The Beginning Of Week Six At The Colorado State Capitol

Two years ago, I introduced HB24-1371, to require background checks on all personnel involved with massage parlors to reduce human trafficking and other illegal activities. This year we are bringing legislation to allow local communities to implement additional requirements to stem the tide of human trafficking in certain communities. In addition, I supported HB26-1082 to increase penalties for trafficking a minor.

Yet as human trafficking is a major problem in Colorado, the Democrats introduced SB26-097 to legalize prostitution. This is a quote from the legislation: “The bill repeals the state criminal offenses of prostitution, soliciting for prostitution, keeping a place of

prostitution, patronizing a prostitute, and prostitute making display. It also repeals the offense of pandering…” This is the antithesis of protecting children and reducing human trafficking.

I also sponsored HB26-1108, to report crimes committed by persons in trusted positions like teachers, healthcare workers, and law enforcement if they commit a crime outside Colorado. Parents and the public need to know if a teacher commits a crime in another

state that can endanger a child in Colorado. We have had deputies arrested for DUI, teachers arrested for child endangerment, healthcare workers threaten not to treat conservatives, and massage therapists charged with sexual assault. People charged with a crime are innocent until proven guilty, but the public has a right to know the quality of people entrusted with ensuring kids and the public are safe while in their care.

In addition, I am sponsoring legislation to increase the felony charge for strangulation. In domestic violence cases, the risk for homicide increases by 750% after the first strangulation (Glass et al. (2008). Non fatal strangulation is an important risk factor for homicide of women. The Journal of Emergency Medicine, 35(3), 329-335). Strangulation assaults have increased on teachers, medical personnel, law enforcement, and domestic violence. Repeat offenders belong in jail and not the current revolving door system.

It was an honor to speak at Military Appreciation Day at the Capitol! I sponsored two resolutions: HJR26-1013, Persian Gulf War Remembrance, and HJR26-1014, Honoring Post-9/11 Veterans.

It was a privledge to receive the Legislators Distinction Award from the Colorado Bankers Association.