In looking over a list of issues that occupied our state legislators last week, we were gratified to see there is another effort to make it easier for an illegal state resident to test for a driver’s license. Currently, there are only three drivers’ examination locations in the state designated to offer drivers’ licenses for that group, and demand has outstripped staff time and office hours. This legislation would add six additional locations.
This issue is not about creating another state expense, as the license fees will cover costs; it is all about making roads and highways safer for all drivers.
Allowing someone to have a driver’s license means they have passed the driver’s test and have insurance. It also means greater opportunities for work, and makes driving recklessly to avoid being stopped or fleeing an accident less likely.
The country’s immigration issues can be solved only at the national level, but in the meantime it makes good sense for all Colorado residents no matter their status to have a driver’s license.
The legislation moved from a state House committee last week, and has a long way to travel. We hope it succeeds.
H H H In our we-did-not-know-this-was-necessary box, there is a bipartisan effort underway in the General Assembly to create a Colorado Office of Fantasy Sports to ensure that these mostly online games are conducted fairly. Game operators will have to undergo background checks and be licensed. While tens of thousands of Coloradans apparently play online games, legislation proponents say there are opportunities for financial scams.
Those opposed say that betting amounts are small, and that there have been few or no cases of any significant amounts of money being lost.
Put us in the category of being skeptical that the state’s involvement in online gaming is required.
H H H Out of the House last week by an unanimous vote — that is 65 to 0 — and on to a Senate committee was legislation to prevent individuals with false service animals from receiving the same privileges that are given to individuals with disabilities accompanied by actual service animals. No animals that are not properly trained, and no animals that provide “emotional support, well-being, comfort or companionship,” for example, will be permitted. And, do not be fooled by vests or markings, or a certificate, says the legislative writers, as they may be false.
The penalty is a misdemeanor with a first offense fine of between $350 and $1,000.
Legislation proponents say it also applies to those who misrepresent themselves as trainers, and is necessary to halt the “increasing confusion related to service animals. …”
The legislation does not make it clear how a legitimately needed and trained animal is to be identified.
Animals can provide safety and comfort and make independence possible, and for that they are rightly valued. The number of service animals does seem to be growing, but we had not realized that the number of abuses warranted state action.
