Joint Budget Committee introduces several bills into the process; motions pass 6-0

The Joint Budget Committee voted to introduce and advance several budget-related bills; each introduction motion passed by voice or recorded tally referenced as 6-0.

Key votes at a glance:

- Broadband Infrastructure Cash Fund Transfer: Committee approved introduction of a bill to transfer money from the General Fund to the Broadband Infrastructure Cash Fund to install broadband at the Colorado Territorial Correctional Facility. Motion to introduce passed 6-0; staff were authorized to make technical corrections.

- Temporary Inmate Transfer (Sterling Access Controls): Committee introduced a bill granting temporary authorization for the Department of Corrections to use Centennial South Tower to accommodate impacts from the Sterling Access Controls Project; motion passed 6-0.

- Funds for support of a Digital Trunked Radio System (DTRS): The committee introduced a bill providing DTRS funding; the motion passed 6-0. A related draft (LLS 1025) contemplates a severance tax transfer of $15,000,000 per year for 10 years to fund vendor contracts and equipment upgrades.

- Repeal of annual general fund transfer to an agricultural agency revolving fund: Committee introduced a bill repealing an annual $400,000 general fund transfer to the State Ag Agency Sustainability Revolving Fund; motion passed 6-0.

Motions were typically moved by committee members and recorded as passing without objection. Sponsors for introduced measures were identified in the transcript (Senator Kirkmeyer and cosponsors in the Senate; Representatives Sirota, Taggart, Byrd and others in the House) and staff were granted authority to make technical corrections where necessary.

Why it matters: introduction of these measures advances funding and technical fixes for corrections broadband, temporary inmate placement tied to capital projects, statewide radio infrastructure, and a small repeal of an ongoing general fund transfer. Each measure will follow the standard bill drafting and committee referral process.

Next steps: bills will start in the Senate and may run with the long bill or in a post‑package depending on drafting and timing; staff will coordinate sponsors and technical corrections and return with final drafts as needed.