Senate passes early-childhood bill, confirms appointments and honors departing senator

The Colorado Senate used floor time on Feb. 12 to pass Senate Bill 19, confirm a slate of gubernatorial appointments on the consent calendar and acknowledge the service of departing Sen. Daphna Michaelson Janae.

Senate Bill 19, carried by Senator Ball and co-sponsored by Senator Brighton and Representatives Serota and Gonzales, advances changes to local early-childhood infrastructure by expanding responsibilities of early childhood councils to incorporate functions previously performed by local coordinating organizations and by imposing new accountability requirements. Senator Ball moved the bill on third reading and encouraged an aye vote; the bill passed the floor with 31 ayes, 3 no and 1 excused.

The Senate also confirmed appointments on the governor’s consent calendar by a roll call of 34 ayes, 0 no and 1 excused. Confirmed nominees included Robert Gardner to the Colorado Commission on Judicial Discipline, Sarah Young to the state board of parole, members for the Colorado Educational and Cultural Facilities Authority board and reappointments and appointments to the state board for community colleges and the Adams State University board of trustees.

Members then delivered tributes to Senator Daphna Michaelson Janae, who will depart the legislature. Colleagues across the aisle praised her advocacy on mental health and committee leadership. Michaelson Janae thanked colleagues and said she remains available to them in future endeavors.

What happens next
SB19 will be enrolled and forwarded per legislative procedure. Confirmed appointments take effect as listed in the clerk’s reading; the Senate recessed to continue business later in the day.