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I_TLRC_2019A 09/16/2019 09:05:53 AM Committee Summary

PUBLIC
STAFF SUMMARY OF MEETING
INTERIM COMMITTEE  TRANSPORTATION LEGISLATION REVIEW COMMITTEE
Date 09/16/2019
Attendance
Carver *
Catlin X
Donovan X
Duran X
Exum *
Froelich *
Hisey X
Hooton X
Humphrey E
Lewis E
Pettersen E
Priola *
Scott E
Titone X
Todd X
Valdez D. X
Winter X
Gray X
X = Present, E = Excused, A = Absent, * = Present after roll call
Time 09:05:53 AM to 03:41:14 PM
Place Old State Library
This Meeting was called to order by Representative Gray
This Report was prepared by April Bernard
Hearing Items Action Taken
Presentation from the Colorado Department of Transportation Committee Discussion Only
Presentation from the Front Range Rail Commission Committee Discussion Only
Discussion of Barriers to Foster Children Obtaining Driver Licenses Committee Discussion Only
Presentation from AAA Colorado Committee Discussion Only
Presentation on Special Mobile Machinery Committee Discussion Only
Requests for Committee Legislation Bill Requests Approved

Presentation from the Colorado Department of Transportation - Committee Discussion Only


09:06:08 AM  

Executive Director Shoshana Lew, Chief Engineer Josh Laipply, and Chief Finanical Officer Jeff Sudmeier from the Department of Transportation (CDOT) presented information about the department (Attachment A). Director Lew began with an overview of work on U.S. Highway 36 after cracks in the highway from slope failure resulted in the loss of a retaining wall in late July 2019. The issue was repaired with geofoam blocks and load distribution layers are now being placed at the site.  According to CDOT, the highway should be open in late October. 

09:15:02 AM  

The committee discussed the monitoring the ground on both sides of the highway and other sections. Mr. Laipply indicated that no further monitoring will take place, as the area is in a dry lake bed and retaining walls on other portions of the highway are not as tall as the area where slope failure occurred.

 

09:22:08 AM  

Christian Guevara, repersenting Plenary, came to the table to answer several committee questions.  He discussed Plenary's contract with CDOT and maintenance obligations. He stated that the term major maintenance is defined in the contract.

09:33:27 AM  

The committee discussed toll revenue with CDOT and Pleanary, including any increases and communication with the public. Plenary stated that tolls will not increase to cover repairs to U.S. 36.  In addition, Mr. Laipply indicated that these costs are addressed in the department's resiliency efforts. Director Lew also indicated that there is usually a reserve for mainenance and that if these costs continue to rise due to extreme weather events or conditions then conversations about handling these issues as they relate to infrastructure will need to occur.

09:41:51 AM  

Ms. Lew continued by discussing the current planning process.  The commitee discussed statewide vs. regional funding models.

09:55:17 AM  

Ms. Lew continued by highlighing the Senate Bill 19-267 projects and project priority planning.

10:09:41 AM  

In response to a committee question,  Mr. Sudmeier indicated that according to economic forecasts it appears that $60 million may be available for roads the  first year from Proposition CC, if it passes. He stated that CDOT has begun discussions for possible ways to allocate possible funds from Proposition CC. 

10:18:28 AM  

Director Lew and Mr. Laipply discussed how CDOT is seeking input from those unable to particpate in the transportation planning process  CDOT stated that those unable to participate in person may place a pin on map where they believe a problem exists.  Currently, there are 17,305 pins that include day-to-day issues and big picture issues.

10:23:35 AM  

David Krutsinger, representing CDOT's Division of Transit and Rail, provided information about the Multi-Modal Options Fund.

10:27:45 AM  

Director Lew contiued by discussing emerging technologies and CDOT's current SB19-239 stakeholder meeting process. In addition, the committee discussed reduced revenues and a possible adjustment of the electric vehicle fee.  CDOT representatives noted that, in terms of the long-term budget, electric vehicle fees are a negligible portion of the revenue and that the fuel efficiency of a vehicle will have more of an effect over time.

10:34:02 AM  

Kyle Lester, representing CDOT, continued by discussing chain law compliance under House BIll 19-1207.  He stated that the department looked at several enforcement options, including stopping traffic, education, and check stations during winter events.  However, many of these options may cause traffic back-ups and costs to public.  He stated that the department will continue its education efforts.

10:48:32 AM  

The committee began discussing closures on I-70.  Mr. Lester indicated that there are protocols for a variety of situations. 

10:53:20 AM  

Mr. Sudmeier continued by discussing recent changes CDOT is implementing to address state auditor recommendations from an audit in early June.  He stated that most recommendations should be implemented by the end of the calendar year. 



Presentation from the Front Range Rail Commission - Committee Discussion Only


11:04:49 AM  

Jacob Riger, Pete Rickershauser,  Commissioner Terry Hart, and Mr. Krutsinger, representing the Southwest Chief and Front Range Passenger Rail Commission, provided an update on the commission's work (Attachment B).  

11:20:33 AM  

Mr. Rickershauser continued by presenting on the recent accomplishments of the commission.  He stated that the commission continues to address track condition through a TIGER Grant of $16 million.  He also noted that the commission has added a project director and created a service development plan and environmental impact study for front range rail, as a result of $2.5 million provided by SB18-001. 

11:37:45 AM  

Representatives of the commission continued their presentation by discussing the ongoing outreach and stakeholder building for passenger rail service along the Front Range. 



11:50:00 AM
The committee recessed for lunch.



Discussion of Barriers to Foster Children Obtaining Driver Licenses - Committee Discussion Only


01:05:45 PM  
The committee came back to order.
01:07:15 PM  

Nicole Drake, representing the Department of Human Services Child Welfare; Tori Schuler, representing Fostering Great Ideas; Shayne Madsen, representing herself; Julie Thomerson, representing Adams CountyDepartment of Human Services; Andrea Bradford, representing Adams County Human Services; Flavio Quintana, representing the Dvision of Motor Vehicles; and Ashley Chase, representing the Office of the Child's Representative talked about barriers for foster children to obtain driver licenses.

01:08:49 PM  

Ms. Madsen provided background information on the issue and discussed the history of the topic before the committee.

01:10:38 PM  

Ms. Shuler discussesd the importance of a car to youth in foster care in traveling to school and the opportunity to work.  She stated that reliable transportation is important, as well as foster children having the same experiences as other children who are not foster children. 

01:15:12 PM  

Ms. Chase continued by indicating that foster children have several options in pursuing a license, including the method that most kids use, with a supportive adult signing the affidavid of liability; with a guardian ad litem or representative from the Department of Human services going to the Division of Motor Vehicles with the child to sign the affidavit if they have the permission of the court and consent of the foster parent; or proof that the child has car insurance.  Ms. Chase stated that she had surveyed guardian ad litems about barriers that foster children have faced in the last two to three years in obtaining a driver license.  She stated that one of the biggest issues is obtaining the correct vital documents, such as birth certificates. Ms. Chase continued by stating that the second concern raised by guardian ad litems pertains to consistency across county departments of human services in terms of requirements for foster children to obtain licenses and that the third issue involves the availability of driver education, in terms of cost or availability of the course in counties. Finally, she stated the cost of insurance and access to a car are other barriers that youth in foster care face in getting a driver license.

01:24:25 PM  

Mr. Quintana noted that several barriers have been lifted as a result of legislation last year and discussed the adminstrative process. He distributed a copy of his presentation (Attachment C).

01:26:34 PM  

Ms. Bradford continued by sharing her county's requirements for foster children wanting to get a license.   She noted that the county does provide funding.

01:28:12 PM  

Ms. Thomerson continued by mentioning that accountability must be balanced with accessibility. She sees two barriers to youth in foster care obtaining licenses: money and liability.  She noted that despite being placed in foster care, kids are in the legal custody of the department and that it might be helpful to have an exemption to liability for counties.

01:33:35 PM  

The committee discussed drivers education requirements.

01:36:41 PM  

The committee discussed driver age and education costs.  Ms. Bradford indicated that approximately 60 youth between the ages of 15 and 18 years may be eligible to apply for a driver licesne. 

01:43:55 PM  

Additional discussion about liability ensued, as well as the number of foster chilren statewide that may be eligible to apply for a license. 

01:57:14 PM  

Ms. Drake discussed trauma and the mastery over a skill set as a way to decrease trauma or to heal.   She stated that it is important for foster kids to have access to all developmental milestones, which does not always occur. The department works on coaching and supporting youth to allow the youth to make mistakes and succeed.

02:06:13 PM  

Ms. Chase indicated that it would be important for the committee to consider legislation that speaks to the availability and funding of driver education for foster youth.  She also stated that the state needs a consistent set of requirements for foster youth to be eligible to apply for a driver license.



Presentation from AAA Colorado - Committee Discussion Only


02:11:01 PM  

Skyler McKinley, representing AAA, presented to the committee about driver education in Colorado and distrubted a copy of his presentation (Attachment D). He started with displaying crash data and fatalities rising in Colorado.  He stated that education would be helpful and that Colorado does not require driving experience and a course. Many other states require education and experience behind the wheel.

02:24:38 PM  

He continued by stating that comprehensive education for all drivers is recommended. He stated that there is no application fee for a person wanting to start a driver school and that if a fee structure is created schools could be regulationed and driver education for foster and rural youth could be subsidized.  He also noted that there is no background check and fingerprint check for for drivers education instructors. 

02:28:12 PM  

The committee discussed the connections between traffic safety outcomes and training programs.

02:30:15 PM  

Committee discussed the cost of driver education for lower income families.

02:32:30 PM  

The committee discussed the number of unlicensed drivers due to unavailability of driver education courses and the cost of driver education courses.  

02:34:48 PM  

The committee discussed fatalaties linked to younger drivers, as well as those from folks passing through the state or moving from out-of-state. 

02:36:47 PM  

The committee discussed savings on insurance for taking a driver education class. 

02:38:49 PM  

The committee discussed the value of safe driving and the connection to public health.



Presentation on Special Mobile Machinery - Committee Discussion Only


02:49:37 PM  

Ed Noonan, representing United Rentals, discussed the registration of special mobile machinery and provided a hanout to the committee (Attachment E).  He suggested possible legislation that repeals the registration requirement for large rental businesses.

 

 

02:56:01 PM  

Scott Meiklejohn, representing United Rentals, indicated that the new proposed process would be efficiencient for everyone.  He highlighted the current process for registration.

02:57:30 PM  

In response to a committee question, Mr. Noonan indicated that he does not believe that this process is a large revenue generator with only $7 for each decal the process may generate several hundreds of thouands of dollars.  In addtion, in response to a committee question, Mr. Noonan stated that he was not aware of any opposition to the concept.



Requests for Committee Legislation - Bill Requests Approved

03:01:31 PM  

Jason Gelender, Office of Legislative Legal Services, and Katie Ruedebusch, Legislative Council Staff, explained the committee legislation process.



03:17:04 PM
Motion Concerning license plate expiration upon transfer of motor vehicle to a new buyer and license plate style requirements (Attachment F).
Moved Priola
Seconded Winter
Carver
Catlin
Donovan
Duran
Exum
Froelich
Hisey
Hooton
Humphrey Excused
Lewis Excused
Pettersen Excused
Priola
Scott Excused
Titone
Todd
Valdez D.
Winter
Gray
YES: 0   NO: 0   EXC: 4   ABS:  0   FINAL ACTION:  Pass Without Objection


03:17:41 PM
Motion Concerning exemption for large equipment rental companies in registering special mobile machinery.
Moved Donovan
Seconded Valdez D.
Carver
Catlin
Donovan
Duran
Exum
Froelich
Hisey
Hooton
Humphrey Excused
Lewis Excused
Pettersen Excused
Priola
Scott Excused
Titone
Todd
Valdez D.
Winter
Gray
YES: 0   NO: 0   EXC: 4   ABS:  0   FINAL ACTION:  Pass Without Objection


03:18:54 PM
Motion Concerning a requirement that private public partnerships (P3) report to the Transportation and Legislation Review Committee or the transportation committees annually or every other year.
Moved Winter
Seconded Gray
Carver
Catlin
Donovan
Duran
Exum
Froelich
Hisey
Hooton
Humphrey Excused
Lewis Excused
Pettersen Excused
Priola
Scott Excused
Titone
Todd
Valdez D.
Winter
Gray
YES: 0   NO: 0   EXC: 4   ABS:  0   FINAL ACTION:  Pass Without Objection


03:20:12 PM
Motion Concerning foster youth and driver education, including access to vital documents and county liability issues.
Moved Duran
Seconded Donovan
Carver
Catlin
Donovan
Duran
Exum
Froelich
Hisey
Hooton
Humphrey Excused
Lewis Excused
Pettersen Excused
Priola
Scott Excused
Titone
Todd
Valdez D.
Winter
Gray
YES: 0   NO: 0   EXC: 4   ABS:  0   FINAL ACTION:  Pass Without Objection


03:22:18 PM
Motion Concerning establishing a permanent third party pilot for commercial VIN verification inspections.
Moved Hisey
Seconded Gray
Carver
Catlin
Donovan
Duran
Exum
Froelich
Hisey
Hooton
Humphrey Excused
Lewis Excused
Pettersen Excused
Priola
Scott Excused
Titone
Todd
Valdez D.
Winter
Gray
YES: 0   NO: 0   EXC: 4   ABS:  0   FINAL ACTION:  Pass Without Objection


03:33:06 PM
Motion Concerning transportation planning organization act, including regional transportation authorities and metropolitan planning organizations.
Moved Winter
Seconded Gray
Carver
Catlin
Donovan
Duran
Exum
Froelich
Hisey
Hooton
Humphrey Excused
Lewis Excused
Pettersen Excused
Priola
Scott Excused
Titone
Todd
Valdez D.
Winter
Gray
YES: 0   NO: 0   EXC: 4   ABS:  0   FINAL ACTION:  Pass Without Objection


03:38:07 PM
Motion Concerning a referred measure to voters to replace the state excise tax on gas and other liquid fuel with an additional state sales and use tax to fund construction and maintenance of surface transportation (Attachments G and H).
Moved Priola
Seconded Winter
Carver
Catlin
Donovan
Duran
Exum
Froelich
Hisey
Hooton
Humphrey Excused
Lewis Excused
Pettersen Excused
Priola
Scott Excused
Titone
Todd
Valdez D.
Winter
Gray
YES: 0   NO: 0   EXC: 4   ABS:  0   FINAL ACTION:  Pass Without Objection


03:39:27 PM
Motion Concerning permits related to the transportation of hazardous materials issued by the Colorado Department of Transportation.
Moved Hisey
Seconded Valdez D.
Carver
Catlin
Donovan
Duran
Exum
Froelich
Hisey
Hooton
Humphrey Excused
Lewis Excused
Pettersen Excused
Priola
Scott Excused
Titone
Todd
Valdez D.
Winter
Gray
YES: 0   NO: 0   EXC: 4   ABS:  0   FINAL ACTION:  Pass Without Objection


03:40:32 PM
Motion Concerning commercial vehicle annual fleet overweight permits.
Moved Valdez D.
Seconded Hisey
Carver
Catlin
Donovan
Duran
Exum
Froelich
Hisey
Hooton
Humphrey Excused
Lewis Excused
Pettersen Excused
Priola
Scott Excused
Titone
Todd
Valdez D.
Winter
Gray
YES: 0   NO: 0   EXC: 4   ABS:  0   FINAL ACTION:  Pass Without Objection


03:41:14 PM   The committee adjourned.






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