34778A6C99793C808725827A006EB326 Hearing Summary

Representative Lewis, bill sponsor, presented Senate Bill 18-197. Under current law, motor vehicles with an empty weight of 16,000 or more pounds, or a vehicle that weighs 26,001 or more pounds fully loaded, must clear any port of entry within 5 miles of its route. This bill exempts motor vehicles hauling only agricultural products from this requirement.

Representative Lewis answered questions from the committee.

Lieutenant Colonel Barry Bratt, Colorado State Patrol, testified in opposition to the bill.

Andy Karsian, Colorado Department of Transportation, testified in opposition to the bill.

Lt. Col. Bratt and Mr. Karsian answered questions from the committee.

Representative Lewis made additional comments to the committee. Committee discussion with Lt. Col. Bratt and Mr. Karsian ensued.

Rick Robbins, Colorado Mills, testified in support of the bill.

Aaron Leiker, Prowers Economic Prosperity, testified in support of the bill. He provided a handout to the committee [Attachment A].

Eric Dopperschmidt, Prowers County, testified in support of the bill.

Mr. Robbins answered questions from the committee. He provided a handout to the committee [Attachment B].

Mr. Leiker answered questions from the committee.

Gary Melcher, Colorado Farm Bureau, testified in support of the bill.

Jerry Cooksey, Colorado Association of Wheat Growers, testified in support of the bill.

Mayor Roger Stagner, City of Lamar, testified in support of the bill. He answered questions from the committee.

Mr. Melcher and Mr. Cooksey answered questions from the committee.

Commissioner Ron Cook, Colorado Counties, Inc., testified in support of the bill.

The committee recessed.

Represenative Lontine called the meeting back to order. Representative Lewis made concluding remarks. Committee members made comments. Representative Lewis made additional comments to the committee.