3D6BBAE832D34DCD872583DE006CD2DA Hearing Summary

Representative Melton, prime sponsor, presented Senate Bill 19-012, concerning the use of mobile electronic devices while driving. Representative Melton explained the effect of the bill and discussed its need.

The following persons testified regarding SB 19-012:

Ms. Tristan Gorman, representing the Colorado Criminal Defense Bar, testified in opposition to the bill. Ms. Gorman discussed the intersection of the bill with current careless driving laws, and the targeting of certain populations by traffic laws.

Ms. Denise Maes, representing the ACLU, testified in opposition to the bill. Ms. Maes cited statistics about distracted driving.

Ms. Christie Donner, representing the Colorado Criminal Justice Reform Coalition, testified in opposition to the bill. She discussed the effect of creating additional criminal offenses. Discussion ensued regarding a potential disparate impact resulting from distracted driving laws, some hypothetical situations, and exceptions built into the bill. Representative Melton provided input on these scenarios.

Mr. Michael Raber, representing Bike Jeffco, testified in support of SB 19-012. He discussed the damage caused by distracted driving.

Mr. Matthew Jacques, a student at the University of Colorado, testified in support of the bill. He discussed the reclassification of crimes by the bill, and cited statistics on distracted driving.

Mr. Haven Rohnert, representing the Colorado Cross Disability Coalition, testified in support of the bill. He rebutted claims made during earlier testimony.

Mr. Chris Moser, representing Students for Safer Roads, testified in support of the bill. A survey was entered into the record (Attachment F). Mr. Moser discussed the dangers of distracted driving.

Mr. Thomas O'Sullivan, representing Students for Safer Roads, testified in support of the bill. Mr. O'Sullivan addressed concerns raised during earlier testimony, and trends in distracted driving.

Mr. Skyler McKinley, representing AAA of Colorado, testified in support of the bill. He discussed public opinion on the use of electronic devices while driving, and rebutted earlier testimony. Mr. McKinley responded to questions regarding the potential for racial profiling as a result of the bill. Mr. O'Sullivan and Mr. Moser responded to questions regarding their aversion to using a cell phone while driving. Mr. McKinley responded to a question regarding the criminalization of behavior by the bill.

Mr. Jack Todd, representing Bicycle Colorado and Livewell Colorado, testified in support of HB 19-012. Mr. Todd cited statistics associated with distracted driving.

Mr. Dennis Haberstumpf, representing ABATE of Colorado, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Haberstumpf discussed the dangers of distracted driving, and addressed earlier testimony. Ms. Robye Nothnagel, representing Colorado Drive Safe, testified in support of the bill. She recounted an incident when she was injured by a distracted driver, and cited statistics associated with distracted driving.

Ms. Susan Dane, representing Coloradans for Responsible Driving, testified in support of SB 19-012. Ms. Dane discussed the dangers of distracted driving, and addressed claims made during earlier testimony. She entered citation statistics into the record (Attachment G).  Mr. Chris Spiriano, representing Bike Blue, testified in support of the bill. He addressed claims made during earlier testimony.

Mr. Greg Fulton, representing the Colorado Motor Carriers Association, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Fulton discussed laws governing distracted driving for motor carriers, and the dangers of distracted driving.

Mr. Robert Orozco, representing the Professional Private Investigators Association of Colorado, testified in support of SB 19-012. Mr. Orozco discussed dangers he faced while working on roads.

Mr. Dean Beers, representing the Professional Private Investigators Association of Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

Mr. Ryan Johnston, representing Colorado Private Investigations, testified in support of the bill. Discussion ensued regarding the exclusions contained in the bill.

Ms. Vivian Stovall, representing herself, testified in support of SB 19-012. She discussed being hit by cars as a result of distracted driving.

Mr. Mike Kohl, representing himself, testified in support of the bill.

The committee considered amendment L.014 (Attachment H).

The committee considered amendment L.015 (Attachment I).

The committee considered amendment L.017 (Attachment J).

The committee considered amendment L.018 (Attachment K).

The committee considered amendment L.019 (Attachment L).

Representative Melton provided closing remarks in support of SB 19-012. The committee discussed the merits of the bill.