Colorado Senate 2026 Legislative Day 042 - The Colorado Channel [Source] Translate

The meeting began with a roll call confirming a quorum of 31 present, with 0 absent, 3 excused, and 1 vacant seat. Senator Baisley led the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the unanimous approval of the Senate Journal from February 23, 2026. Senate Services reported on several bills: Senate Bill 120 was correctly printed, Senate Bills 5, 18, 25, 31, and 85 were correctly engrossed, and Senate Bill 10 was correctly enrolled. The Committee on Education recommended amendments to Senate Bill 67 and confirmed appointments to the Institute of Cannabis Research Governing Board. The Committee on Judiciary recommended amendments to Senate Bill 70 and referred House Bills 1064 and 1035 to the Committee of the Whole. The Committee on Transportation and Energy recommended amendments to Senate Bill 21. Senator Coleman recognized the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD) for its contributions to arts and culture in Colorado, noting its economic impact and community engagement, which received support from several senators. During the third reading of bills, Senate Bill 85 and Senate Bill 25 passed unanimously. Senate Bill 5, addressing state court remedies for violations of federal constitutional rights during immigration enforcement, passed with a vote of 20 ayes and 11 noes after a motion for reconsideration was withdrawn. Senate Bill 18, concerning legal protections for minors changing their names, and Senate Bill 31, regarding the lawful use of a prescription drug product containing a Schedule I controlled substance, also passed. The Senate moved into the Committee of the Whole for the second reading of bills. Senator Frizzell introduced Senate Bill 46, aimed at modifying procedural requirements for property tax administration. The bill was discussed in detail, focusing on updates to deadlines and processes for property tax applications and appeals, with the Finance Committee's report adopted unanimously. An amendment to Senate Bill 46 was proposed to require the Division of Property Taxation to prepare standard forms for letters of authorization for property appeals, eliminating notarization. This amendment was discussed and emphasized as important for tax agents and property owners. Key amendments included establishing specific appeal deadlines of September 1st and December 1st for counties using an alternative protest and appeal process. Senator Ball highlighted the bill's benefits for county assessors, and the amendment was adopted unanimously, followed by the bill itself, which was also adopted without opposition. The Majority Leader moved to lay over the remaining calendar items until February 25th, which was approved. The committee reported on several bills, including the passage of Senate Bill 46 and the laying over of Senate Bills 53, 43, and 84. Senate Bill 52, concerning coal transition communities, was discussed, with the Senate concurring with House amendments to refine hiring preference language, leading to its repassage. Various appointments to state boards and committees were confirmed unanimously. Announcements were made regarding upcoming committee meetings, including the Senate Finance Committee and the State Veterans Military Affairs Committee. Senator Roberts highlighted Musical Therapist Day at the Capitol, distributing musical eggs to raise awareness of the profession's impact. The meeting concluded with a motion to recess until 11 a.m., which was approved.