Rocky Mountain Voice

State

Yadira Caraveo’s former aides say they were mistreated, traumatized by Colorado congresswoman
Approved, State, The Colorado Sun

Yadira Caraveo’s former aides say they were mistreated, traumatized by Colorado congresswoman

By Jesse Paul | Colorado Sun U.S. Rep. Yadira Caraveo’s behavior last year while serving in Congress and running for reelection was so frightening and traumatizing to staff that aides proposed a safety plan requesting that sharp objects be removed from the Colorado Democrat’s offices. They also wanted assurances that subordinates not be responsible for talking her “through suicidal thoughts” or “keeping her company during a crisis.” The plan, a copy of which was obtained by The Colorado Sun, was dismissed and staffers say they were told they had a choice: either commit to contending with Caraveo’s mental health challenges or resign within a day.  This story is based on nearly a year of reporting and conversations with more than 20 people, including interviews with four former...
Natelson: Colorado’s Senate Bill 276 jampacked with constitutional absurdities
Approved, Commentary, completecolorado.com, State

Natelson: Colorado’s Senate Bill 276 jampacked with constitutional absurdities

By Rob Natelson | Complete Colorado, Commentary You have to wonder about a large portion of the Colorado legislature. I’ve already written about their bills to squelch freedom of the press, freedom of speech, the right to keep and bear arms, and the constitutional right of parents to raise their own children. Not to mention the loony idea of wasting taxpayer money on a frivolous lawsuit to take away our Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights refunds. But now comes Senate Bill 276, or as I like to call it the “Venezuelan Gang Protection Act.” If you want gangs of illegal immigrants terrorizing your neighborhood, you’ll love SB 276.  You’ll also love it if you want less-violent illegals taking away American jobs or being subsidized at your expense. And if you are a legal&n...
Bill to require CBI employees to report wrongful actions heads to Colorado governor
Approved, denvergazette.com, State

Bill to require CBI employees to report wrongful actions heads to Colorado governor

By Marianne Goodland | Denver Gazette Employees at the Colorado Bureau of Investigation who observe misconduct and don't report it could be in for problems of their own under a bill now heading to the governor's desk. House Bill 1275 creates "a duty to report" wrongful actions committed by crime lab employees. It also requires the crime lab director to investigate those actions, and creates a process for individuals to seek post-conviction relief if their case is impacted.  The bill is yet another outgrowth of the misconduct allegations tied to Yvonne Woods, a nearly 30-year employee of the CBI accused of deleting data and manipulating DNA evidence in more than 1,000 instances. READ THE FULL STORY AT THE DENVER GAZETTE
Doctors, parents, pastors say HB25-1312 “crosses line” as Senate advances bill after midnight
Approved, Rocky Mountain Voice, State, Top Stories

Doctors, parents, pastors say HB25-1312 “crosses line” as Senate advances bill after midnight

By Tori Ganahl | Rocky Mountain Voice HB25-1312, also known as the “Kelly Loving Act,” proposes major changes to how Colorado law handles gender identity. After more than eight hours of emotional testimony that went past 1:00 a.m., the Senate Judiciary Committee advanced the bill on a 5–2 party-line vote. The bill would expand the state’s anti-discrimination laws to include gender identity and expression in areas like public spaces, schools, and legal proceedings. Bill sponsor Faith Winters described it as a “crash couch for the state,” a metaphor meant to convey safety and refuge for at-risk individuals. https://twitter.com/scottpshamblin/status/1917691858547007671?s=42 Despite several amendments adopted during the hearing, critics argue the bill still threatens parental...
John Fabbricatore details ICE detainee process as state pushes back against federal enforcement
Approved, kdvr.com, National, State

John Fabbricatore details ICE detainee process as state pushes back against federal enforcement

By Alliyah Sims | Fox31 DENVER (KDVR) — FOX31 is learning that 105 people were detained at an underground nightclub bust in Colorado Springs over the weekend. That’s down from the original reported count of 114. The Drug Enforcement Administration said nine people had previous contact with immigration officials. The Colorado Springs Police Department told FOX31 that two people were arrested on existing warrants. One was arrested for a warrant out of Denver for assault, criminal mischief and child abuse. The other was wanted in Adams County for a misdemeanor. John Fabbricatore, former ICE Regional Director, told FOX31 that when there are that many people in custody, the process can take a while, and it really matters where people are going. He said that processing one single ...
“Sitting on a powder keg”: Opponents slam SB25-276 for shielding illegal aliens, risking federal funds
Approved, CBS Colorado, State

“Sitting on a powder keg”: Opponents slam SB25-276 for shielding illegal aliens, risking federal funds

By Shaun Boyd | CBS News Colorado A bill aimed at protecting undocumented immigrants in Colorado has created a firestorm at the Colorado State Capitol. Supporters say it's about protecting the constitutional rights of everyone regardless of citizenship. Opponents, including Teller County Sheriff Jason Mikesell, say it would protect dangerous criminals. He says if the bill becomes law, his deputies will have to choose between enforcing state law and losing federal funding or enforcing federal law and facing thousands of dollars in fines. Mikesell says lawmakers are presenting a false narrative. "I want to dispel rumors and myths that really the legislators are presenting in testimony," he said. He says he has worked with federal immigration agents for nearly three decades and...
Denver vs. Aurora: Homelessness reports reveal two competing visions
Approved, Local, State, Westword

Denver vs. Aurora: Homelessness reports reveal two competing visions

By Bennito Kelty | Westword The first state-funded homelessness report to look at the crisis across Colorado came out on Monday, April 28, with an estimate that nearly 53,000 people are experiencing homelessness statewide. The recommended solution sets it apart from another report published just a couple of weeks ago. "Homelessness ends with a home," The Colorado State of Homelessness Report 2024 urges in its call to action. "Every part of the homelessness response system — from street outreach to emergency shelter — must stay focused on connecting people to permanent housing as quickly as possible." Funded by the Colorado Department of Local Affairs, the new report suggests that government agencies and nonprofits continue focusing on putting people in housing, s...
Final boarding call: Real ID enforcement begins for U.S. air travel May 7
Approved, kdvr.com, National, State

Final boarding call: Real ID enforcement begins for U.S. air travel May 7

By Shaul Turner | Fox31 DENVER (KDVR) — The countdown is on for Colorado travelers. On May 7, passengers will need a Real ID symbol on their driver’s license or other form of acceptable identification to get through airport security. Those without proper identification may face delays, additional screening and may not be allowed into the security checkpoint. FOX31 found many travelers at Denver International Airport had questions about Real ID requirements. “I don’t know what is it for,” said one concerned airline passenger. The Real ID Act is the result of the 9/11 Commission’s recommendation that the federal government set standards for issuing identification. A Transportation Security Administration spokesperson told FOX31 that Colorado, which has been compliant with t...
Colorado lawmakers hike fees to fill budget gaps
Approved, Axios Denver, State

Colorado lawmakers hike fees to fill budget gaps

By John Frank | Axios Denver If you own a car, run a restaurant or go to court, expect to pay more in fees in coming years. Why it matters: The Democratic majority at the state Capitol is using fees to fill spending gaps in an austere budget year — even though it works against their promises to reduce Coloradans' cost of living. Catch up quick: The small-dollar increases are easy to overlook, but a handful of bills would generate big money for the state. READ THE FULL STORY AT AXIOS DENVER
“Drawing the line”: School boards warn HB25-1312 oversteps on parental rights, brings policy chaos
Approved, Rocky Mountain Voice, State, Top Stories

“Drawing the line”: School boards warn HB25-1312 oversteps on parental rights, brings policy chaos

By Jen Schumann | Rocky Mountain Voice Board members say the bill risks punishing parents, stripping local authority, and forcing schools into the middle of contentious custody battles More than 70 school board members and education leaders have signed a letter urging lawmakers to reject HB25-1312, also known as the Kelly Loving Act. Jason Jorgenson, secretary of the District 11 Board of Education and a lead organizer of the opposition letter, said HB25-1312 “risks encouraging youth to pursue a path of gender transition without appropriate parental involvement.” Andrea Haitz, president of the District 51 Board of Education, warned that the bill “risks placing schools in an even more precarious legal position, especially when parents disagree on matters like gender identity or p...