NEWS

The only requirement for Colorado lawmakers during the annual legislative session is passing a budget. And unlike previous years there won’t be cuts for programs like K through 12 schools, state contractors and public employees. But as Bente Birkeland reports, debate in the senate yesterday was still extensive.

Headlines:

• Man killed in Crawford shooting identified
• Craig Childs discusses Western wild open spaces
• Audit of medical marijuana industry finds vast shortcomings
• Bill to repeal Colorado death penalty dies in committee
• Crane count from Fruitgrowers Reservoir

A bill to repeal Colorado’s death penalty died in a committee hearing over concerns that Governor John Hickenlooper would veto the bill. Last week the Governor told Democratic lawmakers he had serious reservations about the measure. Bente Birkeland has more from the state capitol.

Headlines:

• Big changes proposed in school funding bill
• Hydrocarbon leak outside Parachute traced to nearby treatment plant
• Western Slope counties sign MOU regarding sage grouse protection
• Pot regulations slow in coming and hotly debated
• Surplus for legislators working on state budget

A major re-write of how Colorado funds K through 12 schools is now making its way through the state legislature. As part of our capitol conversation series Bente Birkeland talks about how it would change school funding and its prospects for passage.

Headlines:

• April 15 deadline for BLM to satisfy lawsuit
• Senator Michael Bennet calls for Thompson Divide protections
• Cotter Corporation to clean uranium spill with molasses
• Mosquito Abatement District prepares for early start to season
• Crane Count from Fruitgrowers Reservoir

Colorado is now the 8th state in the country to allow civil unions for same sex couples. Governor John Hickenlooper signed the measure into law on Thursday in front of an enthusiastic crowd. Bente Birkeland has more from the state capitol.

Headlines:

• Gov Threatens Veto of Death Penalty Repeal
• Joint Committee Struggles With Marijuana Regs
• Thompson Divide Drilling Could Mean Big Economic Loss
• Energy Companies Cited As Mystery Leak Subsides
• Gov Signs Civil Unions Bill Into Law
  

Governor John Hickenlooper signed a trio of gun control bills on Wednesday, just hours after news broke that Colorado’s top corrections officer had been gunned down in his home. While the moment was overshadowed by the news of Tom Clements death, gun rights groups say they will use the gun legislation as part of a campaign to try and remove Democrats from power. Bente Birkeland reports from the capitol.