h_agr_2017a_2017-03-06t13:30:53z2 Hearing Summary

Date: 03/06/2017

Location: HCR 0107

03:02 PM -- SB 17-100



Representatives Arndt and Landgraf, co-prime sponsors, presented Senate Bill 17-100, concerning qualified immunity for persons performing land stewardship activities on public lands. Representative Landgraf distributed Amendment L.004 (Attachment E) and information regarding the bill from Colorado Parks and Wildlife (Attachment F). The bill amends the Colorado Recreational Trails System Act of 1971 to include legal protections for volunteers and nonprofit organizations who perform land stewardship on public lands. The bill provides immunity from civil liability for volunteers for any act or omission that results in damage or injury if the volunteer was acting within the same scope of his or her duties performing land stewardship activities under a grant, unless the damage or injury was caused by gross negligence or a willful and wanton act or omission. A grant, procurement contract, or other agreement concerning the conduct of land stewardship activities cannot differentiate between construction and maintenance for liability purposes or require a nonprofit organization or volunteer to carry completed operations liability coverage.



170306 AttachE.pdf170306 AttachF.pdf



03:13 PM -- Jerry Aboud, Colorado Off Highway Vehicle Coalition, spoke in support of the bill and discussed insurance requirements for trail construction.



03:18 PM -- Conrad Tucker, Western Slope A.T.V. Association, spoke in support of the bill and distributed a news article regarding the construction of a bridge in Mesa County (Attachment G). Mr. Tucker responded to questions from the committee.



170306 AttachG.pdf



03:23 PM -- Tom Morrisey, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, spoke in support of the bill and responded to questions from the committee.



03:29 PM -- Margaret Taylor, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, spoke in support of the bill and addressed previously asked questions from the committee.



03:37 PM



Representative Mitsch Bush closed public testimony, and Representatives Arndt and Landgraf discussed Amendment L.004.

03:38 PM



Representatives Landgraf and Arndt made closing statements on the bill.