Eyewitness ID reform draws strong yes vote in Senate
“It’s a simple but very profound bill,” said Sen. Lucia Guzman, D-Denver, of her SB 58 eyewitness identification reform legislation, which was generated by a coalition that included the Attorney General’s office, victims’ rights advocates, and district attorneys.
“The group adopted four core recommendations that will take out the subjectivity of eyewitness identification officers and guarantee a much better and more scientific set of best practices,” said Guzman.
Lawmakers unanimously approved the bill. It comes up for a final vote tomorrow.
Lawmakers look for compromise on campaign finance disclosure limits
Introduction of SB 61, a bill from Rep. Chris Holbert, R-Parker, that would significantly increase Colorado disclosure caps for political issue committees, was delayed again today. That’s because some Democrats, and narrow court rulings, agree with Holbert that the current $200 limit written into the Colorado constitution (and not indexed for inflation) is too low. However, disagreement lingers about whether the legislature has the authority to change precise figures adopted by Colorado voters and written into the state Constitution.
Holbert says he is in the midst of a bipartisan, bicameral conversation to figure out how to tackle the issue with the possibility of referring a constitutional measure to the people.
Parent’s Bill of Rights goes down smooth
In the interest of time and with a nod to lengthy debate Wednesday, senators passed SB 77, the Parent’s Bill of Rights, on a party-line vote today. Proponents of the measure say it’s about transparency, strengthening the family unit and protecting children’s privacy. Opponents say it puts unnecessary hurdles between kids and resources to provide for mental health counseling, vaccination, sexual assault reporting, and sexual orientation safe spaces. You can read a more detailed account of the great “PBR” debate and watch testimony on the bill here.
The measure now moves to the Democrat-controlled House, where it is expected to be killed fast in committee.
Money printing image by Alexey Kudenko.
