[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6277145,"mediaKeyId","2657094-fc2e94958b0fda8a236c23297661b36b","parentId",2657094,"title","Senate committee hears hours of testimony on bill to allow virtual veterinary client‑patient relationships","audioSeconds",5065,"startMs",8721000,"endMs",13786000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2657094-fc2e94958b0fda8a236c23297661b36b&start=8721&end=13786","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2657094-fc2e94958b0fda8a236c23297661b36b/thumbnail_8721000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6277145/Colorado/Senate-committee-hears-hours-of-testimony-on-bill-to-allow-virtual-veterinary-clientpatient-relationships","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6277145-1dc73248a8519851ce70b4664d369129/orig.mp4?Expires=1771140828&Signature=o~yprhVRK445wKFgu4GuOgSEq3-AXSlzdaMLBWplvIyol37CgKZoglvlzuRorGWmDjE~wPIJhtNBArHOpdOBu7XNJ9Oum7pgJSNvz~XMWvTMXQbnPbjyoEBoz5anUA8LleHRvjUuiLX5bzmujoRujsOlXPAPo-z3yCb1M10MCm612YViIaPMkfirMkFXk2-7VLGiApe0E38AAHHLYH1hQxy7w4rjpdTf4Tz7J0kIp~Wyn1zNcSVm0qBpEk8gjr0xB~ZguvLOz5ZlE3qN~5hCMB8D8UKg~7KZfu4ieTlyyin3gU3xk4TLgS5NLUJZ9D-vl5E6gJXLIaWbEP8zIDikTw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Colorado State Legislature","date","2025-03-13T00:00:00Z","article","Senate Bill 159 would permit a licensed Colorado veterinarian to establish a VCPR through a live audio‑visual exam (a virtual VCPR) and thereby allow veterinarians to provide telemedicine and prescribe certain medications for patients they see virtually. Sponsors Senators Lisa Cutter and Janet Winter framed the bill as a response to a statewide shortage of veterinarians and a documented gap in access in rural and low‑income communities.

Supporters included veterinary telemedicine advocates, animal welfare organizations and shelters, utilities and county advocates who testified that telemedicine expands access to care for seniors, people without transportation, and families who otherwise surrender pets when care is unavailable. Witnesses cited other states (seven named) that permit virtual VCPRs and testified they found no reported harms. Multiple shelter and welfare organizations, the ASPCA, Humane Colorado and private telemedicine providers described examples where virtual contacts would have prevented suffering and helped prepare anxious pets for in‑person care.

Opposing testimony came from numerous practicing veterinarians, veterinarians representing the Colorado Veterinary Medical Association and registered veterinary technicians. Opponents argued the current Colorado law (adopted last year) already allows tele‑triage and tele‑advice once an in‑person VCPR is established and that allowing virtual VCPRs would limit veterinarians to on‑label prescribing under federal guidance (making many common, off‑label but standard veterinary prescriptions unavailable in a virtual VCPR), risk poorer diagnostics without hands‑on exams and could open the door to corporate, out‑of‑state dispensing models that undercut rural mobile practitioners. Several veterinarians used case examples to illustrate circumstances where a first, in‑person exam revealed critical diagnostic information not available remotely.

After lengthy testimony from both sides, sponsors asked that the bill be laid over for action only to continue stakeholder discussions and to seek specific drafting feedback from veterinary organizations. The committee agreed to lay SB159 over for later action; the hearing record contains robust technical and policy material on telemedicine practice, federal prescribing rules and implementation safeguards.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Senate Agriculture & Natural Resources [Mar 13, 2025]","oneSentenceSummary","Senate Bill 159 would allow licensed Colorado veterinarians to establish a veterinarian‑client‑patient relationship via a synchronous audio‑visual exam; the committee heard extensive, divided testimony about access to care, federal prescribing rules and risks to rural veterinary practices.","taxTitle","Agriculture & Natural Resources, Standing Committees, Senate, Committees, Legislative, Colorado","taxId",15033,"location","Colorado","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6277151,"Parks and Wildlife confirmations highlight tension over wolf reintroduction and producer protections",1285,1052000,2337000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2657094-fc2e94958b0fda8a236c23297661b36b&start=1052&end=2337","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2657094-fc2e94958b0fda8a236c23297661b36b/thumbnail_1052000.jpg","/articles/6277151/Colorado/Parks-and-Wildlife-confirmations-highlight-tension-over-wolf-reintroduction-and-producer-protections","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6277151-3074fb5e029013b687207de16955d7ad/orig.mp4?Expires=1771140828&Signature=mx0K4BFw3vO~rDlXpM2ZPS87WnjMT5Wrk7h74E2lGqSWjW2VvLuB4zvju7XMj3ODXOQ1We05DT1sxaFkUoREzFuVTRElFYRipJd9nsABpN68d05osZUzJ3UAZ7bv4QGn0Y~8KaUifP3mn6-uoVqmxMl0cBjelC1MnaCaZagkXXqqZzH8OPu9gA5I8vp5jvP6Yj1Ei9sC72mZwaCZ5NUwKPuoyG36LC1wWegCu2c9FIKGx6w14zYUwTTPjz99-dLuaIb35gb5mr34~8-n~OfmimqElcEaEgQz5~4D14vCyrECE6i1Z9RZcv94FtCdpfXmjJijtZmkQlgOQPtKhyjILw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Senate Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee conducted an extended confirmation hearing for four Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission appointees and discussed the state's wolf reintroduction implementation, producer protections and commission independence.

Director Dan Gibbs introduced Dallas May (reappointment), Jay Tuchton (reappointment), Murphy Robinson (new appointee) and Ty Jacober (new appointee). The commission is an 11‑member citizen board that sets regulations and policy for Colorado Parks and Wildlife; statute requires geographic and political balance and at least four members west of the Continental Divide.

Commissioners and committee members focused much of their questioning on the wolf plan: how the commission balances the voter‑approved Proposition 114 mandate to establish a sustainable wolf population with livestock compensation and conflict reduction; the petition from livestock groups seeking a pause in further reintroductions based on seven conditions; and recent damage claims and payments. Dallas May detailed the petition process and said the commission followed its procedural path, ultimately voting with the division's recommendation to deny the petition in January; he and others described last week's consent vote approving damage claims to producers.

Senators pressed nominees on site assessments, the statutory standard for resolving conflicts with producers, the role of lethal removal and whether commissioners receive direction from the governor's office. Commissioners said the commission is a Type 1 independent body and that they had not received operational direction from the governor during meetings. The committee approved several nominations and placed them on the consent calendar; one reappointment failed in committee by a 3–4 vote.

The hearing included detailed examples and procedural background affecting rural producers and the commission's operational relationship with CPW staff. Several nominees stressed outreach plans and the work required to implement a complex, adaptive wolf management program.","The committee held a lengthy confirmation hearing for four appointees to the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission. Discussion centered on wolf reintroduction, producer compensation, site assessments and the commission's independence; the committee forwarded several nominations while one reappointment failed.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6277155,"Committee advances Water Resources & Power Development Authority reappointments",538,459000,997000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2657094-fc2e94958b0fda8a236c23297661b36b&start=459&end=997","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2657094-fc2e94958b0fda8a236c23297661b36b/thumbnail_459000.jpg","/articles/6277155/Colorado/Committee-advances-Water-Resources-Power-Development-Authority-reappointments","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6277155-2f7211019ddc770dc70dac8f80d80675/orig.mp4?Expires=1771140828&Signature=KjB-kDEudqc39YUzAq8oqJqX0IDk6kVsokce1zF55-PZuEtTNKqEOHv3Utk5wm~yTHynZ~cwoasIbMo6BNvfzcQGjOopFT60GjOBiLk3EFpMYlDAIQ9VX8qSANbnfiYXfNkl4WK5x0zjTRn33a0EwPx9j2s8xV1n4iXjiVBjTR6Ig0O85l9PVVxVR8Tv2ptDAaNaIraZYZ3W7Ff85Ub99JictjzVuv0o7RJcnBSX77cbjz25I~C7TH4NjSc5eBKfZq6YY7LtuIcbcdEaOa9JrQbjLuVpLJlN~WIEgiPXTlVfb3LAHUfcH39Oon8guMnM-JnsTOUrEhoGhsfd10p9ww__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Senate Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee voted to send the reappointments of Eric Wilkinson and Patricia (Patty) Wells to the Colorado Water Resources and Power Development Authority to the full Senate with a favorable recommendation.

Keith McLaughlin, executive director of the authority, introduced both nominees and reviewed the authority's lending history: nearly 900 loans totaling about $3.45 billion to date, most through state revolving fund (SRF) programs. He told senators the authority expects to issue 30 to 50 loans in 2025, totaling an estimated $150 million to $230 million depending on federal funding.

Patty Wells described her legal and water‑board background and emphasized experience in bringing loans and federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds to Colorado communities. Eric Wilkinson outlined his decades of water management experience and service on multiple water boards. Senator Marchman moved the reappointments to the full Senate; committee members voiced support and the nominations were forwarded on the consent calendar.","The committee advanced two reappointments — Eric Wilkinson and Patricia (Patty) Wells — to the Colorado Water Resources and Power Development Authority and praised the authority’s lending programs supporting small communities.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6277160,"Senate committee clears State Fair Authority reappointments for full Senate",55,355000,410000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2657094-fc2e94958b0fda8a236c23297661b36b&start=355&end=410","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2657094-fc2e94958b0fda8a236c23297661b36b/thumbnail_355000.jpg","/articles/6277160/Colorado/Senate-committee-clears-State-Fair-Authority-reappointments-for-full-Senate","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6277160-c6f523cbcd6cc5f1633757ad63322a8e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771140828&Signature=gGM5jQb3-fzYdLuNIfaKdBd-agWiNgF6TbmQ~Nu1uFGxu6nUWBQlz0vpnWIhAvV2Zi5e2L8jqJkej20rRsfxOfTcxJ0~vKoivj-7cxplZADLSM4UZyYB5ui3NHGFzypw8CrJBg6D~K3EEKMHlYZzDsFA1k6oM6CTxBJOEg4xrXvj-s7cvdXH1TLC2WCoThyG4s5qVg6S5bWBshcBHT6i9-mOOVhCt5mhIWTOnIcCy8T-XBjGu~X1yqX7U-PDhS2ApiabH2E2TGmNH-VPKZYF4qrpQbhxqmowMlRTJkSSg9QykA6-EC4G0u5IGaarzPPAFeH9oz49pkHC-YzkMqSQXA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Senate Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee advanced two reappointments to the Colorado State Fair Authority to the full Senate on the consent calendar after a brief confirmation hearing.

The reappointments of Bill Hibble and John Singletary were moved by Senator Marchman and placed on the committee’s consent calendar without objection. The committee recorded the nominees’ remarks about lifelong connections to the state fair and their interest in supporting 4‑H and FFA youth programs.

Hibble, who described growing up in Pueblo and serving previously in the Colorado House, said the state fair provides an important forum for rural youth and the broader community. Singletary, who said he has attended dozens of state fairs and emphasized outreach to 4‑H and FFA participants, likewise asked for the committee’s support.

After the committee vote, senators signaled no objection to placing the nominations on the consent calendar. The nominations will be scheduled for consideration by the full Senate as part of that calendar.","The Senate Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee heard short introductions from appointees to the Colorado State Fair Authority and voted to forward the nominations of Bill Hibble and John Singletary to the full Senate on the consent calendar.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6277142,"Committee endorses bill to seed Colorado nuclear workforce programs and sends it to appropriations",1665,13966000,15631000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2657094-fc2e94958b0fda8a236c23297661b36b&start=13966&end=15631","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2657094-fc2e94958b0fda8a236c23297661b36b/thumbnail_13966000.jpg","/articles/6277142/Colorado/Committee-endorses-bill-to-seed-Colorado-nuclear-workforce-programs-and-sends-it-to-appropriations","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6277142-0fa834e19afedf665fc8e41b948067af/orig.mp4?Expires=1771140828&Signature=o6oj8FmgdoN4FiMbqH~B1LTL3Wj0wp8nWGHmUNtYrwto5yv2baonD2GK5oBFBhzshInN0yp2lIcXGX3NQ4nz4JF8nmuihQou5IiKUy0eMb6OqLWHDsNW0dKRcI91yVrhPBoFoz--ArWjtL1floCqyS3P4XsgTckUtPsu~o5HuwEDidAgLu6Lo-4a8yWUMixraUHY~LDh65X2Lk1gZHn~xJbhTpSZR7F38TJhmxquqnVay3I~FBwhMONYr4PYw5HDCYq5PSR2vg138nyj4pMUo-Q6sSUs~scsAWTkyg6yrKnyDy4jzKMB0YOtu68VBzkBIrOB3vKqQepObG5-UoqsSg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senate Bill 120 would create the Colorado Nuclear Workforce Development and Education Council and a grant program to support development of degree and certificate programs, modular training, and courses related to nuclear energy and advanced reactors. Sponsors described the bill as a preparatory step to build Colorado's workforce capacity should advanced nuclear or fusion development occur in the state.

Senator Liston and Senator Marchman said the council and a competitive grant process would leverage gifts, grants and donations rather than general fund dollars; the bill requires $500,000 in external funding before the council may begin grant awards. The strike‑below amendment adopted in committee clarifies council staffing and allows up to 10% of third‑party contract funds for administration.

Supporters included Colorado School of Mines, Colorado Springs Utilities, Club 20, Associated Governments of Northwest Colorado, Colorado State University and engineering and business groups. Witnesses said Colorado already has nuclear education assets and private and public entities willing to support program development; they also framed the work as a just‑transition and workforce development tool for energy communities.

After adopting the strike‑below amendment, the committee voted to send SB120 to the Committee on Appropriations with a favorable recommendation.","Senate Bill 120 establishes a grant and council structure to fund and coordinate nuclear workforce and education programs using gifts, grants and donations. The committee adopted a sponsor strike‑below amendment and voted to send the bill to Appropriations with a favorable recommendation.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Senate committee hears hours of testimony on bill to allow virtual veterinary client‑patient relationships

Parks and Wildlife confirmations highlight tension over wolf reintroduction and producer protections

Committee advances Water Resources & Power Development Authority reappointments

Senate committee clears State Fair Authority reappointments for full Senate

Committee endorses bill to seed Colorado nuclear workforce programs and sends it to appropriations