It’s only Day 42 of the 120-day session, and already Democrats have tied themselves in knots with continued infighting and an inability to come together on important issues for Colorado.  

As reported yesterday, Colorado Dems in leadership positions including Gov. Jared Polis are experiencing difficulty keeping their members in line to pass simple legislation or to even agree to follow the rules of decorum. These issues, combined with an onslaught of resignations and an inability to deliver in an election year, are beginning to take their toll. However, all may not be lost for the republicans in the legislature.

While the drama happens in the halls, the gallery, and on Twitter, a silent slew of Republican-led bills are passing the first hurdle of house votes on their way to becoming common-sense laws for Colorado.

Here are a few of the bills that passed the test today: 

HB24-1094- Developer Subdivision Reservation Deposits - This important legislation protects consumers in sub-division transactions.  Republican Prime Sponsors: Rep. Matt Soper and Sen. Perry Will

HB24-1041- Streamline Filing Sales & Use Tax Returns - This bill aims to simplify the complex sales & use tax requirements for Coloradans.  Republican Prime Sponsors: Sen. Kevin Van Winkle and Rep. Rick Taggart

HB24-1097- Military Family Occupational Credentialing - This bill supports military families who have sacrificed for our country by facilitating an easier process of transferring professional or occupational credentials to Colorado; which also aims to help in alleviating a shortage of qualified professionals in certain areas.  Republican Prime Sponsors: Sen. Bob Gardner and Rep. Rick Taggart

HB24-1130- Privacy of Biometric Identifiers & Data-  Protects Coloradan’s biometric data by adding coverage to the Colorado Privacy Act, and raises the standard for consumer safety on companies that collect biometric data.  Republican Prime Sponsors: Rep. Mike Lynch, Sen. Paul Linden

SJR24-004- Water Projects Eligibility Lists - Addresses Colorado Water and creates a list of water projects eligible for federal funding. Republican Prime Sponsors: Sen. Cleave Simpson, Rep. Marc Catlin.

Democrats in the House continue to be in disarray over flagship legislation such as HB24-1071, which allows transgender felons to more easily change their names and obscure their identity.  However, it is clear that the small minority of Colorado House republicans and Senators are continuing to identify real needs in Colorado and work across the aisle to solve those issues.