DENVER- One week from Friday, the Colorado General Assembly will meet for the 2019 session.
This year, Democrats will enter the halls of the state capitol having the majority of both chambers and major state elected positions including Governor.
The session starts on a Friday this year, and earlier than normal, for a few reasons.
According to the state’s constitution, the legislature must be in session to declare the winners of the major state elected positions: Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, and Treasurer.
Additionally, the General Assembly and Governor have to be sworn in by certain dates.
In 2018, lawmakers worked together, with a split legislature, get bills passed on education and transportation funding.
One bill that didn’t make it through the General Assembly is expected to be a major point of discussion this year: A Red Flag Law.
Last year’s bill died in committee, even with bipartisan support.
The bill would allow a judge to place an extreme risk protection order on an individual, to temporarily remove weapons from a person who’s a risk to either themselves or other people.
Both family members and law enforcement could file the protection order.
With the defeat of Proposition 112 in November’s election, oil and gas setbacks are also expected to be a topic at the capitol this spring.
