The Colorado Channel Colorado Senate 2026 Legislative Day 037 [Source] Translate

The meeting began with a roll call confirming a quorum of 33 present, with 0 absent, 1 excused, and 1 vacant seat. Senator Danielson led the Pledge of Allegiance. Senator Liston moved to approve the Senate Journal from February 18, 2026, which was adopted after a brief humorous exchange. Senate Services reported on the engrossment of several bills, and the Committee on Judiciary recommended appointments to the Juvenile Parole Board, which were placed on the consent calendar. The Committee on Transportation and Energy recommended postponing Senate Bill 28 indefinitely and amending Senate Bill 25 for a favorable recommendation. Messages from the House included the passage of several House Bills, which were transmitted to the Revisor of Statutes. The Majority Leader moved to proceed out of order for moments of personal privilege, which was adopted. Senator Amabile spoke on behalf of the "Mad Moms" group, advocating for better treatment of individuals with serious mental illnesses. Senator Marge welcomed the Colorado Gifted and Talented Association, emphasizing their support for gifted students. The Majority Leader moved to take up a series of House Bills on special orders, which was adopted. The Senate resolved into the Committee of the Whole to consider the special orders consent calendar, where various House Bills concerning supplemental appropriations were read and passed. The Committee of the Whole reported that the bills passed on second reading and were ordered for third reading. During the discussion of House Bill 1151 concerning the Department of Corrections, Senator Weisman reflected on the implications of sentencing laws and the costs associated with incarceration, noting the average cost of $60,000 per year per inmate. Legislators discussed the challenges of funding for the Department of Corrections and the broader budgetary constraints, emphasizing the need for accountability and measurable progress in managing the prison population. Senator Gonzalez highlighted the difficult decisions lawmakers face regarding funding for the DOC versus cuts to Medicaid. Senator Wallace opposed the supplemental funding request, arguing it would reward mismanagement within the DOC. Senator Bridges acknowledged the fiscal situation and the need for immediate action to address jail backlogs. The meeting concluded with a vote on House Bill 26-1151, which was adopted despite opposition. Discussion on House Bill 1155 concerning a supplemental appropriation to the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing raised concerns about fiscal notes related to Medicaid funding. An amendment to House Bill 1155 was introduced, aiming to cut funding for the "Cover All Coloradans" program to restore a 1.6% increase in Medicaid provider rates. Senator Bridges opposed the amendment, arguing it would impact healthcare access for pregnant individuals and children. Senator Kirkmaier supported the amendment, citing concerns about the program's escalating costs. The discussion highlighted the tension between budgetary constraints and the need for adequate healthcare services. The meeting also addressed higher education appropriations, with concerns raised about proposed cuts affecting rural institutions. Amendments aimed at restoring funding were discussed but ultimately failed. Senator Catlin emphasized the importance of funding for Colorado Mountain College and Western Colorado University, while Senator Bridges argued that the proposed cuts were manageable. House Bill 1163, concerning funding for range riders to protect livestock from wolves, was adopted. House Bill 1165 was introduced, but the discussion was not included in the transcript. House Bill 1166, concerning a supplemental appropriation to the Department of Public Safety, included an amendment to enhance DNA testing capacity, which ultimately failed. The meeting concluded with the adoption of several bills, including House Bills 1151, 1155, 1156, 1163, 1165, 1166, and 1167, all passing on second reading. The session included announcements about upcoming meetings and events, concluding with a motion to recess until the afternoon.