The Colorado Senate on the floor adopted several pieces of legislation and confirmed a gubernatorial appointment during a session that included brief debate on equestrian measures and ceremonial recognitions.

Senators voted to pass Senate Bill 173, a measure addressing the classification of certain state revenue for purposes of calculating state fiscal year spending under “section 20 of article 10 of the state constitution,” by a 22-12 margin. The chamber also passed Senate Bill 164, a bill about opioid antagonists with a primary focus on youth and school policies, by a 32-2 margin. House Bill 1043, described as protecting unit owners in enforcement actions by unit owner associations, passed 23-11. Other bills approved included Senate Bill 31 (31-3), Senate Bill 149 (28-6) and additional measures announced as signed by the president.

The Senate confirmed James J. Touchton of Hasty to the Parks and Wildlife Commission to a term expiring July 1, 2028. The appointment, described as representing “a nonprofit organization that promotes conservation and recognizes non consumptive wildlife use,” was confirmed by a vote of 20-14.

Why it matters: The measures approved affect how the state counts revenue for fiscal limits, how schools and health authorities address youth opioid overdoses, and consumer protections for condominium and homeowners association enforcement actions. Confirmation of a Parks and Wildlife commissioner fills an agency seat that advises state wildlife policy.

Most significant actions

- Senate Bill 173: Sponsors said the bill clarifies how some categories of revenue are classified when calculating state fiscal year spending under section 20, article X, of the state constitution, and clarifies statutory definitions such as “damage awards” and “property sale.” Senator Weisman moved the bill on third reading; the vote was 22 ayes, 12 no, 0 absent, 0 excused, 1 vacant. The motion for final passage was adopted.

- Senate Bill 164: The bill centers on opioid antagonists with special attention to youth. It clarifies requirements for school policies on possession and administration of opioid antagonists, requires the State Board of Health to determine to whom a prescriber may prescribe or dispense an opioid antagonist, and requires the State Board of Health to consult with the Colorado Youth Advisory Council on youth opioid-epidemic issues. Senator Majors moved the bill on third reading; the vote was 32 ayes, 2 no, 0 absent, 0 excused, 1 vacant.

- House Bill 1043: Described in the title as concerning protection of unit owners in relation to enforcement actions by unit owner associations. Senator Exum moved final passage; the bill passed 23-11, 0 absent, 0 excused, 1 vacant.

- Senate Bill 149: Sponsored by Senator Doherty and described as “concerning measures affecting equestrians,” the bill drew a short exchange on outreach to agricultural and local governments. One senator said they would not vote yes but thanked sponsors for outreach; another recounted a personal anecdote in explaining a yes vote. Final tally: 28 ayes, 6 no, 0 absent, 0 excused, 1 vacant.

- Senate Bill 31: Announced passed by voice and an indicated recorded vote of 31 ayes, 3 no, 0 absent, 0 excused, 1 vacant.

Appointment confirmation

- James J. Touchton, member, Parks and Wildlife Commission (term to 07/01/2028). The Senate moved and adopted reconsideration and then moved confirmation on the floor. The motion to confirm was adopted with 20 ayes and 14 no votes; 0 absent, 0 excused, 1 vacant.

Other actions and committee items

- The Senate adopted SJR 013 honoring Nowruz (Persian New Year) by voice vote. Several committee reports were read recommending bills be referred to the Committee of the Whole or to Appropriations with favorable recommendation; committee-recommended amendments were announced for several bills.

Statements and ceremonial remarks

Senator Michaelson Janae, speaking during a moment of personal privilege for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Day, said, “people with IDD and those who support them are worried about how state and federal budget discussions might affect their services.” Senator Hendrickson recognized a late-night shooting in Pueblo’s Bessemer neighborhood and said she was “extraordinarily grateful” that the officers involved were not facing life-threatening injuries.

What the record shows next

The Senate recessed and planned to reconvene at 11 a.m. for further business and committee meetings. Several committees scheduled hearings and the president signed a set of previously passed bills later in the day.