Senator Crowder shares update from state capitol

DENVER — These past few weeks Sen. Larry Crowder (R-District 35) has continued to actively promote veterans interests, uphold and advance the health and safety of Colorado citizens (specifically seniors), and has fought to protect the state’s environment and its vibrant businesses. 

On April 4, HB17-1203 was passed within the Senate Local Government Committee. The bill authorizes counties and municipalities to levy, collect, and enforce a special sales tax on retail marijuana and retail marijuana products under certain specific circumstances. The House will be considering the Senate Amendments to this bill on Monday, April 17.

On April 6, HB17-1219 concerning an extension of the agricultural water leasing pilot program administered by the Colorado Water Conservation Board, and HB17-1233 concerning protection of the historical consumptive use analysis of a water right involved in a water conservation program, both successfully passed the Senate Agriculture, Natural Resources and Energy Committee. On April 12, HB17-1219 passed with no amendments on the consent calendar at Third Reading, while HB17-1233 will see the House Consider Senate Amendments on April 17, following the passage at Second Reading in the Senate.

On April 6, SB17-235 concerning an authorization of a pilot program to allow amphibious seaplanes to operate in designated state parks failed in the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Natural Resources and Energy and has been postponed indefinitely.

On April 10, SB17-212 concerning the continuation of the Colorado board of veteran’s affairs successfully passed at Third Reading and has now been introduced in the House and assigned to the State, Veterans, & Military Affairs Committee.

On April 10, SB17-091 allowing Medicaid home health services to be provided in the community, and, in connection therewith, passed Senate Third Reading and has been introduced In House and Assigned to the Health, Insurance, & Environment committee.

On April 12 SB17-121 concerning improving Medicaid client correspondence, and, in connection therewith, making an appropriation passed on Senate Third Reading and has been introduced In the House and assigned to Health, Insurance, & Environment committee.

On April 12, SB17-075 concerning a state income tax deduction for military retirement benefits passed Senate Third Reading with no amendments.

On April 13, SB17-009 concerning an increase in the per-schedule exemption of business personal property, and, in connection therewith, making an appropriation passed Senate Second Reading with amendments, and is now referred back to committee.

On April 13, HB17-1253 which protects seniors from financial abuse and vulnerable adults from financial exploitation, successfully passed in the Senate Finance Committee.