H_TRA_2017A 02/22/2017 Committee Summary

01:32 PM -- HB 17-1149



Representatives Michaelson Jenet and Exum introduced House Bill 17-1149. This bill removes the "S" suffix from the qualifications for obtaining a U.S. Army Special Forces military special license plate.



01:36 PM -- Mr. George Thomas, representing the United Veterans Committee and the Special Forces Association, testified in support of the bill.



01:37 PM -- Mr. Ignacio Garza, representing himself, came to the table to address committee questions regarding U.S Army Special Forces.



01:38 PM -- Mr. Erik Brown, representing himself, came to the table to discuss his experiences in the special forces.







01:45 PM



Representatives Michaelson Jenet and Exum gave some closing remarks.

01:49 PM -- HB 17-1166



Representative Navarro introduced House Bill 17-1166. Under current law, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and local governments are authorized to regulate vehicular access to any state highway under their jurisdiction in order to protect the public health, safety, and welfare; maintain smooth traffic flow; maintain highway right-of-way drainage; and to protect the functional level of public highways. This authorization is codified in the State Highway Access Code, as adopted by the Transportation Commission. The bill adds to the list of regulatory authority: convenience and the provision of reasonable access to and from public highways and adjoining businesses.



As such, if CDOT or a local government denies a reasonable access variance to or from a business adjoining a divided state highway, the denial may amount to a taking under eminent domain law requiring just compensation as determined by the courts.



01:56 PM -- Mr. Andy Karsian, representing CDOT, testified against the bill.



02:17 PM -- Mr. Phil Demosthenes, representing himself, testified against the bill.



02:26 PM -- Ms. Lacy Baker, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.



02:35 PM -- Ms. Chandra Serfoss, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.











02:41 PM -- Mr. Matt Baker, representing himself, testified in support of the bill.





02:51 PM



Representative Navarro gave some closing remarks.

02:59 PM



The committee adjourned.