DENVER – Between the two chambers of the state Legislature, 35 bills were scheduled for third reading, nine received a second reading and 21 went before committees Monday.

Ten of the 12 “orbital bills” to the state budget were passed by the House. The bills are required to balance the budget and include a measure to transfer severance tax revenue to the general fund.Severance tax is a fee paid by oil and gas companies with the understanding that it will go towards the communities most affected by their operations.

The most influential of the orbital bills would reduce the amount of federal matching funds the state receives. It is scheduled for second reading on Wednesday.

House Bill 1273, which would require contractors to outline potential water conservation measures as part of the permitting process for any new developments of over 50 units, passed third reading on a 40-25 vote in the House.While the bill would require the options be provided, it does not mandate their implementation as part of the permitting process, allowing local governments to make that decision.

It now heads to the Senate for consideration.

HB 1203, which allows local governments to apply a special sales tax on retail marijuana, and HB 1188, which updates statute on bias-motivated crimes to ensure harassment based on sexual orientation and physical or mental disability are included, both passed second reading in the Senate and will receive a final vote in the coming days.

lperkins@durangoherald.com

HB 1203, which allows local governments to apply a special sales tax on retail marijuana, and HB 1188, which updates statute on bias-motivated crimes to ensure harassment based on sexual orientation and physical or mental disability are included, both passed second reading in the Senate and will receive a final vote in the coming days.