrow to talk a little bit more about the bill and how the adopted amendments impact it So, thank you, Mr. Chair.

Aye. Aye.

Senate Bill 187 by Senators Amabile and Bridges and Representatives Brown and Tacker, concerning the creation of a commission to study Medicaid and in connection therewith, making an appropriation.

I move Senate Bill 187 and the Appropriations Committee report.

Okay, I move the bill then, and I have an amendment.

Amendment L1. Amendment printed bill, page 6, line 20. Strike legislative changes for executive action and substitute policy change. Page 6, line 21. Strike shall and substitute shall.

Thank you. Sorry. I was just being lulled. Of course. It was very good. Senator Mavale. Okay, so this is another pretty short bill by a couple of short sponsors. Sorry, I didn't mean that. Whoa!

I'll allow it. We could stand on the stool. Continue. So what this bill is doing is setting up a commission of 10 legislators, the Joint Budget Committee, and the four members from the health committees in the House and the Senate. And it is because we had an incredibly frustrating budget process around Medicaid and how to evaluate what we were doing, how to make sure that the cuts we were making were protecting people and were smart and were needed. One of the things that came up is we ran a bill that we thought was going to save money, and then we heard, oh, no, actually, we changed our minds. that doesn't save any money at all. And so we killed the bill. But we need a better understanding. We need a deeper dive into whether Medicaid is doing all of the things that it should be doing. L1 is in, so the bill got introduced and some of the stakeholders asked for a few tweaks to make sure that we're going to use studies that are out there on how to structure Medicaid, how other states do it, to identify one of the things that's in here is to say that we should be looking at how Medicaid impacts people across the state, so that we're including rural communities, and that we should get input from people who are on Medicaid and from the advocates for that community. And I ask for a yes vote on amendment one. Senator Bridges.

Aye.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. This is really as we go through and try and make really terrible hard decisions across the street this is going to give us some of the information that we need and a plan on how to try and bring Medicaid in line with what it is that we have available to spend in our budget. Ask for an aye vote. Minority Leader Simpson. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

SENATOR BRIDGES.

Minority, Peter Simpson.

Seeing no further discussion, the motion enforces the adoption of Senate Bill 187. All those in favor say aye.

Those opposed, no. The ayes have it, and Senate Bill 187 is adopted. The clerk, please read the title of Senate Bill 189.

Senator, Mr. Majority Leader.

All right, to the Business, Labor, and Technology Committee report.

Any further discussion? Seeing none, the motion enforces the adoption of the Business, Labor, and Technology Committee report. All those in favor say aye. Aye. Those opposed, no. The ayes have it. The committee report is adopted. To the Appropriations report.

All those in favor say aye. Aye. Those opposed, no. The ayes have it, and the committee report is adopted. To the bill, there is an amendment at the desk. Will the clerk please read L-003?

To the amendment. L-003 makes a change in the insurance section of the bill. The amendment aligns exactly with the draft in the Kilo work group from the task force and that the group voted on. Division of Insurance had asked for this change and all the stakeholders from the working group are okay with it because this is actually the exact language from what they voted on. The language basically says if an insurer or an affiliated entity is subject to the AI rules created by the Division of Insurance, then they don't need anything differently under this bill. Making this little change will resolve a technical issue raised by the Division of Insurance.

Those opposed, no.

Amendment L-004.

All right. Any further discussion? Seeing none, the motion enforces the option of L-004. All those in favor say aye.

Those opposed, no. The ayes have it and the amendment is adopted. To the bill, Mr. Majority Leader.

someone's been involved in this topic for so long that i feel like we've developed a personal relationship with it, but remember that relationship is artificial, so don't. Quite the saga that this AI regulation has been through over the past two and a half years. So the initial issue, I guess, mattered to be addressed by Senate Bill 24-205 was that there would be decisions made automatically by AI software that would be consequential, be critical in people's lives, and perhaps violate those norms that we have developed as a community over the past many decades. So it's an interesting conversation, it always has been, and that to be balanced with the industry people who are developing advanced technology for the sake of of efficiencies and quality of life and so that's been the that's been the balance that's been the struggle and i i want to thank the majority leader for all the work that he's done on this to get us to this point um this turned into uh the the one time that i've given testimony on capitol hill was on this topic um getting invited to do that Also, the first time that I created model legislation through ALEC, through the American Legislative Exchange Council, was on this very topic. This was a topic that came up in our special session last year because the effective date needed to be addressed, needed to be kicked down the road a little bit further while we got this all ironed out. But the biggest thanks I want to give is to the folks who worked in an independent, kind of isolated working group to bring this bill, Senate Bill 189, to a place where everyone could live with it. But just like the majority leader said, he's not fully happy with it. That's what compromise is all about. That's where we are. But the industries, industry people came to a point where they could live with this and still work in Colorado to develop AI technology, and the civil rights community could also be satisfied that their concerns are being addressed appropriately. I also want to point out that Senate Bill 189 as a displacement for Senate Bill 24-205 has reduced the cost very significantly. There was in 205, there was a requirement by the Attorney General's office to review code, which was going to be quite a few full-time equivalents, quite a few employees that have to be funded to do that review. and that's not in 189. So that is an enormous improvement in the overall execution here. So anyway, I am very pleased that we're, we finally made it to this place where it livable it given a framework that frankly the entire nation is looking at right now So Washington D as it considers national nationwide regulation on artificial intelligence and considering civil rights concerns, they're looking at Colorado right now and all the arm wrestling that we've been doing over the past two and a half years. So this was a very worthy exercise in legislation, and I'm glad we're at this point to the point where I even signed on as a co-sponsor to the bill. So I'll encourage a yes vote. And again, thank you, Mr. Majority Leader, for all your incredible work over the past two and a half years.

Aye.

Senate Bill 184 by Senator Rodriguez concerning benefits for firefighters who contract certain conditions.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I move Senate Bill 184 and the Business, Labor, and Technology Report.

Thank you. In the Business Labor and Technology Committee, we excluded the state firefighters under the Department of Public Safety and Public Administration, which reduced the fiscal note, and that's what we did.

Aye.

No.

to the bill. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Colleagues, Senate Bill 184 is about the firefighter cancer benefits and workers' comps. Firefighters are routinely exposed to carcinogens, heavy metals, neurotoxins, combustion byproducts in the course of their duties, resulting in significantly elevated risk of cancer and neurological disease. Occupational cancer is the most dangerous threat to firefighter health and safety today, causing between 66% and 72% of career firefighters' line-of-duty deaths in recent years compared to the general pop. Firefighters face a 9% higher risk of cancer diagnosis and a 14% higher risk of dying from cancer. Due to the strength of this evidence, the internal agency and research of cancer classifies occupational exposure as a firefighter as a carcinogenic to humans. Yeah. Good job. Malakalikilaka. But I guess we should probably get into bait. But, colleagues, this is pretty much a values bill. There's more data of firefighters that we hold in high regards. We use them in videos. We have pictures of them holding a flag at 9-11. And from that, we've discovered the increased cost of death of chemicals and stuff from fighting fires. So, you know, either you want to give them more coverage for dying, for saving our families and children and and love and belongings and getting our cats out of trees this is a simple bill and a simple choice uh look forward to the debate

thank you mr chair first off i want to say i'm uh i'm in favor of firemen and i don't want to to do anything that would hurt them ever because without them we're all at risk. What I coming down to the well today to talk about is currently we have the Fireman Fund or Fireman trust and there are a number of cities and towns that are covered by that their fire departments And what I'm concerned about is that if we were to go about this bill, what will that do to the fireman's trust? We heard yesterday that they had something like $2.6 million in the trust and if more and more people move away from the trust, then it will probably go bankrupt. And I know that there are people out there that are receiving benefits from the trust, and I don't want to see whether or not they will lose that kind of coverage. I was told yesterday that the larger fire departments, it charges them $184 per year to be a member of the trust. And the smaller ones, the volunteers and those type of things, $54 a year for the trust. And I just want to make sure that we're not going to mix these two to the point where the trust ends up going bankrupt because of us trying to do something that we think is right and probably will be good. But one of the things that came out in yesterday's hearing was that the fire chiefs are opposed to this bill. I looked at the list, and one of the reasons I'm here at the well today is I looked at the list of the fire departments that are covered, and a number of the communities that I represent in the Senate 5 district are covered by the trust. So I'm here to discuss this for them so that they're not going to be in a situation where thinking they're well covered and taking good care of the firemen in their communities, that they would end up losing that or the benefits that have been promised would not come. So with that, today I'm a no. And it's not because of my dislike for anyone in my communities. It's for trying to protect the communities that I do represent. And some of the communities that I used to represent when I was in the House of Representatives are also listed on this list. So it's a concern to me, and I'm sure that it's a concern to them, that they're concerned about what's going to happen in their future. And if we can address that, I'd be glad to be a yes on something like this. But today, I really want you to think about the communities that have already invested in the trust and the firemen that are currently covered by it, particularly when they are getting their benefits. Today is not a good day to take away benefits from anybody that's suffering from cancer. Thank you. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, we heard this yesterday in business affairs, labor, and technology, and there was a lot of discussion, a lot of witnesses, very good witnesses. and like my good colleague from Senator Montrose, I rise in support of our firefighters, whether they're volunteer firefighters or full-time firefighters, whether they're unionized or they're not. We all have a debt of gratitude and admiration for our firefighters, men and women that are out there saving our structures our homes our buildings and so forth So our comments are not against the firefighters because we want to support the firefighters But with all due respect to my good colleague, the good senators from Denver, in their zeal to help the firefighters, there's the law of unintended consequences. and I think that if this bill goes through in its current form, there will be a lot of unintended consequences. Let me just kind of touch upon a few key things. First of all, the process and the governance, with all due respect, there was no stakeholder get-together prior to the introduction of this bill. In fact, this bill, if I'm not mistaken, was introduced last Thursday, and we heard it yesterday, so really there was little or no opportunity for the opponents, our proponents, to get together to verify the credibility of the data that has been proposed regarding the cancers or whatever it may be. There's been no opportunity for the cancer trust to review, evaluate, or address these cancers through a well-established process that has been in effect. This cancer trust came into effect in 2016 or 2017, so it's been in effect for about nine years. Quite frankly, it's working very, very well. And the data this was based on, the cancer presumption, was based on scientifically credible data. And any revisions should be met with the same level of credibility. Let me tell you a little bit about the Cancer Trust track record. Because like I say, it's been in existence for nine years. it's operated very successfully for nine years. There's all kinds of communities, a large rural frontier. I'm sorry I don't have the whole list, but it's like 60 or more fire departments that voluntarily contribute on behalf of the firefighters. The good senator from Montrose mentioned that the various fire departments, they pay $184 a year per firefighter. And for the volunteers, they pay $54 a year. The firefighters, for this trust, they don't pay anything. And yet they're getting a great benefit, a cancer benefit. that the claims, 99% of the claims on the cancer trust have been paid, 99%. That's a great track record. The cost, this bill creates, like I say, an unfunded mandate on the local governments with limited or no available funding. I want to remind the body that the Colorado Municipal League was there, and they spoke against this bill on behalf of the 271 cities, large, medium, and small, that they represent. Those are your cities and your towns. They are against this bill. The Special District Association, there are special districts all over the state. those are in your communities they They are opposed to this bill. The fire chiefs, like my good colleague from Montrose mentioned, the fire chiefs spoke against this bill. Without the Cancer Trust, over the past nine years, 55 fire districts representing 2,600 firefighters would have absorbed almost $17 million in claims. Let me repeat that one more time. Without the Cancer Trust, over the past nine years, 55 fire districts, which are your fire districts, my fire district, representing 2,600 firefighters, would have absorbed almost $17 million in cancer claims. The Cancer Trust operates on a $2.3 million budget. They have about $3.5 million in surplus. If this bill goes through as it's currently written, it will have very, very severe financial implications to the cancer trust. The fire agencies see the increased workers' compensation costs for preemptive cancer claims. The good senators from Denver, they think that they're throwing the firefighters a life boy, but due to the law of unintended consequences, what they're really going to be doing is they're going to throw the firefighters an anvil, and they're going to sink the trust, and they're going to bankrupt it, and everybody is going to be worse off. We want to help the good firefighters, but this is not the way to do it. This bill would allow double compensation under the workers' compensation in the Cancer Trust due to the lack of offsets. So, you know, they're going to be taking money from both, and there's going to be financial implications to both. That's why there are strict guidelines as to the Cancer Trust and the rules and regulations as to workers' compensation. The inconsistencies between the bill and the Cancer Trust coverage create coverage gaps. The bottom line is the Cancer Trust already has mechanisms that have been developed jointly by labor and management to address all of this. So members, you know, like I say, there's real financial implications to this. And so with that in mind, under Rule 25E, I am myself and my colleagues were asking for a new fiscal note.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I sure everybody appreciated that brief pause Supposedly members Mr Chairman there a new fiscal note though the Department of Personnel Administration and the Office of Risk Management and I think others would disagree with all due respect with the fiscal analyst I am going to read what the fiscal analysis from, I'll say, from the department says. The amendment removes the state's firefighters from the cancer work comp bill and leaves them uncovered by these added cancers. During the committee hearing, it was mentioned that the wildland firefighters do not face the same carcinogens that city firefighters face. A finding of the exact opposite was found in a workers' compensation claim as presented and defended by the firefighters' physicians. Based on the state's firefighters are being treated unfairly compared to other firefighters. This will increase litigation on the workers' compensation program if they bring claims. This also generates a potential liability for the state in an equal protection claim. The state's firefighters can bring a claim against the state that they are being treated unfairly. I'm not sure what SORM, that's anachronism for department, or the Department of Public Safety will pay to defend the claim up to $2 million, at least. It is likely that the state would lose this claim based on prior litigation and would then pay the attorney's fees, which would easily reach over a million dollars. These numbers are not absorbable by the liability pool. And then there's two cases that I won't read that I have. So members, the fiscal analyst can say one thing, but with all due respect, to the fiscal analyst, he either has not received or is not paying attention to the potential liability moving forward. This is clearly, if this legislation goes through, it is clearly going to cost the state a lot of money. So we could potentially try and fix it now or just go on and pass this bill, which is flawed. With all due respect, it's flawed. It's not ready for prime time. It's a wonder why we get in a fiscal mess. As we ram things through at the last minute, this bill came through with eight days left or less. It hadn't been stakeholdered by the other side or anybody. It's just here it is, take it or leave it. This is the bill. And too bad if it costs the state an extra million or two or three or whatever. Members, once again, I will repeat, all of us, especially me, especially the good Senator from Montrose, we don't have anything against the firefighters. But instead of, like I said, instead you think you're helping the firefighters, you're going to throw them a life boy. Instead, you're going to throw them an anvil, and you're going to sink and cost the money to the fireman's trust fund, which is working, or you're going to cause the workers' compensation claims to skyrocket. I would urge a no vote on a Senate Bill 184 for the sake of the firefighters' future. Not for us, because it's not going to affect us. It's going to affect the firefighters. That's right. very people that were trying to help the law of unintended consequences. It's going to hurt the very people that you think that you're helping. I urge a no vote on Senate Bill 184.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. So this is a difficult debate. I do not want anyone, I don't think anyone actually in this building would ever question my commitment and dedication to protecting firefighters and working in that space. It's been a huge part of the work I've done here. I'm concerned. I share a lot of the concerns that have been shared about the negative impacts, potential negative impacts to the trust, and wish our efforts could be focused perhaps on improving the trust that's been working fairly well. Ten days to get money back from the trust, and I'm not sure how long it would take people to get covered under this plan. I'm worried that, you know, wildland firefighters and state firefighters are amended out of this. And overall, just share some of the concerns. I think it's worth exploring. I wish we had more time for conversation and really deep exploration of that. And I do, and I, so if I vote no today, it is a no, and tomorrow, whenever on thirds, it is in no way any indication of my desire to support workers and to support firefighters in particular. And I do want to mention the good senator from Denver, the majority leader. I appreciate him acknowledging toxins in PFAS and how dangerous they are. I've broken through. All right.

Thank you, members. I believe this is a good bill because we are talking about when the problem with the trust versus workers' comp. But I don't believe, and I know there's other opinions out there, that this is a duplication. Because in statute 8-42-103H, it discusses this specific matter when they're covered under workers' comp. And it also, in H, it refers to the offset to the statute 29-5-403, paragraph 10, which is in the trust. And it basically, if somebody files a workers' comp claim, they are qualified. Then if they went to file through a trust claim, there would be that offset. So there wouldn't be a case of double dipping. But more importantly, from my perspective, because I represent Adams County, and Adams County has opted out of the trust. So their only choice is to do workers' comp claims. And I think this bill, identifying various cancers and the neurological issues that firefighters may contract as a result of their work as a firefighter, I think it's important. It identifies volunteers, it cites the statutes of what they're doing, and it also basically gives a rebuttable presumption to the employer that if they file this for workers' comp and they give it to them, the employer can go back and say, no, this was a pre-existing condition. THIS IS NOT DUE TO THEIR WORK AS A FIREFIGHTER. SO I THINK THE BILL IS PRETTY ENCOMPASSING FOR THAT AND FOR MY COUNTY WE NEED THIS BECAUSE WE DON EVEN HAVE THE POSSIBILITY OF GOING TO THE TRUST is pretty encompassing for that and for my county we need this because we don even have the the possibility of going to the trust so i think it an important bill and i think the existing statutes prevent double dipping and allow for this to happen so i think it's

Members, I would hope that we would start thinking about the message that is being sent to firefighters who happen to be state employees. So the amendment that was passed in committee eliminated or said, essentially, an employer other than the state. So if you're employed by the state, apparently everything in this bill doesn't apply to you. And by everything, I mean what's in the declaration. The Declaration goes through and talks about firefighters are routinely exposed to carcinogens, heavy metals, neurotoxins, and combustion byproducts in the course of their duties. Unless, of course, you're employed by the state, apparently. Right? Because they're exempted out. That's how we got rid of the fiscal note. That's how we got rid of the fiscal note on this bill, because we took them out. we took out any firefighter that is employed by the state because apparently they aren't exposed to these things. Even though in the legislative declaration it talks about firefighters being routinely exposed to all these horrible things in the course of their duties, resulting in

Any further discussion on Senate Bill 184? Seeing none, the motion for us is the adoption of Senate Bill 184.

Those opposed no.

Senate Bill 184 is adopted.

The motion is to lay over the balance of the special order second reading of Bill's calendar until Thursday, May 7th. All those in favor say aye. Aye. Those opposed, no. The ayes have it and the balance of the calendar will lay over.

Motion is for the committee to rise and report. All those in favor say aye.

The ayes have it. The committee will rise and report. Senate will come to order. Senator Roberts.

May 6, 2026. Mr President the committee of the whole begs leave the report is had under consideration the following attached bills being the second reading there It makes the following recommendations thereof Senate Bill 191 as amended Senate Bill 125 as amended Senate Bill 187 as amended Senate Bill 189 as amended Senate Bill 184 as amended. Pass on second reading in order to engross in place in the calendar for third reading and final passage. House Bill 1342. House Bill 1269. House Bill 1225. House Bill 1233. House Bill 1414. House Bill 1256. House Bill 1276. House Bill 1419. Laid over until May 7, 2026. Rentaining their place in the calendar.

The motion is adopted to the whole report. Are there any no votes? With a vote of 34 ayes, 0 noes, 0 abs. The whole report is adopted.

Consideration of House amendments to Senate bills. Mr. Assistant Majority Leader, Madam Assistant Majority Leader, now Madam Majority Leader. Oh, there's the Majority Leader. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

The majority will be fined $1 for referring to the President as a chair, and Senate Bill 12 will labor until 5-7. Mr. Schauffler, please read the title of Senate Bill 160.

and Representatives Duran and Martinez concerning employee protections in the workplace.

I move that the Senate concur with the changes in the House from Senate Bill 160.

Seeing in the motion the Senate concur with House amendments. Oh, do you want to tell us why?

Seeing for discussion in the motion the Senate concur with House amendments to Senate Bill 160. Are there any no votes? With a vote of 34 I, 0, 0, 0, absent when excused, that motion is adopted. Mr. Majority Leader. Mr. Majority Leader. Repassage. Thank you, Mr. President.

Senator for discussion, the motion is the repassage of Senate Bill 160. Are there any no votes? Senators, Samora Wilson, Frizzell, Kirkmeyer, Pelton B, Baisley, Bright, Liston, Carson, Pelton R, Catlin. With A, vote of. 24 eyes, 10 no, 0 absent, 1 excuse. Senate 160 is repassed.

Announcements. Senator Amabile. Okay.

Very good. Senator Mullica.

who's up next? Senator you don't know what? Exum.

Oh. Sorry. I don't know.

Thank you. Very good. Further announcements? Senator Cutter.

Very good. Senator Culkin.

Very good. Further announcements?

Very good.

Take Centauri 5, please. Further announcements before Centauri 5? Centauri 5. Centauri 5. We'll stay in. Centauri 5. Centauri 5.

before, that's all. Very good. As Bob Gardner would say, we could be done today. We should be done, or we could be done. He's speaking to us. Senator Baisley. Thank you, Mr. President. May I have a

call him back in the day. Senator Cutter. Thank you, Mr. President. Okay. I'm going to rescind

Excellent announcement.

Thank you very much. And Senator Lindstedt.

Thank you.

and her family. She's visiting the Senate today. A warm welcome from Broomfield.

You're with a motion. All those in favor, say aye. Oppose no. No one wants to recess, but we shall... Oh, the lights want to recess. The eyes have it, and we will recess until 3 p.m. today. Thank you. Thank you.