Colorado Senate 2026 Legislative Day 043 [Source] Translate

The meeting began with a roll call confirming 31 members present, establishing a quorum. Senator Baisley led the Pledge of Allegiance, and Senator Roberts moved to approve the Senate Journal from February 24, 2026, which was adopted. Several bills were reported on, including Senate Bills 121, 122, 123, and 46, with their statuses confirmed. The Committee on State Veterans and Military Affairs recommended postponing Senate Bills 55, 57, and 58 indefinitely, while Senate Bill 59 was amended and referred to the Committee of the Whole with a favorable recommendation. Appointments to various boards, including the State Historical Society Board of Directors and the Public Employees Retirement Benefit Plans, were discussed, with recommendations for confirmation. The Committee on Business, Labor, and Technology recommended Senate Bills 50 and 51 for the Committee of the Whole with favorable recommendations. During the third reading, Senate Bill 46, concerning property tax procedural requirements, was passed with a vote of 32 ayes, 0 noes, and 2 excused. The Senate then moved into the Committee of the Whole to consider general orders and second readings of bills. Senate Bill 37, allowing local elected judicial officers to set weekend bonds, was discussed. An amendment was adopted to enhance accountability in bond decisions by involving local district attorneys, and the bill was subsequently adopted. Senate Bill 84, concerning the preservation of privileges for certain state entities related to the state's fraud hotline, was also adopted. Senate Bill 53, which expands eligible borrowers for mortgages through the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority, was presented. An amendment was adopted to include additional public service roles in the eligibility criteria for low-interest loans. Supporters emphasized the importance of enabling first responders to live in the communities they serve, while some expressed concerns about the state's role in mortgage lending and the need for broader housing affordability solutions. The committee discussed the appropriateness of the state's involvement in mortgage lending, with differing opinions. One senator opposed the idea, while another clarified that the loans are originated through the Colorado Housing Finance Authority. Senator Liston supported the bill but raised concerns about potential benefits for individuals purchasing multiple homes, suggesting guidelines to prevent unnecessary subsidies. Senator Sullivan opposed the bill, advocating for the inclusion of postal workers as first responders. The committee voted on Senate Bill 53, which was adopted. The Majority Leader moved to lay over Senate Bill 43 until February 26, which was approved. The committee reported on the bills under consideration, with several passing to the next stage and Senate Bill 43 being laid over. Announcements were made regarding upcoming committee meetings, including a Senate Health and Human Services Committee meeting and a Joint Budget Committee meeting. Senator Gonzalez shared a personal moment regarding the loss of a neighbor to cancer, emphasizing health advocacy. The Majority Leader announced an upcoming election for a replacement for President Potem and moved to recess the Senate until 11:30 a.m., which passed, concluding the meeting.