H_TLG_2019A 02/20/2019 01:35:21 PM Committee Summary

Representative Melton introduced House Bill 19-1099 concerning the elimination of the use of automated vehicle identification systems for traffic law enforcement. The bill repeals the authorization for local government entities and the Department of Public Safety to use automated vehicle identification systems, including red light cameras, to identify violators of traffic laws.

Representative Humphrey made opening remarks about House Bil 19-1099. He talked about amendment L.001 (Attachment A).

The committee questioned the bill sponsors.

Representative Humphrey handed out information about red light cameras (Attachment B).

Jo Vann, representing the Boulder Police Department, testified in opposition to the bill.

Skyler McKinley, representing AAA Colorado, testified in opposition to the bill.

Adrian Vasquez, representing the Colorado Springs Police Department, testified in opposition to the bill.

The witnesses answered questions from the committee. There were questions about the call volume for police officers and the priority of traffic enforcement versus violent crime calls. 

Eric Osterberg, representing the City of Lone Tree and the Colorado Municipal League, testified in opposition to the bill.

Brandon Gipson, representing the Greenwood Village Police Department, testified in opposition to the bill.

Ken Evans, representing the Commerce City Police Department, testified in opposition to the bill.

The witnesses answered questions about the severity of traffic accidents, total traffic accidents, how tickets are distributed, and traffic violations.

Robert Rock, representing the Denver Police Department, testified in opposition to the bill.

Ted Porrgs, representing the Denver Police Department, testified in opposition to the bill.

David DiGiaccomo, representing Denver Public Works, testified in opposition to the bill.

The witnesses answered questions about how citations are issued and the placement of traffic control vehicles.

Jaime Lewis, representing the Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition, testified in opposition to the bill.

John Henry, representing Drive Smart Colorado, testified in opposition to the bill.  Mr. Henry provided a handout for committee members (Attachment C).

Sara Lynd, representing the City of Fort Collins, testified in opposition to the bill.

Jill Locantore, representing Walk Denver, testified in opposition to the bill.

Piep Van Heuven, representing Bicycle Colorado, testified in opposition to the bill.

Andrew Peters, representing Walk Denver and himself, testified in opposition to the bill.

David Lawfal, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill.

Denise Maes, representing the American Civil Liberties Union, testified in support of the bill.

Helen Griffins, representing the American Civil Liberties Union, testified in support of the bill.

The witnesses answered questions about civil liberties, due process, voter approval for automated vehicle identification systems, and changing the timing of traffic lights.

Brian Weiss, representing Bicycle Colorado, Team Evergreen, and Vision Zero Coalition, testified in opposition to the bill.

Natalie Menten, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Leslie Twarogowski, representing the Federal Boulevard Improvement District, testified in opposition to the bill.

There was discussion about amendment L.001., including costs of elections.  The amendment was distributed to committee members (Attachment A).

There were questions about adding locations for cameras.

The sponsors made closing remarks about the bill.

The committee made closing remarks about the bill.

Representative Roberts introduced Senate Bill 19-017 concerning the exemption of the Department of Transportation from existing reporting and Transportation Commission approval requirements when it acquires land needed for specified highway-related purposes by means other than condemnation.  The bill authorizes the chief engineer of the Department of Transportation to acquire land by purchase or exchange without providing a report to the Transportation Commission or obtaining Transportation Commission approval.  The Department of Transportation must still provide the report and obtain approval if acquiring land through condemnation.

Andy Karsian, representing the Colorado Department of Transportation, testified in support of the bill.

The witness answered questions about negative facets of the bill, recent case law, as well as how the proposed bill will affect the current process.

Natalie Menten, representing herself, testified in opposition to the bill.

The witness answered additional questions about private property rights and notice to property owners.

Representative Roberts made closing remarks about the bill.

The committee made closing comments about the bill.