The Colorado House of Representatives worked through the weekend to address four measures related to abortion and transgender issues, including a bill that penalizes “deadnaming” and “misgendering.” One of the bills, Senate Bill 183, aligns state statutes with the voters’ decision to enshrine the right to an abortion in the state Constitution. The bill passed on a vote of 40-21 and now heads to the governor for signing.
Another bill, House Bill 1309, codifies “gender-affirming care” and prohibits health insurance providers from denying such care. The bill passed on a party-line vote, 40-20, and is now heading to the Senate.
Two other bills were voted on without debate, utilizing House Rule 16 to move the process along. House Bill 1312 aims to penalize “deadnaming” and “misgendering,” while Senate Bill 129 addresses legal protections for abortion and gender transition services.
Republicans have raised concerns about the lack of debate and rushed process, with House Minority Leader Rep. Rose Pugliese stating that “Coloradans deserve better” than being silenced in the legislative process.
The House will now shift their focus to working on the 2025-26 state budget this week.
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Photo credit denvergazette.com
