Senate opens with pledge, welcomes foreign exchange students and schedules recess

The Senate convened with roll call, the Pledge of Allegiance led by Senator Bazely and routine business before moving into member announcements and a brief ceremonial introduction. Senator Marchman used a moment of personal privilege to introduce seven foreign exchange students attending the session, noting three participants from the FLEX program (students from Ukraine, Kazakhstan and Armenia) and four students from France, China and Italy; Marchman also introduced a constituent and host mom, Tanya Datti.

Senator Rich announced a legislative breakfast on Jan. 22 from 7:30 to 9 a.m. with the Professional Land Surveyors of Colorado in front of the Old Supreme Court Chamber. Senator Weisman reminded members to attend day two of a three-day joint judiciary "Smart Act" series at 9:30 a.m. in the Old State Library, which will feature updates from the judicial branch, the state board of parole, the access to justice commission and other panels. Senator Amabile noted that the Joint Budget Committee (JBC) will meet across the street after adjournment.

Majority Leader Rodriguez notified members of a wholesale liquor and beer industry reception at the University Club of Denver and moved that the Senate recess until 11 a.m. for bill reading; the motion carried and the body recessed.

The session included procedural floor business and non-substantive ceremonial remarks; policy debates or committee-level deliberations were not recorded in these segments.