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The state senate will soon have a new president after an election in which the majority Democrats retained control of the chamber.
John Morse, a second-term senator from Colorado Springs who was first elected in 2006, beat fellow Democrat Pat Steadman, D-Denver, for the post in a caucus election held Thursday.
"The time for politics and elections is behind us," Morse said in a statement posted on the website of the senate majority caucus. "Governing is hard, and it takes pulling everyone together - everybody in your caucus, everyone in the building, everyone outside your building. Let's move this state forward."
Morse, a former Fountain police chief, will succeed Sen. Brandon Shaffer, D-Longmont. Shaffer is term-limited.
The president pro tempore will be Sen. Lucia Guzman, D-Denver.
Sen. Morgan Carroll, D-Aurora, will be majority leader. Other members of the majority leadership team in the senate will be Irene Aguilar, D-Denver, and Gail Schwartz, D-Snowmass.
Sen. Bill Cadman of Colorado Springs will be the minority leader. Sen. Mark Scheffel, R-Parker, will be the assistant minority leader, while Scott Renfroe of Greeley and Kevin Grantham of Canon City round out the GOP leadership team.
Democrats retained their 20-15 senate majority in Tuesday's election.
Showing posts with label Morgan Carroll. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Morgan Carroll. Show all posts
Friday, November 9, 2012
Friday, May 1, 2009
Ritter to Sign Bills Saturday
Gov. Bill Ritter will sign six bills into law Saturday.
According to a press release issued by spokesperson Evan Dreyer, Ritter will okay SB 126, HB 1059, HB 1237, HB 1213, SB 104 and SB 144 at signing ceremonies in Denver, Arvada and Broomfield.
SB 126 renews the provision of state law allowing taxpayers to donate part of their refund to the multiple sclerosis fund. The bill was sponsored by Sen. Linda Newell, D-Littleton, and Rep. Dennis Apuan, D-Colorado Springs.
HB 1059 mandates continuing coverage http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=6077175309734867272by health insurers when policyholders participate in clinical tests. The bill was sponsored by Rep. Dianne Primavera, D-Broomfield, and Sen. Morgan Carroll, D-Aurora.
HB 1237 is a measure relating to state payments for the education of disabled youth. It was sponsored by Rep. Dianne Primavera, D-Broomfield, and Sen. Brandon Shaffer, D-Longmont.
HB 1213, sponsored by Rep. Sara Gagliardi, D-Arvada, and Sen. Gail Schwartz, D-Snowmass Village, creates a state housing development grant fund in order to facilitate construction of additional affordable housing.
SB 104 requires Colorado child welfare regulators to provided foster children being emancipated with relevant and certified identity documents, including birth certificates and social security cards, at state expense. The measure was sponsored by Sen. Paula Sandoval, D-Denver, and Rep. Sara Gagliardi, D-Arvada.
SB 144 makes changes to the function, composition and procedures of the state Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. It was sponsored by Sen. Ken Kester, R-Las Animas, and Rep. Sara Gagliardi, D-Arvada.
According to a press release issued by spokesperson Evan Dreyer, Ritter will okay SB 126, HB 1059, HB 1237, HB 1213, SB 104 and SB 144 at signing ceremonies in Denver, Arvada and Broomfield.
SB 126 renews the provision of state law allowing taxpayers to donate part of their refund to the multiple sclerosis fund. The bill was sponsored by Sen. Linda Newell, D-Littleton, and Rep. Dennis Apuan, D-Colorado Springs.
HB 1059 mandates continuing coverage http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=6077175309734867272by health insurers when policyholders participate in clinical tests. The bill was sponsored by Rep. Dianne Primavera, D-Broomfield, and Sen. Morgan Carroll, D-Aurora.
HB 1237 is a measure relating to state payments for the education of disabled youth. It was sponsored by Rep. Dianne Primavera, D-Broomfield, and Sen. Brandon Shaffer, D-Longmont.
HB 1213, sponsored by Rep. Sara Gagliardi, D-Arvada, and Sen. Gail Schwartz, D-Snowmass Village, creates a state housing development grant fund in order to facilitate construction of additional affordable housing.
SB 104 requires Colorado child welfare regulators to provided foster children being emancipated with relevant and certified identity documents, including birth certificates and social security cards, at state expense. The measure was sponsored by Sen. Paula Sandoval, D-Denver, and Rep. Sara Gagliardi, D-Arvada.
SB 144 makes changes to the function, composition and procedures of the state Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. It was sponsored by Sen. Ken Kester, R-Las Animas, and Rep. Sara Gagliardi, D-Arvada.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Senate Committee Backs Death Penalty Repeal
A Senate committee approved Wednesday a bill that would repeal Colorado's death penalty.
HB 1274 gained the backing of all three Democrats on the State, Veterans and Military Affairs Committee. Both Republican members voted "no."
The measure, which would re-route money currently appropriated to carry out capital sentences to cold case investigations, has already passed through the House of Representatives.
Colorado voters have twice voted for a state death penalty law, most recently in 1974.
The state has executed one person in the last 40 years.
Proponents of the bill argue that the death penalty does not deter crime and that the state's 1,400 unsolved murder cases cannot be brought to closure without additional funds.
Senate sponsor Morgan Carroll, D-Aurora, said at the hearing on the bill Wednesday that she thinks it would save the state about $1 million per year. Most of that money would be appropriated to the Cold Case Investigation unit at the Colorado Bureau of Investigation.
The final vote on HB 1274 in the House was very close, with a 33-32 tally moving it over to the Senate.
HB 1274 gained the backing of all three Democrats on the State, Veterans and Military Affairs Committee. Both Republican members voted "no."
The measure, which would re-route money currently appropriated to carry out capital sentences to cold case investigations, has already passed through the House of Representatives.
Colorado voters have twice voted for a state death penalty law, most recently in 1974.
The state has executed one person in the last 40 years.
Proponents of the bill argue that the death penalty does not deter crime and that the state's 1,400 unsolved murder cases cannot be brought to closure without additional funds.
Senate sponsor Morgan Carroll, D-Aurora, said at the hearing on the bill Wednesday that she thinks it would save the state about $1 million per year. Most of that money would be appropriated to the Cold Case Investigation unit at the Colorado Bureau of Investigation.
The final vote on HB 1274 in the House was very close, with a 33-32 tally moving it over to the Senate.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Foreclosure Delay Measure on Way to Ritter
A bill that will impose a 90-day waiting period before mortgage lenders can foreclose on properties in default cleared the Senate this morning and is on the way to Gov. Bill Ritter's desk.
HB 1276, which was approved on a 26-8 vote, requires homeowners to contact a counselor certified by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development within 20 days of receiving a notice of foreclosure. If the counselor determines, after an examination of the homeowner's finances, that he or she is eligible for participation in the 90-day delay program allowing for negotiation of loan changes.
If the counselor finds that the homeowner is a good candidate for loan modification, the 90-day delay in foreclosure in order to allow for such negotiations kicks in.
“Foreclosures are tearing apart many Colorado neighborhoods and communities,” Sen. Morgan Carroll, D-Aurora, and the Senate sponsor of the bill, said. “During these times of economic uncertainty, thousands of people in our state are falling behind on payments and losing their homes. This bill will help homeowners negotiate a solution, get back on track and, most importantly, keep families in their homes."
According to the state's Division of Housing, there were almost 40,000 foreclosure filings in Colorado in 2008.
The bill was sponsored in the House by Rep. Mark Ferrandino, D-Denver.
HB 1276, which was approved on a 26-8 vote, requires homeowners to contact a counselor certified by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development within 20 days of receiving a notice of foreclosure. If the counselor determines, after an examination of the homeowner's finances, that he or she is eligible for participation in the 90-day delay program allowing for negotiation of loan changes.
If the counselor finds that the homeowner is a good candidate for loan modification, the 90-day delay in foreclosure in order to allow for such negotiations kicks in.
“Foreclosures are tearing apart many Colorado neighborhoods and communities,” Sen. Morgan Carroll, D-Aurora, and the Senate sponsor of the bill, said. “During these times of economic uncertainty, thousands of people in our state are falling behind on payments and losing their homes. This bill will help homeowners negotiate a solution, get back on track and, most importantly, keep families in their homes."
According to the state's Division of Housing, there were almost 40,000 foreclosure filings in Colorado in 2008.
The bill was sponsored in the House by Rep. Mark Ferrandino, D-Denver.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Bill Banning Insurance Company Bonuses for Denial of Claims Advances
A measure that would prohibit insurance companies from paying employees bonuses when they deny claims has been approved by the Senate.
SB 103 also makes illegal the practice of paying bonuses to employees when they cancel insurance policies.
"Colorado consumers are one step closer to getting the quality medical care they’re already insurance companies paying for," bill sponsor Sen. Morgan Carroll, D-Aurora, said. "To tie the denial of insurance coverage to monetary bonuses is not only unethical but unscrupulous. Insurance companies should not be in the practice of lining the pockets of those who deny medical services to their customers."
The bill provides that juries, in lawsuits contesting an insurer's refusal to pay a claim, may consider payment of bonuses for denial of claims or cancellation of policies as evidence of bad faith behavior by the insurer.
Technically, SB 103 defines insurers payment of bonuses in those circumstances as an unfair claim settlement practice.
The bill, which passed on third reading by a 22-11 vote, now moves to the House.
Sen. Al White, R-Hayden, joined all of the chamber's Democrats in support of the measure. Senate minority leader Josh Penry, R-Fruita, and Sen. Shawn Mitchell, R-Broomfield, did not vote.
SB 103 also makes illegal the practice of paying bonuses to employees when they cancel insurance policies.
"Colorado consumers are one step closer to getting the quality medical care they’re already insurance companies paying for," bill sponsor Sen. Morgan Carroll, D-Aurora, said. "To tie the denial of insurance coverage to monetary bonuses is not only unethical but unscrupulous. Insurance companies should not be in the practice of lining the pockets of those who deny medical services to their customers."
The bill provides that juries, in lawsuits contesting an insurer's refusal to pay a claim, may consider payment of bonuses for denial of claims or cancellation of policies as evidence of bad faith behavior by the insurer.
Technically, SB 103 defines insurers payment of bonuses in those circumstances as an unfair claim settlement practice.
The bill, which passed on third reading by a 22-11 vote, now moves to the House.
Sen. Al White, R-Hayden, joined all of the chamber's Democrats in support of the measure. Senate minority leader Josh Penry, R-Fruita, and Sen. Shawn Mitchell, R-Broomfield, did not vote.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Rocky Mountain News Examines Proposed Prescription Drugs Ethics Act
The Rocky Mountain News has published a good analysis of the proposed Prescription Drugs Ethics Act, which is scheduled for a committee hearing today.
SB 166, sponsored by Sen. Morgan Carroll, D-Aurora, would ban wholesale drug or medical device distributors from giving gifts to health care providers. It would also block drug manufacturers and distributors from gaining access to data about state health program patients' prescriptions for use in marketing efforts.
The measure would also require those distributors and manufacturers to disclose their advertising and marketing expenses if they participate in state-sponsored programs aimed at providing health care services.
The article by the Rocky's Ed Sealover says that opponents of the measure will argue that it could drive drug manufacturers out of the state and prevent drug companies from keeping doctors informed about new products.
SB 166, sponsored by Sen. Morgan Carroll, D-Aurora, would ban wholesale drug or medical device distributors from giving gifts to health care providers. It would also block drug manufacturers and distributors from gaining access to data about state health program patients' prescriptions for use in marketing efforts.
The measure would also require those distributors and manufacturers to disclose their advertising and marketing expenses if they participate in state-sponsored programs aimed at providing health care services.
The article by the Rocky's Ed Sealover says that opponents of the measure will argue that it could drive drug manufacturers out of the state and prevent drug companies from keeping doctors informed about new products.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Rep. Morgan Carroll's FAIR Bill Clears First House Hurdle
A bill by Rep. Morgan Carroll, D-Aurora, that would require health and auto insurance companies to secure the approval of the state insurance commissioner before raising premiums cleared a House committee Thursday.
HB 1389, which has the co-sponsorship of 30 House Democrats, would also give the insurance commissioner authority to punish insurers for wrongfully denying claims.
Representatives of the health insurance industry testified in opposition to the bill, claiming that it is unnecessary because current law allows rejection of rate increases that are discriminatory or excessive.
However, Carroll told the committee that her bill is necessary to slow the high rate of premium increases in the state.
She said that data indicates that the average health insurance premium in Colorado rose 140 percent in the last five years, while the amount of coverage purchased by each dollar of premiums paid fell from $188 to $46 between 2002 and 2007.
According to the Kaiser Family Foundation Colorado has the seventh-highest health insurance premiums in the nation.
Thirty-eight other states require prior approval of a government regulator before insurance rate increases can take effect.
HB 1389, which has the co-sponsorship of 30 House Democrats, would also give the insurance commissioner authority to punish insurers for wrongfully denying claims.
Representatives of the health insurance industry testified in opposition to the bill, claiming that it is unnecessary because current law allows rejection of rate increases that are discriminatory or excessive.
However, Carroll told the committee that her bill is necessary to slow the high rate of premium increases in the state.
She said that data indicates that the average health insurance premium in Colorado rose 140 percent in the last five years, while the amount of coverage purchased by each dollar of premiums paid fell from $188 to $46 between 2002 and 2007.
According to the Kaiser Family Foundation Colorado has the seventh-highest health insurance premiums in the nation.
Thirty-eight other states require prior approval of a government regulator before insurance rate increases can take effect.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Spam Reduction Bill Heads to Ritter
A bill that would markedly toughen penalties for sending unsolicited commercial email messages, and give the state maximum ability to enforce the federal CAN-Spam Act as well as consumers education needed to fight spam, is on its way to Gov. Ritter.
HB 1178, sponsored by Reps. Morgan Carroll, D-Aurora, Sara Gagliardi, D-Arvada, and John Soper, D-Thornton, as well as Sen. Bob Hagedorn, D-Aurora, cleared the House a second time Thursday morning. The House had to take up the bill again, after initially giving it final clearance in February, because the Senate amended it before giving a final nod last week.
Carroll lauded the measure as an essential tool to fight a growing economic burden on business.
"Today the legislature sent a strong bi-partisan message – enough!” Carroll said. "Colorado companies and average citizens spend too much time, energy and money sifting through ridiculous claims of million dollar paydays, ads for E.D. medications and various other schemes -- just to get to their personal emails. This will not do."
According to a report issued by the University of Maryland, spam cost U.S. business about $22 billion in lost productivity in 2005. Another report, released by Nucleus Research in April 2007, says the lost productivity value is now about $70 billion.
Hagedorn said the bill is also aimed at helping the elderly, who are increasingly targets of computer crime.
"Spammers are using increasingly more sophisticated methods to target elderly folks and those with less computer know-how, conning them out of money and personal information like credit and social security numbers,” he said.
The average American receives, on average, at least 2,200 spam email messages each year, according to SpamFilterReview.com.
The proposed Spam Reduction Act of 2008 will become law in August if signed by Ritter.
HB 1178, sponsored by Reps. Morgan Carroll, D-Aurora, Sara Gagliardi, D-Arvada, and John Soper, D-Thornton, as well as Sen. Bob Hagedorn, D-Aurora, cleared the House a second time Thursday morning. The House had to take up the bill again, after initially giving it final clearance in February, because the Senate amended it before giving a final nod last week.
Carroll lauded the measure as an essential tool to fight a growing economic burden on business.
"Today the legislature sent a strong bi-partisan message – enough!” Carroll said. "Colorado companies and average citizens spend too much time, energy and money sifting through ridiculous claims of million dollar paydays, ads for E.D. medications and various other schemes -- just to get to their personal emails. This will not do."
According to a report issued by the University of Maryland, spam cost U.S. business about $22 billion in lost productivity in 2005. Another report, released by Nucleus Research in April 2007, says the lost productivity value is now about $70 billion.
Hagedorn said the bill is also aimed at helping the elderly, who are increasingly targets of computer crime.
"Spammers are using increasingly more sophisticated methods to target elderly folks and those with less computer know-how, conning them out of money and personal information like credit and social security numbers,” he said.
The average American receives, on average, at least 2,200 spam email messages each year, according to SpamFilterReview.com.
The proposed Spam Reduction Act of 2008 will become law in August if signed by Ritter.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
House Honors Armed Forces Personnel, Veterans; Bruce Dissents
The House passed a resolution honoring the state's armed forces personnel and veterans today, voting to recognize the service and sacrifices of more than 60,000 military men and women and more than 425,000 veterans that live in the state on Military and Veterans Appreciation Day in Colorado.
The resolution conveyed "heartfelt gratitude to our state's veterans, past and present, to all military men and women currently serving in the armed services, and to the family members of active duty personnel and veterans." It also "encourage[d] the citizens of Colorado to join in the celebration of Colorado's Military and Veterans Appreciation Day on February 13, 2008, in recognition and honor of the thousands of fellow citizens in the military who protect and serve their communities, state, and country."
The resolution, HJR 1007, is to be sent to President Bush, the commanding officers of military installations and units in the state, members of Colorado's delegation in Congress, the state Board of Veterans Affairs and the United Veterans Committee of Colorado.
The resolution drew sponsorship from virtually every member of the House today. However, one Republican refused to sign on as a sponsor: Rep. Douglas Bruce, R-Colorado Springs.
Bruce has said that he thinks resolutions are unworthy of the General Assembly's attention. However, he has been a co-sponsor this session of a resolution honoring the late Rev. Martin Luther King, as well as of a resolution honoring 4-H day in the state.
The Military and Veterans Appreciation Day resolution was introduced by Reps. Stella Garza-Hicks, R-Colorado Springs, and Morgan Carroll, D-Aurora.
The resolution conveyed "heartfelt gratitude to our state's veterans, past and present, to all military men and women currently serving in the armed services, and to the family members of active duty personnel and veterans." It also "encourage[d] the citizens of Colorado to join in the celebration of Colorado's Military and Veterans Appreciation Day on February 13, 2008, in recognition and honor of the thousands of fellow citizens in the military who protect and serve their communities, state, and country."
The resolution, HJR 1007, is to be sent to President Bush, the commanding officers of military installations and units in the state, members of Colorado's delegation in Congress, the state Board of Veterans Affairs and the United Veterans Committee of Colorado.
The resolution drew sponsorship from virtually every member of the House today. However, one Republican refused to sign on as a sponsor: Rep. Douglas Bruce, R-Colorado Springs.
Bruce has said that he thinks resolutions are unworthy of the General Assembly's attention. However, he has been a co-sponsor this session of a resolution honoring the late Rev. Martin Luther King, as well as of a resolution honoring 4-H day in the state.
The Military and Veterans Appreciation Day resolution was introduced by Reps. Stella Garza-Hicks, R-Colorado Springs, and Morgan Carroll, D-Aurora.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Anti-Spam Bill Gets Unanimous Final House Approval
A bill that would make it a misdemeanor to deceptive or unsolicited commercial email got unanimous approval on third and final reading in the House today.
HB 1178, sponsored by Rep. Morgan Carroll, D-Aurora, passed 64-0. The bill also gives Internet service providers immunity from civil liability for transmitting spam over their email networks if they take certain actions to prevent spam transmissions.
The proposed Spam Reduction Act of 2008 now heads to the Senate, where it is sponsored by Sen. Bob Hagedorn, D-Aurora.
HB 1178, sponsored by Rep. Morgan Carroll, D-Aurora, passed 64-0. The bill also gives Internet service providers immunity from civil liability for transmitting spam over their email networks if they take certain actions to prevent spam transmissions.
The proposed Spam Reduction Act of 2008 now heads to the Senate, where it is sponsored by Sen. Bob Hagedorn, D-Aurora.
Monday, February 11, 2008
"Spam Reduction Act" Bill To Receive Second Reading Vote in House Mon.
A bill that would criminalize the sending of spam in Colorado will get its first floor vote in the House Monday, Feb. 11.
HB 1178 would specify that unsolicited commercial e-mail messages, or commercial email messages that conceal the sender, are deceptive trade practices under state law. It would allow Internet service providers to sue spam senders if their networks are used to send unlawful email traffic and recover actual damages and, in some cases, attorney fees and costs.
The bill also grants immunity from civil liability to ISPs who take actions to prevent the sending of spam over their networks. It also explicitly grants the state Attorney General authority to enforce the Controlling the Assault of Non-Solicited Pornography and Marketing (CAN-SPAM) Act of 2003, 15 U.S.C. section 7701 et seq.
Finally, the bill declares that violations of the CAN-SPAM Act are "inherently false and deceptive" and specifies that "electronic mail fraud" is a class 2 misdemeanor on first offense and a class 1 misdemeanor on a second or subsequent offense within two years.
If enacted, the bill would supersede Colorado's Junk E-mail law and grant the state all of the authority to regulate spam granted by the CAN-SPAM Act.
The sponsors of the bill are Rep. Morgan Carroll, D-Aurora, and Sen. Bob Hagedorn, D-Aurora.
HB 1178 would specify that unsolicited commercial e-mail messages, or commercial email messages that conceal the sender, are deceptive trade practices under state law. It would allow Internet service providers to sue spam senders if their networks are used to send unlawful email traffic and recover actual damages and, in some cases, attorney fees and costs.
The bill also grants immunity from civil liability to ISPs who take actions to prevent the sending of spam over their networks. It also explicitly grants the state Attorney General authority to enforce the Controlling the Assault of Non-Solicited Pornography and Marketing (CAN-SPAM) Act of 2003, 15 U.S.C. section 7701 et seq.
Finally, the bill declares that violations of the CAN-SPAM Act are "inherently false and deceptive" and specifies that "electronic mail fraud" is a class 2 misdemeanor on first offense and a class 1 misdemeanor on a second or subsequent offense within two years.
If enacted, the bill would supersede Colorado's Junk E-mail law and grant the state all of the authority to regulate spam granted by the CAN-SPAM Act.
The sponsors of the bill are Rep. Morgan Carroll, D-Aurora, and Sen. Bob Hagedorn, D-Aurora.
Campaign Finance Bill Gets House Vote Monday
A bill that would provide a statutory mechanism for the filing of complaints that campaign finance laws have been violated will be considered on second reading in the House Monday, Feb. 11.
HB 1041 sets up a procedure by which a person or persons who believe a violation of the campaign finance laws can file a complaint with the Secretary of State's office.
Colorado's campaign finance system is largely constitutional in nature. The relevant provisions of the state constitution are in Article 27, which was enacted by the voters in 2002. Under section 9 of that article citizens are authorized to file complaints, the merits of which are determined by an administrative law judge.
The bill also clean up the state's campaign finance statutes to make clear that enforcement of the constitutional campaign finance requirements is subject to the criteria and standards included in Article 27.
The bill is sponsored in the House by Reps. Morgan Carroll, D-Aurora, and Majority Leader Alice Madden, D-Boulder. Senate sponsors are Majority Leader Ken Gordon, D-Denver, and Sen. Ron Tupa, D-Boulder.
HB 1041 sets up a procedure by which a person or persons who believe a violation of the campaign finance laws can file a complaint with the Secretary of State's office.
Colorado's campaign finance system is largely constitutional in nature. The relevant provisions of the state constitution are in Article 27, which was enacted by the voters in 2002. Under section 9 of that article citizens are authorized to file complaints, the merits of which are determined by an administrative law judge.
The bill also clean up the state's campaign finance statutes to make clear that enforcement of the constitutional campaign finance requirements is subject to the criteria and standards included in Article 27.
The bill is sponsored in the House by Reps. Morgan Carroll, D-Aurora, and Majority Leader Alice Madden, D-Boulder. Senate sponsors are Majority Leader Ken Gordon, D-Denver, and Sen. Ron Tupa, D-Boulder.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Morgan Carroll's Spam Reduction Act Gets Committee Nod
The House Judiciary Committee approved the proposed "Spam Reduction Act" Wednesday, sending the bill aimed at lowering the volume of spam clogging Coloradans' email inboxes to the House floor.
HB 1178, sponsored by Rep. Morgan Carroll, D-Aurora, criminalizes the sending of commercial email messages that are deceptive or unsolicited or which mask the identity of the true sender. It also grants limited immunity from civil lawsuits to internet service providers that protect account holders from receiving spam.
The bill now moves on the House floor.
Carroll has posted tips for consumers concerned about the spam on her website.
HB 1178, sponsored by Rep. Morgan Carroll, D-Aurora, criminalizes the sending of commercial email messages that are deceptive or unsolicited or which mask the identity of the true sender. It also grants limited immunity from civil lawsuits to internet service providers that protect account holders from receiving spam.
The bill now moves on the House floor.
Carroll has posted tips for consumers concerned about the spam on her website.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Rep. Morgan Carroll to Seek Senate Seat
Rep. Morgan Carroll, D-Aurora, announced this week that she'll seek the Senate seat being vacated by term-limited Sen. Bob Hagedorn, D-Aurora, next January.
Carroll, who is the House Majority Caucus chair, was not expected to seek to move over to the Senate until former Rep. Michael Garcia, D-Aurora, suddenly resigned earlier in the week after being accused by a lobbyist of making unwelcome sexual advances.
Su Ryden, an Aurora businesswoman, is expected to seek the Democratic nomination for Carroll's house seat.
Carroll, who is the House Majority Caucus chair, was not expected to seek to move over to the Senate until former Rep. Michael Garcia, D-Aurora, suddenly resigned earlier in the week after being accused by a lobbyist of making unwelcome sexual advances.
Su Ryden, an Aurora businesswoman, is expected to seek the Democratic nomination for Carroll's house seat.
Friday, January 25, 2008
HOA Bill Gets Final Approval in House
HB 1135, which requires disputes between homeowner associations and their members to be decided by neutral parties and allows mediation to be used, sailed through the House on third and final reading Friday.
The bill by Rep. Morgan Carroll, D-Aurora, which also requires HOAs to allow accommodations needed to comply with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act, passed 61-1.
The bill by Rep. Morgan Carroll, D-Aurora, which also requires HOAs to allow accommodations needed to comply with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act, passed 61-1.
Military Relief Fund Bill Passes House
A bill that would extend the life of the state's Military Family Relief Fund has passed the House and is on the way to the Senate. The fund will expire this year if the bill is not enacted into law.
HB 1035, which is sponsored by Rep. Morgan Carroll, D-Aurora, Rep. Spencer Swalm, R-Centennial, and Sen. John P. Morse, D-Colorado Springs, was given final clearance by the House this morning. Carroll was the driving force behind the initial creation of the fund.
The fund, which is administered by the Department of Military & Veterans Affairs, provides money to families of service members, including national guard members on active duty, deployed as a result of the attacks on the United States that took place Sept. 11, 2001.
The fund can be used to make up lost salary and increased expenses caused by the armed forces member's mobilization.
You can learn more about the Military Family Relief Fund here.
HB 1035, which is sponsored by Rep. Morgan Carroll, D-Aurora, Rep. Spencer Swalm, R-Centennial, and Sen. John P. Morse, D-Colorado Springs, was given final clearance by the House this morning. Carroll was the driving force behind the initial creation of the fund.
The fund, which is administered by the Department of Military & Veterans Affairs, provides money to families of service members, including national guard members on active duty, deployed as a result of the attacks on the United States that took place Sept. 11, 2001.
The fund can be used to make up lost salary and increased expenses caused by the armed forces member's mobilization.
You can learn more about the Military Family Relief Fund here.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Morgan Carroll's HOA Bill Passes Committee
A bill that would require HOAs to assure that disputes with members are decided by a neutral party and authorize the use of mediation passed its first test in the House of Representatives Thursday.
HB 1135 drew no opposition on second and preliminary reading by the full chamber. It had sailed through the House Local Government committee with a unanimous vote Wednesday.
The bill is sponsored by Rep. Morgan Carroll, D-Aurora, and Sens. Bob Hagedorn and Suzanne Williams, D-Aurora.
The House is scheduled to vote on final adoption of the bill Friday. If approved, it will head to the Senate for consideration.
HB 1135 drew no opposition on second and preliminary reading by the full chamber. It had sailed through the House Local Government committee with a unanimous vote Wednesday.
The bill is sponsored by Rep. Morgan Carroll, D-Aurora, and Sens. Bob Hagedorn and Suzanne Williams, D-Aurora.
The House is scheduled to vote on final adoption of the bill Friday. If approved, it will head to the Senate for consideration.
Democratic Anti-Strike Bill Escapes Committee
A bill by Rep. Jim Riesberg to prohibit state workers from going on strike was passed by a House committee Thursday afternoon.
HB 1189, unlike the more expansive ban proposed by the GOP, does not apply to workers for any government entity other than the state. It makes violation a misdemeanor, instead of permitting felony criminal sanctions as would Rep. Bob Gardner's more hard-line measure.
The bill passed 6-5, with all Republicans and Rep. Morgan Carroll, D-Aurora, opposed.
Carroll said she would not support the bill because she did not think that state workers' right to strike should be taken away.
Rep. John Soper, D-Thornton, indicated that he was not enthusiastic about the bill but nevertheless voted "yes."
Gov. Bill Ritter has argued that his executive order granting state employees the right to collectively bargain on a limited range of issues precludes strikes. But he has also said that he will sign a strike ban bill.
HB 1189, unlike the more expansive ban proposed by the GOP, does not apply to workers for any government entity other than the state. It makes violation a misdemeanor, instead of permitting felony criminal sanctions as would Rep. Bob Gardner's more hard-line measure.
The bill passed 6-5, with all Republicans and Rep. Morgan Carroll, D-Aurora, opposed.
Carroll said she would not support the bill because she did not think that state workers' right to strike should be taken away.
Rep. John Soper, D-Thornton, indicated that he was not enthusiastic about the bill but nevertheless voted "yes."
Gov. Bill Ritter has argued that his executive order granting state employees the right to collectively bargain on a limited range of issues precludes strikes. But he has also said that he will sign a strike ban bill.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Military Family Relief Fund Extension Passes House Committee
HB 1035, which would extend the life of the state's military family relief fund, was endorsed by a House committee this morning.
The bill, which would extend the life of a fund used to help families that suffer financial hardship when an armed forces member is deployed overseas, was approved by the House Finance Committee, 8-3.
Republican Reps. Doug Bruce and Kent Lambert of Colorado Springs and Kevin Lundberg of Berthoud voted "no."
The bill is sponsored by Reps. Morgan Carroll, D-Aurora, and Spencer Swalm, R-Centennial and Sen. John P. Morse, D-Colorado Springs.
The bill, which would extend the life of a fund used to help families that suffer financial hardship when an armed forces member is deployed overseas, was approved by the House Finance Committee, 8-3.
Republican Reps. Doug Bruce and Kent Lambert of Colorado Springs and Kevin Lundberg of Berthoud voted "no."
The bill is sponsored by Reps. Morgan Carroll, D-Aurora, and Spencer Swalm, R-Centennial and Sen. John P. Morse, D-Colorado Springs.
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Rep. Morgan Carroll Introduces HOA Due Process & ADR Bill
Rep. Morgan Carroll, D-Aurora, has introduced a bill that would force homeowner associations to submit disputes with members to an impartial decisionmaker and encourage them to use alternative dispute resolution procedures.
HB 1135, which is also sponsored by Sen. Bob Hagedorn, D-Aurora, provides that associations could not impose a fine for violations of the planned community's covenants unless it has a written fine policy in place.
It also specifies that no fine can be imposed unless "the policy includes a fair and impartial factfinding process . . . [that] guarantee[s] the unit owner notice and an opportunity to be heard before an impartial decision maker." The bill makes clear that a person with a personal or financial stake in the outcome of the dispute with a unit owner cannot be an "impartial decision maker."
The bill would also authorize, for the first time, covenants to specify that mediation could be used to resolve disputes between associations and unit owners.
It also forbids enforcement of covenant provisions that conflict with aspects of federal fair housing law that permit disabled persons to modify their home to accommodate their disability.
HB 1135, which is also sponsored by Sen. Bob Hagedorn, D-Aurora, provides that associations could not impose a fine for violations of the planned community's covenants unless it has a written fine policy in place.
It also specifies that no fine can be imposed unless "the policy includes a fair and impartial factfinding process . . . [that] guarantee[s] the unit owner notice and an opportunity to be heard before an impartial decision maker." The bill makes clear that a person with a personal or financial stake in the outcome of the dispute with a unit owner cannot be an "impartial decision maker."
The bill would also authorize, for the first time, covenants to specify that mediation could be used to resolve disputes between associations and unit owners.
It also forbids enforcement of covenant provisions that conflict with aspects of federal fair housing law that permit disabled persons to modify their home to accommodate their disability.
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