Bills that would limit access to semiautomatic firearms and lower the barrier for establishing new unions are set for their second public hearings this week at the Colorado Capitol.
The two measures are among the bigger Democratic priorities this legislative session, and they’re also among the most controversial — even within the majority caucus.
Senate Bill 3, which would limit the sale of certain semiautomatic guns that accept detachable magazines, is scheduled to be heard by the House Judiciary Committee on Tuesday. The committee is scheduled to meet after the House concludes its floor votes.
The bill underwent substantial amendments during its journey through the Senate as proponents sought to secure enough support for passage.
Senate Bill 5, which would eliminate the need for a second vote by new unions trying to secure their first contract — related to negotiating dues and fees — is set to be heard by the House Business Affairs and Labor Committee at 1:30 p.m. Thursday. The proposal has been a flashpoint between business and labor interests and has drawn concerns that it would upend the decades-long balance of power between unions and employers under the “Labor Peace Act.”
Here’s what else of note is happening in the Capitol this week. Planned votes, debates and committee hearings are always subject to change.
Sundance tax credit
House Bill 1005, a proposed $34 million tax credit aimed specifically at luring the Sundance Film Festival to Boulder, is scheduled for debate by the full House of Representatives on Tuesday.
If it passes that chamber, it will still need to pass the Senate.
Pretrial release rules
The House Judiciary Committee will hear a bill on Wednesday afternoon that would limit when people suspected of violent crimes can be released from custody on their own recognizance. While House Bill 1072 has been in the works since before the stabbing attacks on the 16th Street Mall that left one person dead, its sponsors say the spree gives it an extra emphasis.
Traffic stop rules
Following that bill on Wednesday, the Judiciary Committee is also slated to hear House Bill 1243. It would prohibit law enforcement officers from asking motorists they pull over the reason for the traffic stop, requiring the officer to just tell the driver the reason.
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