Capitol Coverage

Oil and Gas Conflict of Interest Bill Moves Forward

Bente Birkeland — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 12:56:10 +0000

Bills on oil and gas and fracking are expected to dominate the latter part of the state's legislative session. A measure to change the makeup of the agency that regulates the energy industry drew a large crowd at the capitol on Thursday. As Bente Birkeland reports, it cleared its first committee.

Senate Debates Budget

Bente Birkeland — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 12:45:01 +0000

The only requirement for Colorado lawmakers during the annual legislative session is passing a budget. And unlike previous years there won’t be cuts for programs like K through 12 schools, state contractors and public employees. But as Bente Birkeland reports, debate in the senate yesterday was still extensive.

Death Penalty Repeal Fails

Bente Birkeland — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 13:33:59 +0000

A bill to repeal Colorado’s death penalty died in a committee hearing over concerns that Governor John Hickenlooper would veto the bill. Last week the Governor told Democratic lawmakers he had serious reservations about the measure. Bente Birkeland has more from the state capitol.

KVNF Local Newscast, Friday, March 15, 2013

Eric Goold — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 14:27:23 +0000

Headlines:

Drought conditions force water restrictions in Denver
March Equinox approaches; Western Skies Report
Colorado National Monument no longer selling plastic water bottles
Paonia River Park celebrates improvements
Death Penalty repeal in Colorado goes to Legislature
Crane Days in Eckert begin today

Bill to Repeal Death Penalty Set to Drop Friday

Bente Birkeland — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 13:15:06 +0000

A bill to repeal the death penalty in Colorado is expected to be introduced Friday. It's one of a host of issues likely to dominate the second part of the legislative session. Bente Birkeland has more from the state capitol.

High Capacity Magazine Ban Heads to Governor

Bente Birkeland — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 14:21:00 +0000

One of the most controversial Democratic gun bills at the statehouse is now headed to the Governor for his signature. Bente Birkeland has more from the state capitol.

State Senate Committee Passes Gun Measures

Brian Cambria — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 16:01:39 +0000

The gun debate was front and center at the state capitol yesterday as proposals already approved in the house made their way to senate committees. It was a marathon day of testimony that also included debate on three new Democratic-backed bills. Bente Birkeland has more from the state capitol.

2012 Forest Health Report

Bente Birkeland — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 14:27:29 +0000

The spruce beetle is now outpacing the mountain pine beetle as the biggest insect threat to Colorado forests. The information was released to lawmakers in the annual Forest Health Report on Wednesday. Bente Birkeland has more from the state capitol.

KVNF Local Newscast, Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Eric Goold — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 15:35:42 +0000

Headlines:

Sex Ed bill passes state house after vigorous debate
Task force recommends marijuana tourism, local ownership of pot shops
Delta County Commissioners discuss alternatives to dumping old tires in landfills
Mesa County school safety task force meets weekly, will inform school board

Sex Ed Bill Draws Debate

Bente Birkeland — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 14:33:45 +0000

A bill to revamp sex education classes for Colorado students has initially passed the house on Tuesday after a rigorous debate. The measure aims to make instruction more culturally sensitive and add information on homosexuality. But opponents say it would take away the rights of parents. Bente Birkeland has more from the state capitol.