Today is Feb. 29, 2024, and here’s what you need to know:

Colorado proposal to create library committees to consider whether to ban books fails to advance

A Senate panel rejected a bill that would have created an official process for parents, students and the public to object to materials in a school or public library.

The bill, which was heard by the Senate Education Committee but not voted on, dove into an issue that has divided communities and at times pitted parents against each other across America. Following the hearing, committee members on Wednesday ultimately decided not to move the bill forward. 

Senate Bill 049 would have created the Committee for School Libraries composed of individuals appointed by school districts to consider requests and complaints. A separate committee would have been created at local levels for public libraries. Members of the committee were to be appointed by each library district’s board of trustees.

'Deepfakes' and AI content: Colorado lawmakers dive into new tech ahead of November elections

A panel of House legislators on Monday considered several bills that sponsors say will protect the integrity of this year’s elections, as well as future ones.

Notably, lawmakers are targeting AI-generated content, arguing that, used improperly, the new technology poses a “threat to free and fair elections.”

The House State, Civic, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee advanced the measure on party line 8-3 vote.

One such bill, House Bill 1147, seeks to regulate the use of content generated by artificial intelligence, such as “deepfakes,” in communications about election candidates.

Senate committee approves changes to Colorado open meetings law

A panel of Colorado state senators on Wednesday amended a bill that seeks changes to the state’s open meetings law and sent the measure to its next stop — the full chamber for debate.

The purpose of this bill was never to reduce transparency, insisted Senate President Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder, sponsor of Senate Bill 157.

As introduced, the measure drew sharp criticism from several groups, which said they were not included in the “stakeholding” process and argued the bill would completely exempt lawmakers from the open meetings law.

Colorado Rep Lauren Boebert's son arrested for felony trespassing, property theft

Facing felony charges in connection to a string of vehicle trespassing and property thefts, U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert’s son, Tyler Boebert, was released on a personal recognizance bond on Wednesday afternoon. 

The younger Boebert and several friends allegedly broke into three cars in Rifle on Feb. 20 and 21, where they stole wallets and used debit cards, gift cards and cash to go on a spending spree, according to the arrest affidavit. Over two days, the group allegedly drove around in Rifle and Parachute and hit two Kum & Go’s, a McDonald’s, a Love’s and a Starbucks, ratcheting up charges for gas, power drinks and tacos, arrest documents stated.

One of the purchases was a blue Gatorade, which put $3.43 on one woman’s debit card. In another transaction, the group allegedly bought a tank of gas for what police said appeared to be Boebert’s Ford 250 truck for $81.24, according to the affidavit.

Mitch McConnell, the longest-serving Senate leader in history who maintained his power for almost two decades, will step down from that position in November.

McConnell, who turned 82 last week, announced his decision Wednesday in the well of the Senate, the chamber where he looked in awe from its back benches in 1985 when he arrived and where he grew increasingly comfortable in the front row seat afforded the party leaders.

“One of life’s most underappreciated talents is to know when it’s time to move on to life’s next chapter,” he said. “So I stand before you today…to say that this will be my last term as Republican leader of the Senate.”