Housing and small business relief bills introduced during first day of special session

DENVER, Colo. (KRDO) -- On the first day of Colorado's special legislative session to address relief efforts for COVID-19, 37 bills were introduced. Now, less than half remain.

Colorado lawmakers made their way to Denver with the goal to propose and pass legislation to help Coloradans continuing to struggle with the pandemic. So far, 15 out of the 37 introduced are still making their way through the system.

Representative Daneya Esgar with Colorado's 46th district says most of these bills are what residents have been asking for. "I feel pretty confident about getting some good work done for the people of Colorado," Esgar says.

Two bills have already been passed. They dealt with allowing public comment to be done remotely in the House and Senate.

Some of the legislation if passed would help those who can't pay their rent, mortgage, or utility bill. In addition, Colorado small businesses and child care providers would see millions of dollars in relief.

Students attending class from home would receive better internet access. As for the state, it would be given $100 million for its emergency fund for public health response to the pandemic.

Three of the bills go after Colorado's Governor. Two of them, if passed, would shorten the duration the Governor can implement an emergency order. The third bill would actually take away the Governor's ability to create executive orders under an emergency declaration.