Colorado Legislative Strategies Updates 2.10.23

COLORADO LEGISLATIVE STRATEGIES NEWSLETTER
February 10, 2023

​Once upon a time, the Super Bowl used to mean more to most Coloradans than just food, commercials, and the halftime show. Although it’s hard to believe it after the last several years, the Broncos are tied for the second most Super Bowl appearances; but it’s been a long time since Peyton Manning hoisted the Lombardi Trophy in 2016 (2015 season). 
 
Unfortunately for Broncos fans, the intervening years have seen a precipitous decline for the Broncos and the ascendance of their division rivals, the Kansas City Chiefs. This year the Chiefs will make their third Super Bowl appearance in four years, taking on the Philadelphia Eagles. The Super Bowl, though, is about much more than just the game.
 
Estimates are that 193 million people plan to watch the Super Bowl, and those watching are expected to spend $16.5 billion on food, drink, and other purchases for the big game. To put that in perspective, that’s more money than the entire general fund for Colorado for a whole year!
 
Just as total consumer spending is staggering, this year the cost for a 30 second spot will average a record-high of $7 million. The record for most expensive commercial is a tie between Amazon and Google in 2020, with each spending a whopping $16.8 million on 90 second ads.
 
Even if you don’t care about the game, the Super Bowl is still the biggest event of the year. And Broncos fans will at least have tons of food and drink (it’s the second highest eating day, behind only Thanksgiving), a big halftime show (the exposure is so huge the artists actually perform for free), and the best commercials money can buy to enjoy. 
 
Before you get ready for the big game though, here’s an update on what happened at the Capitol this week.

​This Week
 
The legislative session entered its second quarter this week. We are now through 33 legislative days, nearly 30 percent through the 120-day session. The fifth week saw the legislative process continue to pick up pace – bills are moving through committees and floor votes as more and more bills just keep coming. Plus these items of note:
 
Energy Prices
We all know that when Governor Polis starts a sentence with “saving Coloradans money,” there’s at least one industry that’s getting scrutinized in the next sentence. In a press conference held by Polis on Monday, it was the utilities and the oil and gas industry in the Governor’s spotlight. From blaming the natural gas industry for volatility in pricing, to ignoring the need for more permits in Colorado, to directing state agencies to investigate cost saving measures in the energy space – Governor Polis didn’t hold back.
Luckily, the energy industry didn’t hold back either. Immediately after the Polis press conference, key players from the energy industry held their own press conference to fill in some of the gaps that weren’t mentioned during the Polis press conference. Specifically highlighted were the major contributions that the energy industry has made to communities, and the partnerships that have allowed the energy industry to achieve affordable, reliable energy. 
Gun Bills
On Wednesday, House Bill 1165 passed out of the House Transportation, Housing, and Local Government committee. The bill would allow counties to restrict residents from discharging firearms on private property. That being said, the bill still allows someone to discharge their firearm to defend themselves or their property. The bill is from Rep. Amabile, who explained that the bill is coming from individuals in her district who have complained about their neighbors discharging firearms when it’s not necessary, and causing disruption in rural communities. Amendments are expected on protecting hunting and wildlife management as the bill continues to move forward. 
 
On Monday, House Bill 1044 was shot down in the House State Affairs committee. The bill was known as the Second Amendment Preservation Act, and it prohibited local, state, or federal government from taking certain measures to limit use of firearms. The bill’s committee hearing also featured this week’s dumbest comments. During the hearing, a witness for Rocky Mountain Gun Owners began his testimony by comparing gun rights to the Holocaust. A few minutes later during questions, the same witness was asked about the statistics on adolescent deaths related to firearms. His response was that if black males were excluded from that age group, the number goes down. If you’re ever having a bad day this session, just remember… at least you’re not the person who handles PR for Rocky Mountain Gun Owners.
 
Supplementals
This week the supplemental package of bills moved through the Senate. These are bills that make mid-year adjustments to this year’s budget. Introduction on Monday, Appropriations Committee on Tuesday, second reading debate on Wednesday, and third reading final vote on Thursday. The 24 bills mostly moved forward with little controversy, but the Department of Correction bill raised questions from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle. This bill stuck out because it seeks an increase of $20 million, while all the other bills decrease spreading across departments by over $208 million.
 
Military Appreciation Day
On Friday morning, the House and Senate honored members of the military for Military Appreciation Day. Legislators from both parties took the opportunity to thank past and present members of the military for their service to our country. Legislators who have served our country were also recognized.
 
Tracy Bernett Pleads Guilty 
Lastly, former state representative Tracey Bernett pleaded guilty to two charges on Friday afternoon. The first, attempting to influence a public servant, is a class four felony and will carry a two year deferred judgment and 150 hours of community service. The second charge, a class one misdemeanor charge of perjury, will stay on her record while the felony will be expunged after successful completion of the 150 hours of community service and a two year probationary period. Several legislators have played games with their residency and most either covered their tracks more carefully or were just luckier. This is by far the harshest penalty any legislator has incurred over residency and voting issues. 
 
Next Week
 
Valentine’s Day isn’t the only exciting day on the calendar for next week. Senate Bill 098, or Gig Worker Transparency has its first committee hearing in the Senate Business, Labor, and Technology committee on Tuesday afternoon. Then finishing the week with a bang, House Bill 1118, or Fair Work Week Employment Standards also has its first committee hearing in House Business Affairs and Labor on Thursday afternoon. And on Friday, the House Health and Insurance committee is hearing three Republican sponsored abortion bills: House Bill 1097, House Bill 1119, and House Bill 1150. It’s a good thing there’s a long weekend after next week (Presidents’ Day), because the House Health and Insurance committee members won’t be getting much of a Friday night.
 
Have a good weekend. 🏈