h_jud_2017a_2017-04-27t13:37:19z2 Hearing Summary

Date: 04/27/2017

Location: HCR 0112

03:10 PM -- HB17-1315



Representative Singer, co-prime sponsor, presented House Bill , concerning the acquisition of data to analyze the types of driving under the influence (DUI) offenses being committed by offenders. Representative Singer explained the effect of the bill and discussed its need. The following persons testified regarding HB 17-1315:



03:13 PM -- Mr. Ed Wood, representing DUID Victim Voices, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Wood discussed the problem of DUI, and the lack of reported data on the issue. Mr. Wood responded to questions regarding how it is determined that tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) was a contributing factor to a DUI accident, and the efficacy of the bill in addressing the problem.



03:21 PM -- Mr. Fran Lanzer, representing MADD Colorado, testified in support of the bill.



03:24 PM -- Mr. Jack Reed and Ms. Janet Girten, representing the Department of Public Safety, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Reed read a statement supporting the bill. Ms. Girten discussed the department's toxicology testing program. Ms. Girten responded to questions regarding how the department works with law enforcement to determine a level of intoxication for a driver. Discussion ensued on this point.



03:35 PM -- Mr. Chris Halsor, representing himself, testified in support of HB 17-1315. Mr. Halsor provided background on his expertise in assessing intoxication, and addressed questions raised during earlier discussion. Mr. Halsor responded to questions regarding the science of impairment based on the use of different drugs, and the reason why the Division of Criminal Justice is authorized to collect data under the bill.



03:43 PM -- Mr. Robert Chase, representing the Colorado Coalition for Patients and Caregivers, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. Chase expressed concerns about the legislation, and the science behind detecting impairment based on marijuana use.



03:47 PM -- Ms. Annmarie Jensen, representing the Colorado Association of Chiefs of Police, testified on the bill from a neutral position. Ms. Jensen discussed some of the bill's benefits and drawbacks, and the need for more data on the issue. Ms. Jensen responded to questions regarding how the police chiefs could be persuaded to support the bill.



03:52 PM -- Ms. Jessica LeRoux, representing the cannabis medical patient community, testified in opposition to the bill. Ms. LeRoux discussed the science of detecting impairment based on marijuana and other drug use.





03:56 PM



Representative Singer explained the effect of amendment L.002 (Attachment M).



17HouseJud0427AttachM.pdf

04:01 PM



Representatives Singer and Lawrence provided closing remarks in support of HB 17-1315.