KOAA.com

Tagged News

• Sen. Manchin will reintroduce gun legislation

  April 29, 2013 3:45 AM

  One of the architects of failed gun control legislation in the U.S. Congress says he's bringing it back. Sen. Joe Manchin says he would re-introduce a measure that would require criminal and mental health background checks for gun buyers at shows and online. He adds if lawmakers read the bill,... more »

• Senate bill paves way for medical marijuana shops

  March 29, 2013 4:23 PM

  CARSON CITY, Nev. (AP) - Thirteen years after Nevada voters legalized medicinal marijuana in the state constitution, they may finally get access to the drug. Democratic Sen. Tick Segerblom of Las Vegas presented SB374 to the Senate Judiciary Committee Friday. The bill sets the framework for establishing and regulating medical... more »

• House OKs bill to require proof of immunization

  March 28, 2013 3:37 PM

  NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - The mother of a Middle Tennessee State University freshman who died after contracting meningitis says she hopes legislation headed to the governor for his likely signature will prevent the deaths of other college students. The measure would require incoming students at public higher education institutions to... more »

• Gov. Hickenlooper signs many bills into law

  March 15, 2013 6:22 PM

  Governor John Hickenlooper signs 21 bills into law today. This includes a bill for tuition for dropout recovery program students which means students who participate in those programs will receive payment. Plus a bill to promote water conservation of designated ground water. That means there will be safeguards... more »

• Gay Rights Activists: Civil Unions Step Forward, Not Equal Yet Play Video

  March 14, 2013 9:25 AM

  It was seven years ago Colorado voters banned gay marriage, and now civil unions are becoming law. Gay rights activists are calling it a step toward equality, however there are still distinct lines between civil unions and marriage. "We had our own wedding in 2010, so at that point... more »

• Forum on guns canceled in Pueblo

  March 2, 2013 5:38 PM

  A group of people who are against increased gun control show up to a forum on guns with State Senator Angela Giron just to find out it's been canceled. A sign on the door said that because she held an impromptu town hall last weekend, today's forum would not be... more »

• Colo. bill makes it harder to plead insanity

  February 6, 2013 5:01 PM

  DENVER (AP) - Colorado lawmakers are considering whether to make it tougher for defendants to be found not guilty by reason of insanity, prompted in part by last summer's mass killings at a movie theater. A bill up for debate in a legislative committee next week would require defense lawyers... more »

• Parents, Bars Would Have Final Say on Alcohol if Bill Passes Play Video

  January 8, 2013 8:09 PM

  Colorado could be the next state to allow alcohol sales to certain minors, with parental approval. Right now there are 11 states that have exceptions to the 21-and-up rule, which allows bars and restaurants to sell alcohol to minors between the ages of 18 and 21, as long as a... more »

• Bill would let CO parents buy alcohol for children

  January 7, 2013 4:14 PM

  DENVER (AP) - Parents could be able buy alcohol for their children at Colorado bars and restaurants if they were 18 and older but not 21 yet, under a proposal by a Republican lawmaker. Sen. Greg Brophy is introducing the bill for the legislative session that begins Wednesday. He says... more »

• Bill would expand fertility coverage for veterans

  August 18, 2012 2:53 PM

  WASHINGTON (AP) - A bill being considered in the U.S. Senate is aimed at helping wounded veterans start families by expanding coverage for in vitro fertilization. Soldiers with pelvic or spinal cord injuries can have reproductive problems. The Department of Veterans Affairs currently covers some procedures to help veterans conceive,... more »

• Senate panel OKs $604 billion defense bill

  July 31, 2012 12:29 PM

  WASHINGTON (AP) - A Senate panel has approved a $604 billion defense spending bill that reverses proposed Pentagon cuts in Air Force personnel and equipment. The Appropriations defense subcommittee approved the bill by voice vote Tuesday. The measure would provide $511 billion for the base budget and $93.3 billion for... more »

• Hickenlooper urges fire mitigation in farm bill

  July 11, 2012 5:02 AM

  DENVER (AP) - Gov. John Hickenlooper is urging Congress to keep provisions in the farm bill that he says are critical for wildfire mitigation in Western states. The Democratic governor says in a letter to the House Committee on Agriculture that some provisions in the bill "would be very helpful... more »

• Tourism bill brings money to southern Colorado

  May 19, 2012 10:06 AM

  DENVER (AP) - A hotel project near Denver International Airport and a Pueblo project have been chosen to receive incentives under the Regional Tourism Act, beating out projects in Douglas County, Glendale, Estes Park and Montrose County. Colorado economic development officials said Friday that Gaylord Entertainment's project to build a... more »

• Civil union bills face last minute drama

  May 8, 2012 7:17 AM

  DENVER (AP) - Civil unions are close to becoming law in Colorado amid last-minute drama in the Republican-controlled House. The bill is expected to clear a final committee Tuesday to reach the full House for debate and initial vote. The issue divides House Republicans who have a 33-32 voting edge.... more »

• Fla gov signs law inspired by Caylee's death

  April 6, 2012 9:41 PM

  TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) - Gov. Rick Scott has signed a bill inspired by 2-year-old Caylee Anthony's death. The law increases the maximum penalty from a year in jail to five years in prison for knowingly making a false statement to police about a missing child. Caylee's mother, Casey Anthony, was... more »

• Parents' rights bill passes with a twist

  April 5, 2012 10:01 PM

  A new bill requiring schools to get parental consent before giving surveys to kids is now on the governor's desk waiting to be signed into law, but the end product is far from the original proposal. Bill supporters wanted written consent before asking kids about things like tobacco and... more »

• Va governor signs pre-abortion ultrasound bill

  March 7, 2012 4:08 PM

  RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - Gov. Bob McDonnell has signed into law a controversial bill that requires women to have abdominal ultrasound exams before undergoing abortions. The Republican governor's signature means the mandate takes effect in July for abortion providers across Virginia. The bill not only sparked protests the past three... more »

• Bill to create a local business app passes Senate

  March 6, 2012 8:13 PM

  DENVER (AP) - Senate Democrats approved a measure to create a smartphone application that shows Colorado locally owned businesses. The bill moved from the Senate to the Republican-controlled House Monday on a party-line vote with Democrats voting in favor. Republicans argue the proposal duplicates what the private sector is already... more »

• Make My Day Better law goes to senate

  March 5, 2012 5:49 AM

  DENVER (AP) - A proposal to allow Colorado business owners and employees to use deadly force against suspected intruders faces its toughest test yet in the state Senate. Colorado homeowners already have self-defense protections against invaders under the state's "Make My Day" law but Republicans want to expand it to... more »

• Overdose immunity bill facing trouble

  March 1, 2012 6:30 AM

  DENVER (AP) - Colorado is debating a proposal to encourage drug users to report overdoses. A bill giving limited criminal immunity to people who report overdoses faces another test Thursday in the Colorado Legislature. Illinois and Washington state already have so-called "911 Good Samaritan" laws giving limited immunity to overdose... more »

• Withholding wages could be a crime

  February 28, 2012 1:42 PM

  DENVER (AP) - Withholding wages from an employee could become criminal in Colorado under a bill being debated at the state Legislature. A House committee will consider a "wage theft" bill Tuesday. The bill would make it illegal to withhold wages owed to workers. Employers would not be charged if... more »

• New bill could ban trans fats in school foods

  January 18, 2012 9:06 PM

  A new bill before the state Legislature could give Colorado the nation's strictest limits on unhealthy fats in school foods. The bill would make margarine, vegetable shortening and other traditional trans fats off-limits. The ban would apply to school lunches, school breakfasts, a la carte side items and vending machines.... more »

• Congress easily OKs bill for vets, contractors

  November 16, 2011 6:04 PM

  WASHINGTON (AP) - Congress has overwhelmingly approved a bill helping government contractors and unemployed veterans, finally giving President Barack Obama the chance to sign the first, tiny shred of his $447 billion jobs bill into law. The House consented to the popular legislation Wednesday 422-0 as Democrats and Republicans... more »

• CO lawmakers want lottery ticket for veterans

  November 5, 2011 12:13 PM

  DENVER (AP) - Two Colorado lawmakers plan to introduce legislation that would create a lottery ticket aimed at raising funds for veterans' services. Republican Rep. Marsha Looper and Democratic Sen. Suzanne Williams will be speaking Saturday at the state Capitol about the legislation they plan to introduce when the Legislature... more »

• Federal ski bill would allow summer recreation

  October 12, 2011 2:48 PM

  STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) - A bill making its way through Congress would make it clear that ski resorts are not just for winter activities. The Ski Area Recreation Opportunity Enhancement Act has already passed the U.S. House of Representatives and now heads to the Senate. Current federal... more »

• Don't miss rebates for winterizing your home

  September 16, 2011 7:22 PM

  As the cooler weather creeps in, you'll want to make sure it stays outside and doesn't find its way into your home. Springs Utilities offered some helpful tips to help you save some money on your heating bill this winter, as well as to get some money back through rebates.... more »

• Senator targets rental car recalls

  May 30, 2011 7:39 PM

  ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer of New York is introducing a bill that would stop car rental agencies from renting automobiles that are under recall for problems that aren't yet fixed. Schumer says the federal law is needed because of serious crashes in recent years involving rental... more »

• Senate committee moves to protect tow truck drivers

  April 27, 2011 5:58 PM

  DENVER (AP) - Colorado lawmakers have approved a bill that would require tow-truck drivers to attach stickers to drivers' windows alerting drivers that the vehicle is being towed after a tow truck driver was dragged to his death by a woman who drove off in her car. Allen Rose... more »

• Bill would change rules on mentally ill in solitary confinement

  April 26, 2011 1:23 PM

  DENVER (AP) - A bill to limit the number of mentally ill inmates who can be put in solitary confinement in Colorado prisons faces its first vote in the Legislature. The Senate Judiciary Committee was scheduled to vote Tuesday on the measure. The percentage of Colorado inmates with mental... more »

• Immigrant tuition bill voted down, again

  April 25, 2011 10:15 PM

  DENVER (AP) - A Republican-led House panel rejected legislation that would allow illegal immigrants to attend Colorado colleges at the lower in-state tuition rate. Republicans who voted against the bill Monday said it would entice more illegal immigrants to come to the U.S. and provide false to students who... more »

• State lawmakers telling schools to play

  March 29, 2011 10:59 PM

  Colorado lawmakers from the House and Senate have reached an agreement on a bill that would require 30 minutes of exercise in elementary schools every day to help combat childhood obesity. "It's a shame that there would need to be legislation requiring something that is so valuable and that... more »

• Death certificates could list pregnancy

  March 23, 2011 1:07 PM

  DENVER (AP) - Colorado death certificates for women could soon list whether they were pregnant when they died. The bill says that when autopsies are required for women, the death certificate must list whether the woman was pregnant when she died. The House originally set the requirement for all... more »

• Civil union bill in for long debate

  March 23, 2011 12:06 PM

  DENVER (AP) - A same-sex civil unions bill expected before the Colorado Senate has both sides ready for a long debate. The measure has already cleared a committee and was scheduled for debate by the full chamber Wednesday. Both sides expected a long floor debate, though legislators could delay... more »

• Man looks to honor fallen tow truck driver with a law

  March 4, 2011 11:29 PM

  Last week's dragging death of tow truck driver Allen Rose had an affect on many; and a big one on Mike Baier, who just couldn't seem to get it off of his mind. He wanted to help. "I'd like to think that something good can come from every tragedy,... more »

• California bill would ban sale of shark fins

  February 14, 2011 3:41 PM

  LOS ANGELES (AP) - Less than one week after Chinese New Year, California legislators have introduced a bill to ban the possession, sale and distribution of shark fins used in a traditional soup. If successful, the proposed ban announced Monday would follow a similar measure enacted in Hawaii last... more »

• Colorado bill aims to stop low-flying AF flights

  February 3, 2011 3:40 PM

  DURANGO (AP)-Two Colorado lawmakers are sponsoring a bill aimed at preventing low-altitude military flights over a large portion of the state. The bill from Reps. Wes McKinley and Edward Vigil tries to do that by reinforcing property rights of people affected by the flights. The Durango Herald reports... more »

• President signs $4.5 billion school food law

  December 13, 2010 2:06 PM

  WASHINGTON (AP) - President Barack Obama has signed into law legislation to provide more lunches and dinners to school children and make those meals healthier. Speaking at an elementary school in the District of Columbia, Obama says the legislation is about doing what is right for America's children and... more »

• Tips to weatherize your house for winter

  October 21, 2010 5:43 PM

  With cooler temperatures on the way, you might want to weatherize your house for winter this weekend. Black Hills Energy says you should drain and cover swap coolers, cover your water heater with a thermal jacket and put weather stripping on windows and doors. "These are all things that's an... more »

• Bill Clinton stumps for Bennet in Colorado

  October 19, 2010 8:48 AM

  Former President Bill Clinton is pleading with Colorado Democrats to stick with Democratic Sen. Michael Bennet, saying that a vote for Republicans would return the nation to dangerous times. About 2,000 people packed a high school gym Monday in northeast Denver to hear Clinton speak in a rally that... more »

• Gov. Ritter to visit Vestas European headquarters

  September 29, 2010 8:40 AM

  Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter is heading to Denmark and Finland this week. His office says he will promote Colorado clean-tech jobs. Among his destinations is the world headquarters of Vestas Wind Systems in Denmark. Vestas is building four production plants in Colorado, including one in Pueblo, that will employ... more »

• Colorado libraries receive grants for computers

  September 28, 2010 8:24 AM

  Colorado has received more than $2 million in federal stimulus funds and other money for hundreds of computers in libraries across the state. Gov. Bill Ritter and state Education Commissioner Dwight Jones said Monday that Colorado has secured a $2.3 million federal grant to open and upgrade computer centers... more »

• White House looks to boost health law at 6 months

  September 22, 2010 8:34 AM

  President Barack Obama once told Democratic lawmakers they'd be proud to campaign on historic health care legislation. Six months later, the only Democrats running ads about it are the ones who voted "no." Now, with crucial midterm elections approaching, the White House is preparing to use the law's six-month... more »

• Contempt case to wrap up against Douglas Bruce

  September 7, 2010 8:19 AM

  The contempt-of-course case against Colorado Springs anti-tax activist Douglas Bruce is expected to wrap-up Tuesday. There's no word on how long Denver District Judge Brian Whitney will take to decide whether to find Douglas Bruce guilty of contempt. Government lawyers say the father of Colorado's Taxpayers Bill of... more »

• Gov. Bill Ritter in Pueblo today

  September 2, 2010 8:49 AM

  Gov. Bill Ritter will visit Vestas Towers plant in Pueblo this morning, where he'll discuss Colorado's leadership in the New Energy Economy. Vestas, maker of wind generators, is hosting more than 100 international investors and journalists for the company's bi-annual Capital Markets Day. more »

• Governor to slash state budget today

  August 23, 2010 8:41 AM

  It just keeps getting worse. Gov. Bill Ritter will announce another round of budget cuts on Monday as the state's fiscal emergency continues. The governor has the power to cut up to $75 million from this year's $18.2 billion budget because the state failed to meet a 2... more »

• Obama to sign $600 million border security bill

  August 13, 2010 8:20 AM

  President Barack Obama is signing a bill Friday to put more agents and equipment along the Mexican border. The Senate passed the $600 million measure during a special session Thursday. The border security measure would fund the hiring of 1,000 new Border Patrol agents, plus 250 Immigration and Customs... more »

• Senate passes bill to stop flow of illegal immigrants

  August 12, 2010 10:30 PM

  The Senate passed a bill today that supporters say will stop the flow of illegal immigrants into the United States. The $600 million bill will pay to put 1000 more border patrol agents on the United States Mexican border. It will also pay for hundreds more ice agents and customs... more »

• House to consider Jobs Bill

  August 10, 2010 8:32 AM

  House Democrats are convening an emergency session to pass a bill aimed at saving hundreds of thousands of teachers and other public workers from unemployment. The one-day session Tuesday also may address another issue that will be on voters' minds this November - lax border security - with passage... more »

• Bill would outlaw inmate cell phones in federal prisons

  July 20, 2010 7:37 PM

  WASHINGTON (AP) - The House has passed a bill that bans inmates from using or possessing cell phones in federal prisons. A similar bill already has passed the Senate. Congress is trying to crack down on the smuggling of cell phones into federal prisons, where they can be used... more »

• Congress sends Obama sweeping Wall Street bill

  July 15, 2010 2:56 PM

  Congress is sending legislation to President Barack Obama imposing sweeping new regulations on Wall Street and creating new protections for millions of consumers. The Senate passed the massive overhaul Thursday, nearly two years after a financial crisis knocked the economy to its knees. more »

• House bill would make school lunches healthier

  July 15, 2010 1:19 PM

  House Democrats are moving forward on first lady Michelle Obama's vision for healthier school lunches, propelling legislation that calls for tougher standards governing food in school and more meals for hungry children. The bill approved by the House Education and Labor Committee Thursday would allow the Agriculture Department to... more »

• Colorado congressman works toward another wilderness area in Colorado

  June 16, 2010 6:39 PM

  U.S. Rep. Jared Polis is weighing environmental concerns against access for hunters as he works on a measure to designate more than 340,000 acres of Colorado land as wilderness. The freshman Democrat says he hasn't found a balance yet for the Hidden Gems Wilderness proposal, but he says he's... more »

• Kagan advice to Clinton on sex scandal to be kept secret

  June 11, 2010 2:43 PM

  Bill Clinton's presidential library is keeping secret memos and notes Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan wrote in connection with the Paula Jones sexual harassment suit. Kagan was deeply involved in defending Clinton in the lawsuit brought by the ex-Arkansas state worker that touched off events leading to Clinton's impeachment,... more »

• Governor Ritter signs radioactive waste bill

  June 8, 2010 5:07 PM

  Governor Bill Ritter signed a bill in Canon City Tuesday afternoon to tighten regulations on radioactive waste in Colorado. It requires uranium mills to clean up radioactive waste before accepting more radioactive material. Uranium mills are now allowed to postpone cleanup until they finish production and decommission their facilities.... more »

• New law cuts Colorado vehicle registration late fees

  June 8, 2010 8:18 AM

  Gov. Bill Ritter has signed a bill to reduce late vehicle registration fees following complaints from owners of trailers and vehicles that got little use. The new law reduces the penalty for late registration of non-motorized trailers that weigh between 2,000 and 16,000 pounds. Motorists clamored for changes after... more »

• Massive education cuts around the country

  June 1, 2010 9:12 AM

  Deep cuts may be looming for the nation's public school students as budget crises are forcing teacher pink-slips, shuttered classrooms and school program cuts. New York public schools are $500 million short. Illinois will cut 12,600 education jobs and in California 23-thousand teacher layoff notices have already been sent... more »

• Insurers bracing for Colorado storm claims

  May 28, 2010 8:09 AM

  Colorado residents and insurance companies are just starting to assess the damage from Wednesday's blast of tornados and thunderstorms, but the bill likely will be big. Carole Walker of the Rocky Mountain Insurance Information Association said Thursday that the larger insurance companies expect the damages to run into the... more »

• Oklahoma legislature overrides Governor's veto of abortion bill

  May 25, 2010 4:45 PM

  The Oklahoma Legislature has overridden the governor's veto of an abortion bill that would require women and doctors to complete lengthy questionnaires before the procedure could be done. It is the third time this session the Republican-controlled House and Senate have overridden Democratic Gov. Brad Henry's veto of an... more »

• Colorado drug use penalties to decrease

  May 25, 2010 8:11 AM

  Penalties for drug possession and use will decrease under a law to be signed by Gov. Bill Ritter. Possessing any amount of the date rape drug Rohypnol, the rave party drug ketamine, also known as Special K, as well as methamphetamine would remain felonies under state law. The... more »

• Gov. Ritter vetoes sex offender bill

  May 21, 2010 5:43 PM

  Gov. Bill Ritter has vetoed a bill regulating the sex offender management board, saying the legislation went too far by allowing convicts to choose their own treatment programs. Ritter says the bill did not have an adequate hearing before it was adopted and would weaken the program. The governor says... more »