Local News

Headlines:

• Delta County Stands For Second Amendment
• Legislature Debates School Funding
• Drought Prompting Water Users To Think Outside The Irrigation Box
• Local Vintner Working For Alternative To Gas Development
• Delta County Landfill Now Charges To Accept Tires
• Sandhill Crane Count
  

Headlines:

• Capitol Conversation - State Budget
• Pipeline Leak Reveals Holes In Regulatory System
• Threat of Colony Collapse Coming to a Beehive Near You
• Crane Count: 750 last night; 11,000 so far
  

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.

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.

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.

A major re-write of how Colorado funds K through 12 schools is now making its way through the state legislature. As part of our capitol conversation series Bente Birkeland talks about how it would change school funding and its prospects for passage.

Colorado is now the 8th state in the country to allow civil unions for same sex couples. Governor John Hickenlooper signed the measure into law on Thursday in front of an enthusiastic crowd. Bente Birkeland has more from the state capitol.

Headlines:

• Gov Threatens Veto of Death Penalty Repeal
• Joint Committee Struggles With Marijuana Regs
• Thompson Divide Drilling Could Mean Big Economic Loss
• Energy Companies Cited As Mystery Leak Subsides
• Gov Signs Civil Unions Bill Into Law
  

Governor John Hickenlooper signed a trio of gun control bills on Wednesday, just hours after news broke that Colorado’s top corrections officer had been gunned down in his home. While the moment was overshadowed by the news of Tom Clements death, gun rights groups say they will use the gun legislation as part of a campaign to try and remove Democrats from power. Bente Birkeland reports from the capitol.