State Newspapers Speculate About Fate of HB 1208

The Grand Junction Sentinel's "Political Notebook" speculated this week about the fate of HB 1208, the bill that would eliminate district attorneys' ability to file felony charges against 14- and 15-year olds in adult court without judicial approval. The Sentinel blog reported that Ritter may be inclined to veto the bill.

Mike Saccone, the Sentinel's political reporter, wrote that Rep. Bernie Buescher, D-Grand Junction, voted "no" on the bill after discussing it with Gov. Bill Ritter, a former Denver DA.

The Denver Post also published an article this week speculating that Ritter may plan to veto the bill.

However, according to an email message from Evan Dreyer, the governor's chief spokesman, received by Colorado Capitol Journal on Mar. 13, the Governor has not decided what he would do with HB 1208 if it reached his desk.

"Bills very often change and are amended as go through committee hearings and move from chamber to chamber, so we generally do not weigh in until and if a bill arrives on the Governor's desk," Dreyer wrote. "If a bill does make it, it will get a thorough review from the Governor before a decision is made."

The Post story also quoted Dreyer as saying Ritter has not made up his mind.