Legislative News

Legislation

The League of Women Voters of La Plata County provides the following information to supplement your education regarding pending legislation within the Colorado and Federal Legislatures. Unless specifically noted, the League does not support or oppose any of the specific legislative actions listed below.

Action Alerts.  Upcoming Meetings.  Fed News.  2008 session news.  LWVCO News.  Legislative Reform.  Healthcare.  Voter Reform.  Global Outreach.  Environment.  Past Meetings.  Legislative References.

LWV Legislative Action Alerts

LWVUS has issued the following Legislative Action Alerts and requested local LWV members to support the passage of such legislation:

*SB-2191 America's Climate Security Act: A bill to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to establish a program to decrease emissions of greenhouse gases, and for other purposes. To reference the text of this bill, click SB2191

The following is the history of SB 2191:

Sponsor: Sen Lieberman, Joseph I. [CT] (introduced 10/18/2007) Cosponsors (11)
Latest Major Action: 12/5/2007 Senate committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Committee on Environment and Public Works. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.

To read a letter from Mary Wilson, President of LWVUS, supporting this legislation, click LWVUS SB2191

To read additional information from LWVUS related to support of SB 2191, click LWVUS S2191

*SB-2248 An original bill to amend the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978, to modernize and streamline the provisions of that Act, and for other purposes.
To reference the text of this bill, click SB-2248

The following is the history of SB 2248:

Sponsor: Sen Rockefeller, John D., IV [WV] (introduced 10/26/2007) Cosponsors (None)
SB 2248 Latest Major Action: 2/12/2008 Returned to the Calendar. Calendar No. 512

LWVUS has posted the following information regarding SB 2248:
Earlier this month, the Senate passed S. 2248, the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Amendments Act of 2007, which allows for limitless warrantless wiretapping by the executive branch and includes retroactive immunity for telecommunications companies. These companies have allowed the administration to use corporate resources to spy on innocent Americans. The House of Representatives voted to adjourn for the President's Day recess without considering S. 2248, thereby resisting administration claims that this would leave America vulnerable to terrorism.
TAKE ACTION
1. Contact your Representative now, by phone or by email, and tell him or her to continue to stand up against S. 2248. Tell him or her that warrantless wiretapping of Americans is unacceptable in a democracy and remind your Representative that blanket retroactive immunity for telecommunications companies is wrong.

2. Send this alert to other concerned citizens - your grassroots network, your friends and coworkers. Encourage them to contact their Representative today!

LWVCO has issued the following Legislative Action Alerts and requested local LWV members to support the passage of such legislation:

*SB8-049 CONCERNING MEASURES TO PREVENT INJURIES RESULTING FROM THE UNSUPERVISED ACCESS TO FIREARMS BY MINORS, AND, IN CONNECTION THEREWITH, REDUCING THE INCIDENCE OF TEENAGE SUICIDE. to reference the text of this bill, click SB8-049
The following is the history of SB8-049:
sponsors: Sen. Wendels, rep. none
SB8-049 was sent to the 02/04/2008 Senate Committee on State, Veterans & Military Affairs Refer Amended to Appropriations on 2/4/2008.

Upcoming Local Legislative Meetings

*On April 30, 2008, LWV-LPC will host a public presentation and discussion on Colorado's fiscal prospects after Referendum C. Speakers Rich Jones (Bell Policy Center) and Mark Fermanich (Colorado Children's Campaign) will speak on "where we are headed looking forward and is this actually where we want to go"
The public is invited to attend from 5:30 to 7pm in the Peaks Rookms at the Durango Recreational Center. For a view of the flier, click looking forward
This event is jointly sponsored by LWV of La Plata County, the Colorado Fiscal Policy Institute, The Bell Policy Center and the Colorado Children's Campaign.

*April 15, 2008: to read a Letter to the Editor regarding the Looking Forward event and authored by the LWV-LPC President, Ellen Park, click lte4-15

*For a report on the February 23, 2008 Legislative Lowdown meeting with Rep. Ellen Roberts and Sen. Jim Isgar, click Mar Newsletter and turn to Another successful Legislative Lowdown on page 4.

Federal Legislation News 2008

*4/10/08 By DAVID M. HERSZENHORN- New York Times: Housing Aid Advancing in Congress The Senate overwhelmingly approved legislation on Thursday that is meant to stabilize the housing market, but considerable work remains before a final bill will emerge from Congress.
to read the story, click NYT4-10

*3/13/2008: US Senate Concurrent Resolution 70 was Amended; An original concurrent resolution setting forth the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2009 and including the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2008 and 2010 through 2013 On the Concurrent Resolution agreed to: 51-44
By 51 yeas to 44 nays (Vote No. 85), Senate agreed to S. Con. Res. 70, setting forth the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2009 and including the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2008 and 2010 through 2013. For additional information, click SConRes 70

*2/13/2008: President Bush has signed into law an economic stimulus package totaling $168 billion which is expected to provide rebates ranging from $300 to $1200 to 130 million Americans For the details, click CNN 2-14.
To access information regarding the amended bill H.R. 5140, click HR5140

*1/28/2008: President George W. Bush delivered his last State of the Union speech to Congress. To view the full text of this speech, click State of the Union

Colorado 2008 session news

*4/10/08 By Joe Hanel, Herald Denver Bureau: Panel: Make it tougher to amend constitution Voters would be asked to limit their rights to amend the Colorado Constitution under a plan approved by a Senate panel Wednesday.
to read more of this legislative report, click DH4-10

*3/21/08 Herald Denver Bureau by Joe Hanel: Money woes hit state budget, Sour economy to affect Colorado tax revenues to read the article, click DH3-21

*3/19/08 Rocky Mountain News: House Long Bill a Comin', lawmakers are ready to rumble over the state budget starting Monday to read the article, click RMN3-19

*3/10/2008 Durango Herald: Legislators hit session's midpoint, Decisions await on kids' health care, possible solution for school funding to read more, click DH3-10

*3/5/2008: For the second time in less than a week, the Pew Center on the States has produced a report full of insightful information about an important element of society. This week's findings grade the 50 states' management effectiveness, and in doing so point out where each state has done its best work and, in turn, where each can improve. In earning a C+, Colorado has shown some admirable strengths and revealed areas that are less effective. For the entire report click Pew-CO

*1/10/2008, Colorado Governor Ritter gave his State of the State speech to a joint session of the 66th Colorado General Assembly.
To read the full text of this speech, click state of the state

To see a status report of progress toward the initiatives outlined in Governor Ritter's 2007 State of the State speech, click 2007 progress

*1/9/08 Durango Herald, Lawmakers Set Topics for 2008 Session, to read the article, click DH1-9

*Wednesday, January 9 will begin the 2008 Colorado Legislative Session. Numerous studies were completed in 2007 in areas including transportation, climate change, Colorado taxes, healthcare, higher education and the Colorado Constitution. During this 120 day session, Colorado citizens will be looking forward to formal legislation, debate and resolution of issues in many of these areas. It should also be noted that Governor Ritter has already said that he wants the Legislature to ask the voters for no more than one ballot issue in 2008. No ballot strategy is evident at this time but it is possible that many of these major issues will be left off the ballot in 2008. For more information on this subject click DH2-6-08

LWV Colorado Legislative News

*The League of Women Voters of Colorado provides the following update newsletters on Colorado Legislation:
Click the following links to view the LWVCO Newsletters.

• LWVCO Leg News Feb 25
• LWVCO Leg News Feb 11
• LWVCO Leg News Jan 28
• LWVCO Leg News Jan 14
• LWVCO Leg News Mar 10
• LWVCO Leg News Mar 24
• LWVCO Leg News Apr 7
• LWVCO Leg News Apr 21

*4/8/08 The League of Women Voters of Colorado have recently voted to oppose the Anti Affirmative Action ballot initiative (Amendment 46) on the November 2008 ballot. Additionally, they are circulating, on behalf of the Citizens Project, a survey of persons that have been helped by affirmative action. For a copy of their position and the survey, click affirmative action

Colorado Legislative Reform

March 7, 2008: The requirements to get an amendment to the Colorado Constitution may soon get tougher Representative Ellen Roberts (Rep, House District 59) has been working diligently since early in January, as one of six lawmakers chosen to participate on a bipartisan Select Committee on Colorado Constitutional Reform. The group has settled on a five-part plan to support changes to ordinary "statutory" laws rather than constitutional amendments. The panel expects to soon present a bill outlining these changes to the Legislature, which must approve it by a two-thirds vote before itb can be placed on the November 2008 ballot. Voters will have the final say.

• For more information, click DH3-7
• to read info from the LVW of Colorado on this subject, click LWVCO Leg
• to read input supplied by LWVCO to the Select panel, click LWVCO input

Legislation - Healthcare

COLORADO HEALTHCARE LEGISLATION

HB8-1060, HB8-1061, HB8-1094 Advanced Practice Nurse Providers:

HB8-1060: A BILL FOR AN ACT CONCERNING THE PROCEDURE FOR DETERMINING WHETHER AN ADVANCED PRACTICE NURSE WILL BE GRANTED PARTICIPATINGPROVIDER STATUS FOR A HEALTH BENEFIT PLAN.

HB8-1061: A BILL FOR AN ACT CONCERNING SIGNATURES BY ADVANCED PRACTICE NURSES ON SPECIFIED DOCUMENTS WITHIN THE SCOPE OF PRACTICE OF AN ADVANCED PRACTICE NURSE.

HB8-1094: A BILL FOR AN ACT CONCERNING REIMBURSEMENT FOR SERVICES PROVIDED BY ADVANCED PRACTICE NURSES UNDER THE "COLORADO MEDICAL ASSISTANCE ACT".

To access the three House bills involved,

1-click HB8-1060 Advanced Practice Nurse Network Provider
sponsors: GAGLIARDI--HAGEDORN
HB8-1060 was signed by the Governor on 3/20/08

2-click HB8-1061 Advanced Practice Nurse Affidavit Certification
sponsors: ROBERTS--HAGEDORN
HB8-1061 was signed by the Governor on 3/20/08

3-click HB8-1094 Advanced Practice Nurses Reimbursement
Support: GAGLIARDI--HAGEDORN
HB8-1094 was signed by the Governor on 3/20/08

*3/21/08 Durango Herald by Joe Hanel: Gov. Ritter signs advanced-nurse bill into law
*1/25/08: Durango Herald editorial Nursing a Solution State Rep. Ellen Roberts has joined with fellow legislators to introduce legislation to increase the role of Advance Practice Nurses in Colorado. For more info, click DH1-25-08

Legislation- Voter Reform

FEDERAL VOTER REFORM LEGISLATION

*HR 5036 Emergency Assistance for Secure Elections Act of 2008:

Purpose: To direct the Administrator of General Services to reimburse certain jurisdictions for the costs of obtaining paper ballot voting systems for the general elections for Federal office to be held in November 2008, to reimburse jurisdictions for the costs incurred in conducting audits or hand counting of the results of the general elections for Federal office to be held in November 2008, and for other purposes.
for HR 5036 details, click HR5036

The following is the history of HR 5036:
Sponsor: Rep Holt, Rush D. [NJ-12] (introduced 1/17/2008) Cosponsors (61)
Latest Major Action: 4/2/2008 House committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.

to read the following support statement on HR 5036 by the LWVUS President, Mary Wilson, click HR5036

on January 31, 2008, Mary Wilson, President LWVUS, and Judy Duffy, LWVUS Advocacy Chair, met with met with Rep. Rush Holt for over an hour on Monday to discuss the provisions of HR 5036. For a report from this meeting, click 1-31-08Holt

COLORADO VOTER REFORM LEGISLATION

*CO House Bill 8-1155: A BILL FOR AN ACT CONCERNING THE AUTHORITY OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE TO CONTINUE THE CERTIFICATION PROCESS FOR VOTING SYSTEMS RETESTED BY THE SECRETARY OF STATE IN 2007.
introduced by Colorado Democratics and Republicans to allow Sec of State Mike Coffman to retest and possibly recertify the electron ic voting machines that he disqualified last month. For more information please click HB1155.
Sponsors: Reps. Balmer and Marshall, Benefield, Borodkin, Butcher, Carroll M., Casso, Gallegos, Gardner B., Garza-Hicks, Green, Jahn, Kerr J., King,Labuda, Lambert, Looper, Lundberg, Marostica, Massey, McNulty, Mitchell V., Peniston, Pommer, Rose, Sonnenberg, Stafford, Summers, Todd, White, Witwer, and Levy;
Sens. Gordon and Johnson, Kester, Romer, Schultheis, Shaffer, Spence, and Taylor.
HB8-1155 was signed by the Governor on 02/11/2008

*CO Senate Bill 08-189: A BILL FOR AN ACT CONCERNING CONDUCTING THE ELECTIONS IN 2008 PRIMARILY BY PAPER BALLOT, AND MAKING AN APPROPRIATION IN CONNECTION THEREWITH. States that the 2008 primary and general elections shall be conducted primarily by paper ballot or paper ballot card, subject to the requirements of state and federal law regarding accessibility for individuals with disabilities. Requires a designated election official to deliver to each polling place a number of paper ballots or paper ballot cards equal to or greater than the number of eligible electors expected to vote at the polling place. States that each eligible elector voting in an election shall be offered a paper ballot or paper ballot card and that a direct record electronic voting device shall be used only by an eligible elector who affirmatively requests to vote on a direct record electronic voting device. Requires the clerk and recorder of each county to provide information to the electors of the county on the methods and procedures of voting in the 2008 primary and general elections. Permits the use of a certified voting device with which an elector marks a paper ballot card. Permits the use of certified electronic vote tabulating equipment to count paper ballots or paper ballot cards. Authorizes the secretary of state to reimburse counties for any necessary additional costs incurred by the county. For more info, please click SB8-189
Sponsors: Reps. May M. and Madden, Sens. Gordon and McElhany
SB 08-189 was killed by the Senate Committee on State, Veterans & Military Affairs on 3/20/2008
3/21/08 Durango Herald by Colleen Slavin: Lawmakers kill paper-ballot bill

*HOUSE BILL 08-1177: CONCERNING THE VERIFICATION OF A PERSON'S CITIZENSHIP FOR VOTING PURPOSES AS REFLECTED IN IDENTIFICATION DOCUMENTS ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE. Requires a person who applies to register to vote to provide proof of citizenship. Allows proof of citizenship to be established by:
A valid United States passport or photocopy thereof;
The person's birth certificate or a photocopy thereof;
The person's United States naturalization documentation or a photocopy thereof;
The number of the applicant's certificate of naturalization,verified by the county clerk and recorder; or
Any document or method of proof of citizenship established by federal immigration law.
Directs the county clerk and recorder not to register a person who applies to register to vote by completing a provisional ballot affidavit until the person provides proof of citizenship. For more info, click HB8-1177
Sponsors: Reps. McNulty, Gardner C., King, Lambert, Lundberg, May M., Mitchell V., Sonnenberg,Stephens, Summers, Swalm, and Vaad, Sens. McElhany, Harvey, Kopp, Schultheis, Brophy, and Renfroe
HB 08-1177 was sent to the House Committee on State, Veterans, & Military Affairs Postpone Indefinitely on 2/7/2008.

Legislation - Global Outreach

FEDERAL GLOBAL OUTREACH LEGISLATION

Senate Bill 1464 and House Bill 3698, the Global Service Fellowship Program Act of 2007:
Introduced May 23 and Sept 27, 2007 to expand volunteer opportunities for individuals who may wish to serve but who are unable because of economic constraints. The purpose of the Program is to fund fellowships to promote international volunteering opportunities as a means of building bridges across cultures, addressing critical human needs, and promoting mutual understanding.

For more info, click Thomas and enter SB1464 in the bill search box or click Thomas and enter HB3698 in the bill search box.

The following is the history of HB3698:
Sponsor: Rep McCollum, Betty [MN-4] (introduced 9/27/2007) Cosponsors (18)
HR 3698 was referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

The following is the history of SB1464:
Sponsor: Sen Feingold, Russell D. [WI] (introduced 5/23/2007) Cosponsors (10)
SB 1464 was referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations as of 5/23/07.

Legislation-Environment

COLORADO ENVIRONMENT LEGISLATION

HB08-1025: CONCERNING THE GOVERNOR'S ENERGY OFFICE.
Statutorily creates the governor's energy office (office) within the office of the governor.
Specifies the director as the head of the office.
Establishes duties and powers of the office and the director.
Makes conforming amendments.
To reference the text of HB08-1025, click HB8-1025
The following is the history of HB08-1025:
Sponsor: Rep.Weissmann, Sen. Tupa
HB-8-1025 was signed by the Governor on 3/18/08

SB08-093: CONCERNING STANDARDS FOR THE USE OF NET METERING FOR CUSTOMER-GENERATORS OF COOPERATIVE ELECTRIC ASSOCIATIONS.
Repeals the requirement that a customer pay for the installation of metering equipment to participate in a net metering system.
Repeals authorization for a cooperative electric association ("utility") to install additional equipment for net metering.
Broadens the utility's authorization to impose a fee, beyond a backup or standby fee, on a net metering system to avoid cost shifting.
For more information please click SB8-093.
The following is the history of SB8-093:
Sponsor: Sen. Isgar, Jim
SB08-093 was sent to the Senate Committee on State, Veterans & Military Affairs Postpone Indefinitely on 2/13/08

Past Legislative Meetings

*2/23/2008 Legislative Lowdown
LWV of la Plata sponsored Legislative Lowdown with our Legislators Jim Isgar and Ellen Roberts. Sen. Isgar and Rep. Roberts gave us an overview of the Colorado 2008 Legislative session including specific bills that they will be sponsoring and carrying in the Colorado House and Senate. Approximately 50 citizens attended at the Durango Rec. Center from 9:30 to 11:30am. To see a flier, click leg lowdown
To view a letter of invitation sent to the local media, click letter to editor 2-11

Legislation References

* to view current Federal Legislation and Key Votes, click CSPAN leg

* to view the current Colorado House Calendar, click CO House Cal

* to view the current Colorado Senate Calendar, click CO Senate Cal

*to watch or listen to sessions of our current Colorado Legislature, click CO leg

*to find the detail on a specific 2008 Colorado Senate or House bill, click 2008House or click 2008Senate. Once you are on the Legislation Index page, select the appropriate bill range and click on the bill of interest. The most useful information is often found in the history and summary descriptions.
If you do not know the specific bill number for a Colorado House or Senate bill, click bill index and enter words that you think might be in the text of the bill. The Search will return all bills containing the prescribed text.

*to find the detail on a specific US Senate or House bill, click thomas. Enter the bill number (or a word or phrase) of interest and search for the bill of interest. Useful info can be found on the Bill Summary and Status file.

*The following links are provided to information from the Bell Policy Center "the voice of opportunity in Colorado".
1-Volume 6 no: 1 Jan 15, 2008

What's ahead for Colorado's Economy?
Governors, budget officers see squeeze with lower revenues, tighter conditions
Let's talk about Looking Forward

2-Looking Forward

Colorado's Fiscal Prospects after Ref C

Comments, suggestions, questions? Contact our webmaster. Last revised: April 28, 2008 15:04 PDT.

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