DENVER – Tension building in the Colorado House of Representatives after stressful debates was momentarily dispelled Thursday with a lampooning of the divide between the parties.

The ice was broken by a resolution submitted by House Majority Leader KC Becker, D-Boulder, that covered topics seen as hot-button issues for both parties.

“Members, can I have your attention please,” Becker said. “I move for the immediate consideration of a resolution on gay marriage, gun rights, the need to raise taxes, grow government, the clean power plan, the sale of public lands and the Dakota access pipeline.”

After the extent of the motion was reiterated by Speaker of the House Crisanta Duran and it was noted it violated the House’s single subject rule, Becker returned to the podium and removed the resolution amid laughter from the two caucuses.

Work did occur Thursday. Seven bills passed third readings in the House, and one bill passed second reading in the Senate.

Committees held hearings for 13 bills.

Senate Bill 113, which places a cap on employer contribution for the Public Employees Retirement Association for 2018 and future years, passed the Finance Committee on a 3-2 party-line vote, with Republicans voting in favor.

Bill sponsor Sen. Tim Neville, R-Littleton, said the measure ensures the burden for keeping PERA afloat is not increasingly placed on taxpayers and public sector employers.

The bill will go to the Senate for a second reading and debate.

lperkins@durangoherald.com