Flood Insurance Tax Hike

Thousands of Coloradans could see a big jump in the cost of their flood insurance, just as many are trying to decide whether to rebuild or move on after last September's flooding.  Over 5,700 federally subsidized policies here could be hit with annual premium increases, despite federal legislation signed Friday scaling back the most dramatic price hikes.  Measuring the impact in Colorado is difficult with uncertainty and changes left behind by September, which damaged or destroyed 20,000 homes. 

Mugshots for Profit

Posting mug shots online for profit would be subject to criminal penalties under a bill that got its first yes vote in the State Senate.  The bill would make it illegal to obtain mug shots with the purpose of publishing them to charge for their removal.  In some cases, companies charge hundreds of dollars.  Colorado lawmakers have likened the practice to extortion.  Obtaining mug shots to make profit would be a misdemeanor punishable by up to a $1,000 fine.

International Tea

The overland trail museum is hosting the journey stories international tea on April 30th... it was supposed to take place last fall, but flood damage forced the museum to put off the Smithsonian's journey stories exhibit... the tea starts at 2pm in the high plains education center... tickets are on sale now for 12 dollars... to get tickets, you can call 970-522-3895, and pick them up at sterling city hall.

Vaccine Bill

A measure to clamp down on vaccine exemptions overwhelmingly passed in the state House today.
It makes it more difficult for parents to claim personal objections to vaccines before enrolling their kids in schools or daycare.  The bill would require parents seeking the exemption to undergo vaccine education, either a video or consulting with a physician.  Religious and medical vaccine exemptions would not be affected.  Sponsors of the bill say it's too easy to opt out of mandatory vaccines, leading to Colorado having a low vaccination rate relative to other states. Outbreaks of whooping cough and measles have been attributed in part to low vaccination rates.