State Lawmakers Prepare To Debate Variety Of Bills In 2012 Session
DENVER (CBS4)- In the first three days of the 2012 legislative session, state lawmakers have introduced nearly 150 bills. The legislation includes everything from homeowners associations to school discipline to red-light cameras.
The most publicized bill so far this session is one that was introduced last year-- the bill to legalize civil unions for same-sex couples. Gov. John Hickenlooper has urged lawmakers to pass it.
Another bill similar to one debated last year would allow universities in Colorado to extend in-state tuition to children of illegal immigrants.
There's a bill to crack down on shoddy roofers and a bill that would outlaw photo radar and red-light cameras.
Another bill would do away with Rapid Screen Emissions testing and another that would exempt back to school supplies from taxes for a limited time.
There are also bills to regulate dieticians, declare Sept. 11 an optional state holiday and revamp zero-tolerance school discipline policies.
There are several drug-related bills including one that would require people applying for help through the Colorado Works Program to submit to a drug test. Another would require teens who want a driver's permit to sign a statement that they hadn't used drugs or alcohol in the past year. Another would give immunity to those who report an emergency overdose even if they've engaged in illegal drug activity.
There's also a bill that would suspend paychecks to lawmakers if they fail to pass bills critical to financing government operations.
