h_jud_2017a_2017-03-21t11:07:21z4 Hearing Summary

Date: 03/21/2017

Location: HCR 0112

03:26 PM -- SB17-027



The committee returned to order. Representative Melton, prime sponsor, presented Senate Bill 17-027, concerning an increase in the penalty for text messaging while operating a motor vehicle. Committee members received a map showing penalties associated with texting while driving in the 50 states (Attachment G). Representative Melton presented some statistics about accidents associated with texting, and explained the effect of the bill. Representative Melton responded to questions regarding the statistics he previously cited, and an amendment placed on the bill in the Senate. Representative Melton explained the effect of amendment L.006 (Attachment H), and responded to questions about a fee.



17HouseJud0321AttachG.pdf 17HouseJud0321AttachH.pdf



03:45 PM



Discussion ensued regarding what constitutes "transmission" for the purposes of texting. Representative Melton responded to questions regarding changes made to the bill in the Senate. Discussion followed regarding a comparison of certain driving infractions, and a provision of the bill concerning those under 18 years of age. Ms. Yelana Love, Office of Legislative Legal Services, responded to questions raised during earlier discussion. Representative Weissman cited some penalties in current statute that might apply to texting. The following persons testified regarding the bill:



04:00 PM -- Mr. LB, representing CORD, testified in support of the bill. Mr. LB discussed the impact of texting on driving safety, and his organization's work to increase penalties for texting while driving. Mr. LB discussed distractions he encounters while riding his motorcycle, and public opinion on penalties for texting while driving. He responded to questions regarding amendment L.006, and an amendment placed on the bill in the Senate.



04:07 PM -- Mr. Scott O'Sullivan, representing BikerDown.org, testified in support of SB 17-027. Addressing earlier discussion, Mr. O'Sullivan cited some statistics. Mr. O'Sullivan responded to questions regarding the impact of increased fines on the rate of texting while driving. Discussion ensued regarding how evidence of texting while driving is discovered, and increasing penalties for other types of distracted driving.





04:22 PM



Mr. O'Sullivan responded to questions regarding the potential for expanding the scope of the bill.



04:24 PM -- Ms. Connie Martin, representing CORD, testified in support of SB 17-027. Ms. Martin spoke in favor of limiting distractions while driving, and discussed an instance of an accident caused by texting while driving. She discussed advances in motoring safety.



04:30 PM -- Ms. Laurie Montoya, representing CORD and BikerDown, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Montoya discussed the impact of texting while driving on motorcyclists, and the insufficiency of current penalties for this activity. Discussion ensued regarding defensive motorcycling, and the rise in the use of information technology.



04:38 PM -- Sergeant Dave Hall, representing the Colorado State Patrol, testified in support of the bill. Sgt. Hall addressed questions raised during earlier testimony, and discussed the dangers of texting while driving. He discussed changes made to the bill in the Senate, and responded to questions regarding the position of the Colorado State Patrol on the proper penalty for texting while driving.





04:52 PM



Sgt. Hall responded to questions regarding gathering evidence on texting while driving. Discussion returned to the penalties proposed in the bill and forthcoming amendments. Sgt. Hall responded to questions regarding available data pertaining to texting while driving, and the definition of "transmission" for the purposes of texting.



05:03 PM -- Mr. Gregory Staritzky, representing himself, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Staritzky discussed the dangers of texting while driving, and the benefits of public transportation.



05:08 PM -- Ms. Vivian Stovall, representing herself, testified in support of SB 17-027. Ms. Stovall discussed the dangers of texting while driving to pedestrians, and recounted instances of being struck, or almost struck, by motorists texting while driving. She addressed issues of data pertaining to texting while driving.





05:14 PM



Representative Melton explained the effect of amendment L.006. Discussion ensued regarding the merits of the amendment, and the potential for amending it. Ms. Love returned to address questions about the amendment.





05:20 PM



The committee recessed.





05:43 PM



The committee returned to order.

05:43 PM



Representative Melton provided closing remarks in support of SB 17-027. Various committee members provided their positions on the bill.

05:48 PM



The committee adjourned.