There’s a saying at the Colorado Capitol that to pass a bill into law, you need 33, 18 and one — that is, 33 House votes, 18 Senate votes and one signature from the governor.

For those who tried to repeal the death penalty in Colorado last year, the 33 and one were never in question. But the 2019 bill, widely seen as a shoo-in one year ago, never had more than 15 confirmed votes in the 35-member Senate, and it fizzled in dramatic fashion.

Through conversations with more than a dozen lawmakers and advocates closely involved in the soon-to-come 2020 repeal bill, The Denver Post has learned that the death penalty abolition movement in Colorado finally can count to 18 — and perhaps higher.

That’s mainly attributable to two developments: an ongoing effort to heal wounds within the Senate Democratic caucus and newfound GOP support.

New in the “yes” column this year are Republicans Jack Tate and Owen Hill. Last year’s bill had only one Senate Republican — Kevin Priola of Henderson — confirmed in support. This time around, Tate has not only flipped his vote, but will team up with Denver Democrat Julie Gonzales as lead sponsor of the 2020 repeal bill.

“I believe we should promote public policies that make our communities safer and provide victims with the services they need,” Tate, of Centennial, said when asked about his change of heart. “The death penalty fails to do those things while also risking innocent lives. My experience shows it is an ineffective and expensive system, and my philosophical stance is that the state should not have the power of life and death.”

Hill, of Colorado Springs, said in a text message: “I am opposed to governments killing their citizens and will sponsor the bill.”

Republican state Sen. Paul Lundeen of Monument said he might vote for the repeal bill but that he’s not sure yet.

There’s been significant movement on the other side of the aisle, as well.

Democrats hold a 19-16 majority in the Senate, but, in this case, only 18 Democratic votes are gettable.

Assistant Majority Leader Rhonda Fields is firmly opposed to repealing the death penalty. Her son and his fiancée were murdered in 2005, and the killers, Sir Mario Owens and Robert Ray, are two of the three members of Colorado’s death row.

Since 1976, Colorado has executed just one man — murderer and rapist Gary Lee Davis, in 1997.

Fields said she was deeply offended last year by how quickly the lead sponsors of the 2019 repeal bill, Gonzales and Democratic Sen. Angela Williams of Denver, rolled it out. Fields said it was a “one, two, three gut punch” when, in a span of just three days, the bill was introduced in the Senate, touted in a press conference and debated in a committee hearing.

Several Democrats who philosophically oppose the death penalty felt uncomfortable supporting the bill after Fields complained about the process. On the day that Gonzales announced she was suspending the 2019 repeal effort, four Senate Democrats’ votes were uncertain: Jessie Danielson of Wheat Ridge, Nancy Todd of Aurora, Tammy Story of Conifer and Joann Ginal of Fort Collins.

“I have so much respect for Sen. Fields and for her experience and for her perspective,” Gonzales said. “The day that I pulled the bill last year, I was in the bathroom crying and (Fields) came and she gave me a hug, and I told her, ‘You know I’m going to bring this bill back next year.'”

Gonzales said she has taken steps to ensure that this year’s process is respectful of Fields.

“I will be forthright and direct every step of the way. That’s my commitment to her and to everyone involved in this process.”

There’s been another key change: Williams is no longer a lead sponsor. Many, including Gonzales, criticized her handling of last year’s bill, and Williams said she will play a supporting role this year.

The new approach has so far worked on Story and Ginal, who both said Wednesday that they plan to vote to abolish the death penalty.

“I support repealing the death penalty. I think it’s the right move, the appropriate policy. I think it’s what needs to happen,” Story said.

Said Ginal: “Unless something in the process happens like last year, then you will see me voting to abolish the death penalty.”

Danielson would not comment on how she will vote, and Todd could not be reached for comment.

One Senate champion of last year’s repeal bill, Lois Court of Denver, is stepping down next week, but a favorite to replace her, state Rep. Chris Hansen, told The Post he would “unequivocally, absolutely” support the effort.

Fields is prepared to fight the bill again this year, but she’s also aware of the political reality she’s up against.

“It’s a longstanding value that many of my colleagues have, so I don’t expect for them to give up on something that’s important to them,” she said, adding that she’s “pleased” with how Gonzales has handled the process.

If and when the death penalty is abolished, Fields said, she will be glad to move past the conversation.

“It’s hurtful, because it reminds me of my own personal trauma and scars as it relates to the death of my son and his fiancée, and I have to live with that pain and those scars every day.”

Many others in the Senate are also ready to stop talking about this. The 2020 repeal bill, which could be introduced in the coming days, will be Colorado’s sixth attempt in about a dozen years.

“I don’t think anybody wants to keep bringing up the death penalty year after year,” Story said. “I think there’s a desire to be able to bring it forward, take the votes and then be able to move on.”