s_jud_2017a_2017-03-07t09:53:35z1 Hearing Summary

Date: 03/07/2017

Location: RM 271

10:37 AM



The committee recessed.





10:40 AM -- SB17-181



The committee returned to order. Senator Gardner, prime sponsor, presented Senate Bill 17-181, concerning modification of the collateral-source rule in civil litigation in which a party has insurance coverage. Senator Gardner explained the need for the bill.



10:47 AM -- Mr. Kelly Campbell, representing the Property and Casualty Insurers Association of America, testified in support of the bill. She discussed reasons for increased auto insurance premiums. She responded to a question concerning fairness of damage judgments.



10:51 AM -- Mr. Stuart Jorgensen, representing State Farm Insurance, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Jorgensen discussed the effect of the bill.



10:55 AM -- Mr. Mark Hillman, representing the Colorado Civil Justice League, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Hillman discussed how damages should be calculated, and the effect of damage judgments on insurance premiums. He explained the benefits of the bill. Senator Kagan commented on the testimony; Mr. Hillman responded.



11:00 AM -- Mr. Chris Reeves, representing the Colorado Defense Lawyers Association, testified in support of the bill. He discussed damage awards and compensation in other states. Mr. Reeves responded to questions concerning compensation awards. Senator Gardner commented.



11:08 AM -- Ms. Christina Habas, representing the Colorado Trial Lawyers Association, testified in opposition to the bill. She discussed a case mentioned in prior testimony, and the process of awarding damages.



11:11 AM -- Ms. Krista Meardon, representing Injury Finance, testified in opposition to the bill. She discussed the process of financing certain healthcare. Ms. Meardon responded to questions concerning medical billing.



11:14 AM -- Mr. Nate Ormond, representing Well States Healthcare, testified in opposition to the bill. He discussed the impact of the bill on businesses.



11:18 AM -- Mr. Kyle Bachus, representing the Colorado Trial Lawyers Association, testified in opposition to the bill. He explained the collateral-source rule. He discussed the impact of the bill. He responded to a question concerning public awareness.



11:24 AM -- Mr. Eric Weedin, representing the Professional Independent Insurance Agents of Colorado, testified in support of the bill.





11:26 AM



Senator Gardner made closing remarks on the bill.