DENVER (AP) — Your weekly look at what’s coming up at the Colorado Legislature:
MARIJUANA EDIBLES
Marijuana edibles, and whether they look too enticing to children, is under scrutiny from lawmakers in the final weeks of the session. Two bills pending in the House address the issue of marijuana edibles and concentrates. One would direct state regulators to determine equivalency standards that translate just how much an ounce of the marijuana flower produces in its concentrated form. Another bill would broaden a ban on certain types of edibles to include products that mimic other foods or candies. Both bills face votes in House committees this week.
BANNING TRAFFIC CAMERAS
Traffic cameras that capture people who run red lights or speed would be banned in Colorado under a bill that has the backing of legislative leaders. The bill from Republican Sen. Scott Renfroe, who has proposed it before, has gained momentum this year with the co-sponsorship of Democratic Senate President Morgan Carroll and Democratic House Speaker Mark Ferrandino. Local governments opposing the bill argue it takes away an important safety tool. The bill gets its first committee hearing in the Senate Monday.
PROPERTY TAX FORGIVENESS
Residents whose properties were destroyed by wildfires and floods last year are waiting to see if they’ll get some relief on their taxes from state lawmakers. The bill would forgive the property taxes of people who no longer have their homes because of the natural disasters. It’s expected to cost the state just over $2 million. The bill has cleared the House, and gets its first vote in the Senate Thursday.
NO JAIL FOR FINES
Responding to concerns raised from an American Civil Liberties Union report, lawmakers are considering a proposal that forbids courts from jailing people who don’t have the means to pay a fine. Under the bill being considered in the Senate Judiciary Committee Wednesday, defendants must be instructed that if they’re unable to pay a fine, they must contact the court for a hearing to explain why they can’t pay. Courts can determine payment plans.
SHORT WEEK
Lawmakers may take Good Friday off for a long Easter holiday weekend. But legislative leaders have warned lawmakers they may call off the holiday if enough work doesn’t get done.
