H_TLG_2019A 02/26/2019 11:41:17 AM Committee Summary

Representative Melton introduced House Bill 19-1096 concerning the creation of the Colorado Right to Rest Act.  The bill creates rights for homeless people, including the right to rest in public spaces, to shelter themselves from elements, to eat or accept food in a public space where food is not prohibited, to occupy a legally parked vehicle, and to have privacy of their property.  Discrimination based on housng status is prohibited.  Homeless persons in local government areas may be exempted from the basic right if a local government's waiting list for public housing contains fewer than 50 people for 3 consecutive months. The bill allows an appropriation from the marijuana tax cash fund to the Department of Local Affairs for local governments to reduce housing waiting lists.  A person whose rights have been violated may pursue a civil action for enforcement.  He noted that there may be a local government ballot initiative to deal with this issue.

Representative McCluskie introduced Senate Bill 19-032 concerning the routing of hazardous materials being transported on the roadways of the state.  A public highway or partner in a public-private partnership may apply for hazardous road desgination or modification of a designation for a road that the entity maintains.  The bill authorized a study by the Colorado Department of Transportation for the feasibility of routing hazardous materials through the Eisenhower-Edwin C. Johnson Memorial Tunnel.

Troy Hill, representing Hill Petroleum, the Colorado Motor Carriers Association, and the Colorado Wyoming Petroleum Marketers Association, testified in support of the bill.

Carolyn Skoivyra, representing the town of Dillon, testified that the town is neutral about the bill with amendment L.006 (Attachment A).

Ryan Highland, representing the I-70 Coalition and the town of Dillon, testified in support of the bill.

Representative McCluskie talked about amendment L.006 (Attachment A).

Representative McCluskie introduced House Bill 19-1182 concerning representation of the Department of Revenue in appeals proceedings.  The bill requires the Attorney General to represent the Department of Revenue in driver's license and identification card appeals.  The Attorney General may appear by phone, video conference, or other court-authorized electronic means.

Representative Roberts made introductory remarks about House Bill 19-1182.

The committee questioned the bill sponsors.

Tom Raynes, representing the Colorado District Attorneys' Council, testified in support of the bill.

The committee questioned the witness, including the workload of appeals, appeal process, and current workload for district attorneys.

Representative McCluskie and Representative Roberts made closing remarks for House Bill 19-1182.