Protecting immigrants in Colorado will be at the forefront of the Democratic majority’s agenda this week at the Colorado Capitol.
The Senate passed a resolution Monday morning supporting immigrants and transparency in federal immigration enforcement. The debate happens as federal immigration enforcement continues its crackdowns in places such as Minnesota. Last week, Democrats condemned federal officials for the shooting death of protestor Alex Pretti — setting off an impromptu debate as a handful of Republicans defended federal agents.
Later in the day, lawmakers are set to formally unveil a slate of proposals billed as protecting immigrants’ rights.
And on Monday afternoon, the Senate Judiciary Committee will hold the first hearing for Senate Bill 5, a proposal to give Coloradans whose constitutional rights are violated during immigration enforcement the ability to sue federal officers.
Here’s what else is happening at the Capitol this week:
Monday
A bill to expand the red flag law is scheduled for a full Senate debate on Monday, setting it up for a possible formal vote later this week. If it passes both hurdles — it is expected to, with Democrats controlling nearly two-thirds of the legislature — it could be the first bill to cross chambers this session.
The proposal, Senate Bill 4, would expand who can file extreme risk protection orders to include behavioral health first-responders and health care and education institutions.
Also on Monday, the Joint Budget Committee is set to hear public testimony regarding budget requests for the upcoming year. That will begin at 1:30 p.m.
The House Committee on Ethics will also convene at 4 p.m. to discuss a complaint against state Rep. Ron Weinberg, a Loveland Republican, filed by Rep. Brandi Bradley, a Littleton Republican.
Tuesday
Senate Bill 32, designed to increase vaccine access for people who want them, is set for full Senate debate after clearing its first committee last week.
Wednesday
The joint transportation committee will hear a presentation on an Regional Transportation District accountability report at 1:30 p.m.
Thursday
The House Business Affairs and Labor Committee will hear this year’s attempt to make it easier for organized workers to fully negotiate their union contracts. A similar proposal, which would eliminate a second vote for a union contract to take full effect, was vetoed by Gov. Jared Polis last year. This is the first hearing for House Bill 1005.
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