AE4F73C8967A2C94872584A100722DDD Hearing Summary

Denise Maes and Becca Curry, both representing the ACLU of Colorado, came to the committee to discuss the cancellation of driver licenses for non-payment of traffic tickets.  Ms. Curry stated that relevant issues include problems getting to employment, loss of job, higher insurance costs, or challenges getting children to school. Ms. Curry stated that driving under revocation laws were recently modified to address this issue and recommended that perhaps fines should be lowered to provide more relief. She noted that Free to Drive is an organization working to limit driver license suspension to actual bad driving and legislation is needed to address this issue. She suggested legislation with an amnesty program for fees.

Committee discussion ensued regarding fine revenue and an potential amnesty program.  Ms. Curry suggested including a temporary license or perhaps a hearing should be held on the ability of a defendant to pay. She noted that that collection rates are at 58 percent at this time and fiscal notes often assume full collection, which causes some issues for potential legislation.