i_tlrc_2017a_2017-11-02t09:02:00z0 Hearing Summary

Date: 11/02/2017

Location: RM 271

Representative Mitsch Bush called the committee to order. A quorum was present.



09:03 AM -- Presentation from the Colorado Motor Carriers Association



Mr. Greg Fulton, representing the Colorado Motor Carriers Association (CMCA), came to the table to discuss the work of his organization with Truckers Against Trafficking.





09:05 AM



Ms. Kendis Paris, representing Truckers Against Trafficking, came to the table to discuss the work of her organization. She distributed a brochure and a presentation to the committee (Attachment A and B). She noted that five states now require education regarding trafficking before persons can qualify for a commercial driver's license. She highlighed the various industry supporters of the initiative requiring human trafficking education. She noted that trucker drivers reported over 1900 cases to public safety personnel in 2016. In response to committee questions, she discussed the organizations work with public safety personnel, law enforcement, and truck stop operators. She also discussed the best practices taught to truckers in the training programs.



17Tran1102AttachmentA.pdf Attachment B can be viewed at Legislative Council



09:25 AM



Mr. Greg Fulton, representing CMCA, returned to the table to present on the status of the trucking industry in Colorado (Attachment C). He highlighted the scope and economic impact of the industry in Colorado, with over $5.0 billion of wages in the state. He continued by discussing trucking safety, distracted driving, and the trucking industry's work on the environment. Mr. Fulton noted that the trucking industry pays 33 percent of Colorado's federal and state roadway taxes, but accounts for 5.9 percent of vehicle miles traveled. He stated that the organization's key concerns for the future include: traffic congestion, critical shortage of drivers, truck parking, local regulations and restrictions, greater access and streamlining of the credentialing process, and truck productivity and efficiency. He continued by highlighting issues related to the shortage of drivers, mechanics, tractor-trailer operators, and other related fields.



17Tran1102AttachmentC.pdf



09:39 AM



Mr. Fulton continued by distributing a handout regarding local truck routes to the committee (Attachment D). He discussed CMCA's support of Bill 3. He also noted CMCA's support for Bill 2 and noted that several surrounding states, such as Nebraska and New Mexico, have similar laws. In response to a committee question, Mr. Fulton noted that Colorado's gax and diesel taxes are in the middle range, but that CMCA has expressed willingness to raise the gas tax in Colorado and at the federal level. In response to a committee question, he continued by discussing autonomous and driver-assisted technology in the trucking industry. In response to a committee question, he noted that the CMCA is open to numerous funding ideas, including modifying the specific ownership tax.



17Tran1102AttachmentD.pdf