DENVER - The week of Jan. 21 will prove to see many controversial and impactful bills brought to the floor for consideration in the state's 2013 General Assembly.
Civil Unions: legal recognition for same-sex couples twice failed in the divided legislature last year. Both chambers are now under Democratic control and more Republicans are now backing civil unions. The bill's first hearing is Wednesday, Jan. 23.
Immigrant Tuition: a Democratic proposal to extend in-state college tuition rates to illegal immigrants who were brought to this country as children faces its first test. The Senate Education Committee takes up the measure Thursday, Jan. 24.
Labor Rules: one union-related measure forces local governments to allow collective bargaining by professional firefighters. Another would outlaw employers from requiring union membership. Expect heated discussion on both. A presentation date has not yet been confirmed for these bills.
Wildfire Prevention: a bipartisan proposal would extend tax credits to homeowners in fire-prone areas who perform mitigation measures such as trimming trees and shrubs. The extension is up for its first review Tuesday, Jan. 22.
