DENVER Just a few days into the 2012 session, legislators already have plenty to keep them busy, thanks to dozens of bills introduced this week.
Senate Bill 2 would create civil unions for gay and lesbian partners to get many of the rights that married couples have. A similar bill failed in the House last year, and supporters are looking for a Republican House sponsor to increase their odds this year.
House Bill 1073 would add a district judge to the courts that cover La Plata, Archuleta and San Juan counties. The sponsors are Rep. J. Paul Brown, R-Ignacio, and Sen. Ellen Roberts, R-Durango. SB 15 would allow in-state college tuition for illegal immigrant students who attended a Colorado high school for three years and graduated. Students would not be eligible for the College Opportunity Fund stipend of about $1,800 the state gives to most full-time students.
SB 57, by Brown and Sen. Suzanne Williams, would allow schools to hire teachers of indigenous languages even if they have not completed college or a teacher training program.
SB 19, by Senate President Brandon Shaffer, D-Longmont, would suspend legislators pay unless they enact a budget by the end of their session in May.
SB 25 would allow people to carry concealed handguns without a permit.
SB 46 would give schools the option to impose discipline short of expulsion or suspension for many students, rolling back strict punishments enacted in past years.
SB 49, by Roberts and Rep. Don Coram, R-Montrose, would reduce the bond that tow truck drivers need to carry, in order to help rural towing companies.
HB 1003 would allow homeowners to install graywater systems to recycle some of their household water for use in the garden or lawn.
Reach Joe Hanel at joeh@cortezjournal.com