Legal Lasso is Law Week Colorado’s morning newsletter rounding up headlines from around the state. Sign up for Legal Lasso or subscribe to Law Week Colorado to stay up-to-date on all of Colorado’s legal happenings.
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IN LOCAL NEWS
Supreme Court Says Lawmakers Can’t Dictate Redistricting Procedures
The Colorado Supreme Court recently concluded that the legislature cannot dictate the details of the redistricting process, which must be left up to the state’s new independent redistricting commissions. Law Week reporter Jessica Folker looks at the court’s decision.
Lawmakers Send $5 Bln Transportation Bill to Governor
The General Assembly sent a sweeping transportation bill to Gov. Jared Polis’ desk yesterday. SB-260 will use new fees on gasoline purchases, deliveries and rideshare trips to generate billions for infrastructure.
Colorado Cities Can Require More Affordable Housing
A new law will allow Colorado cities to require the construction of more affordable housing, but the law doesn’t define what is “affordable” and gives developers ways to opt out.
Bill to Track Marijuana Purchases Raises Privacy Concerns
Lawmakers are considering a bill that would track purchases by medical marijuana patients in order to enforce daily limits, but the proposal has raised concerns among legislators and privacy advocates.
Attorney Claims “Beersay” in Pitkin County Dispute
Two Aspen retailers were in court yesterday over whether a grocery store may sell full-strength beer under its lease agreement. During the trial, the judge heard an unusual hearsay objection to a bottle of beer.
IN NATIONAL NEWS
Sackler Family Moves Closer to Immunity
The Sackler family is a step closer to winning immunity from future opioid lawsuits as a controversial bankruptcy plan for Purdue Pharma moves forward. A final vote by the company’s creditors is expected by August.
Prosecutors Seek 30-Year Sentence for Derek Chauvin
Prosecutors on Wednesday said they are seeking a 30-year sentence for Derek Chauvin for the murder of George Floyd, while Chauvin’s attorney argued for a retrial and asked for less than the 15-year maximum sentence. (WSJ)
Trump DOJ Secretly Obtained NYT Reporters’ Records
The Justice Department revealed yesterday it had secretly obtained phone records of New York Times reporters during former President Donald Trump’s administration. The department made similar admissions last month, when it said it had obtained records from CNN and Washington Post journalists. (Washington Post)
5th Circuit Says MoneyGram Is Not a Bank
The federal appeals court held that MoneyGram International is not a bank under U.S. tax law because it does not take deposits. Attorneys say the decision could have implications for fintech companies that have expanded into traditional banking activities.
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