Hartsook: Record-setting session dominated by ‘extreme Progressive’ wing of Democrat party

BY BRIAN PORTER / FEBRUARY 28, 2024 / STATE, ROCKY MOUNTAIN VOICE, TOP STORIES

The speed with which legislation is flowing in the Colorado Legislature is unprecedented, Rep. Anthony Hartsook told constituents Wednesday in a newsletter.

Hartsook serves Douglas County residents in House District 44.

“The legislature is well on its way to a record or near-record year for the volume of legislation,” he wrote. “I continue to fight for tax relief, parental rights, public safety, veterans and small business.”

In an address Saturday to Weld County residents, Sen. Barbara Kirkmeyer predicted bill count could reach 1,000. The bill total presently sits at 470.

Hartsook sponsored House Bill 1156, which would allow issuance of a special event permit to a chamber of commerce and its members related to events where alcohol might be served. He also sponsored Senate Bill 124, requiring all individual and group health benefit plans to provide coverage for biomarker testing, if supported by medical and scientific evidence. The required testing under the bill does not include biomarker testing for screening purposes or direct-to-consumer genetic tests.

The bill would “help patients identify the specific cancer and start treatment early,” Hartsook wrote.

He is also a sponsor of SB 109, to help veterans with career placement and benefits, and HB 1013, to designate funding for the new 23rd Judicial District to compensate crime victims.

“I am also introducing legislation for national background checks on all personnel involved in the purchasing and operating of massage parlors to help reduce human trafficking and other illegal activities,” he wrote.

While not a prime sponsor, Hartsook has supported HB 1052 to reinstate a refundable income tax credit to help income-qualified seniors afford housing. Qualifying residents would be required to be 65 years of age or older, have federal adjusted gross income of less than $75,000 if filing single or $150,000 if filing jointly, and have not claimed the senior property tax exemption for 2024.

He reported Democrats opposition and killing of HB 1092, which would have set a minimum prison sentence for anyone involved in the prostitution of children.

“Pedophiles belong in prison,” Hartsook wrote.

He also noted Democrats had killed HB 1065, which would have reduced the individual and corporate state income tax rate from 4.4% to 4.0%.

“Republicans support an income tax reduction to help all Coloradans, but the Democrats voted it down,” Hartsook wrote.

The newsletter also details the passage of HB 1039, concerning the non-legal name change for students in schools and to require public and charter schools to use the student’s preferred name if requested by the student, and otherwise deems the action a form of discrimination.

“Unfortunately, extreme Progressives continue to pass legislation that attacks parental and Constitutional rights,” Hartsook wrote. “The sponsors of HB 1039 stated that parents are the problem. I believe that all discussions about kids must involve their parents in the decision-making process.”

He also noted HB 1174, concerning permitting to carry a concealed handgun.

“This bill requires additional classes and standards beyond current requirements for concealed handgun training, which increases cost and waiting times,” Hartsook wrote.