Gov. Ritter Signs 26 Bills into Law Today

Press Release

GOV. RITTER SIGNS 26 BILLS INTO LAW TODAY

Gov. Bill Ritter signed 26 bills into law today, including the second-parent adoption and human-sexuality education bills. More than 200 additional bills are pending before the governor, with a deadline of June 4.

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With the signing of HB 1330, Colorado becomes the 10th state to allow second-parent adoption either through statute or case law. In 18 other states, second-parent adoption is allowed in certain counties and municipalities.

"From my experience in law enforcement, I know how important it is for children to grow up in a stable environment," said Gov. Ritter, who served as Denver's District Attorney for 12 years. "This law gives children in a one-parent family a chance to grow up in a two-parent home. We must do all we can to strengthen families and provide children with as stable an environment as possible. This law will give children a better chance to succeed."

HB 1292 establishes content standards for human-sexuality courses taught in public schools and as part of teen-pregnancy-prevention and drop-out-prevention programs.

"Preventing unintended pregnancies, especially among teenagers, is important," Gov. Ritter said. "If a school district and a student so choose, this legislation allows educators to help students develop skills that will enable them to make responsible and healthy decisions, including the teaching of abstinence. This legislation also ensures local school districts have control over what programs they choose to offer to their students."

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