By CHEC Legislative Liaison Carolyn Martin
Two Good Bills Go Down on Second Reading
Sadly, the Colorado Senate voted down two of the good bills that were profiled on the CHEC blog two weeks ago (read here). They both made it to the Senate floor, but using a Senate rule, Democrats called for a division vote after the second reading of the bill, and both were defeated with some Republicans voting against them. (A division vote during the second reading of a bill allows Senators to cast a vote without the accountability of an actual recorded vote).
SB17-283 Clarify Discrimination and the Right to Disagree was solely and valiantly defended by the sponsor of the bill, Senator Kevin Lundberg, while several Democrats continually mischaracterized the bill. Republican Senators Martinez Humenik, Coram, and Tate all voted against the bill.
SB17-250 Student Exemption from Immunization Requirements was defeated during the second reading as well. Several Democrats attempted to amend the bill without success. The bill was essentially about clarifying the unlawful use of an “official” CDPHE form, but Senator Aquilar in particular wanted to make it about herd immunity and expressed her concerns about the state of Colorado even allowing religious and personal exemptions for immunizations. A division vote was called for and several Republicans voted against the bill.
Update: Age of Consent: 15, 12 or 10?
HB17-1320 Age of Consent for Outpatient Psychotherapy for Minors passed out of the House Public Health Care and Human Services committee last week. Originally, the bill required the age of consent to be changed from 15 years old to 10 years old; an amendment that passed in committee changed it to 12 years old. It now goes to the House floor and then to the Senate. One of the cosponsors, Representative Landgraf, pulled her support for the bill after contemplating the damage that could be done to the parent-child relationship. Praise God!
Action: Pray that more eyes will be opened causing them to stand strong for parental rights.
National Day of Prayer
Next Thursday, May 4th, is the National Day of Prayer. The theme this year is: “For Your Great Name’s Sake! Hear us…Forgive us…Heal us” — 2 Chronicles 7:14 and Daniel 9:19. There will be an event at the Capitol from 11 am to 2 pm. Many events are happening around the state.
Action: Check out their website here to find a location near you or to join me at the Capitol! (Let me know if you plan to come by contacting me at carolyn@chec.org.)
Learn More about the National Day of Prayer
End of Session
The Colorado General Assembly will end the regular session for 2017 on May 10th!
Action: Pray for the strength of those legislators who belong to Christ to finish strong and pray for revival in the hearts of those who are in rebellion against God.
Trusting in the mighty power and grace of Jesus,
Carolyn Martin, CHEC Legislative Liaison
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