h_jud_2017a_2017-02-14t13:36:14z0 Hearing Summary

Date: 02/14/2017

Location: HCR 0112

01:36 PM -- HB17-1070



The committee was called to order. A quorum was present. Representative Wilson, prime sponsor, presented House Bill 17-1070, concerning the use of unmanned aircraft systems to perform government functions relating to public safety, and, in connection therewith, requiring the Center of Excellence within the Department of Public Safety to perform a study and operate a pilot program. Representative Wilson explained the effect of the bill and discussed its need. Discussion ensued regarding the effect of a number of forthcoming amendments. Discussion ensued regarding the fiscal impact of the bill, and the role of the Center of Excellence within the Department of Public Safety's Division of Fire Prevention and Control.





01:48 PM



Discussion ensued regarding the use of drones by sheriffs' offices in Colorado. The following persons testified regarding HB 17-1070:



01:50 PM -- Ms. Jessica LeRoux, representing herself, testified in opposition to the bill. Ms. LeRoux expressed concerns with the bill, including concerns about privacy and law enforcement corruption. Discussion ensued regarding the use of drones by law enforcement in Mesa County. Ms. LeRoux responded to questions regarding the potential for amending the bill to reduce its scope to the use of drones by certain first responders.



01:57 PM -- Ms. Melissa Lineberger, representing the Department of Public Safety, testified in support of the bill, as amended. Committee members received a fact sheet supporting the bill, prepared by the Department of Public Safety (Attachment A). Ms. Lineberger discussed the need for the legislation, and explained how the pilot program established by the bill would benefit her office and other government entities in Colorado. Ms. Lineberger noted some entities that are supporting the bill. Ms. Lineberger responded to questions regarding certain amendments that limit the scope of the bill, and concerns about the use of drones by law enforcement.



17HouseJud0214AttachA.pdf



02:08 PM



Ms. Lineberger responded to questions regarding the potential for amending HB 17-1070 to limit its scope by excluding law enforcement, and the responsibility of fire fighters when encountering illegal activity. Discussion ensued regarding the fiscal impact of the bill, and potential funding sources for the pilot program created by the bill. Discussion followed regarding potential in-kind donations to the pilot program created by the bill, and policies governing the gathering and storage of data by state agencies. Ms. Lineberger responded to questions regarding national organizations that develop policies governing the use of drones by public agencies.





02:19 PM



Discussion returned to the storage of data captured during drone use by public agencies, and the potential for law enforcement to access this data. Discussion followed regarding the scope of the bill, and restrictions on drone use by law enforcement.





02:29 PM



Discussion returned to the potential for amending HB 17-1070 to limit it to the use of drones for firefighting purposes only.



02:30 PM -- Mr. Wendell Pryor, representing the Chaffee County Economic Development Corporation, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Pryor explained that local governments are already using drones, and discussed the benefits of the legislation. Mr. Pryor addressed questions raised during earlier testimony, and the scope of HB 17-1070. Mr. Pryor discussed Chaffee County's interest in partnering with the Center of Excellence on the drone study.



02:36 PM -- Mr. Sean McClung, representing UAS Colorado, testified in support of HB 17-1070. Mr. McClung discussed the benefits of creating a pilot program under the bill in the areas of economic development and public safety. He discussed Colorado's position in the drone industry, and noted some individuals supporting the bill. Mr. McClung also addressed the bill's forthcoming amendments. Mr. McClung responded to questions regarding state and federal laws governing the use of drones, and addressed earlier testimony about privacy concerns surrounding law enforcement and drones.



02:47 PM -- Mr. Allan Bishop, representing Reference Technologies, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Bishop explained the benefits of drone use for public safety purposes. Mr. Bishop discussed the use of drones during a recent wildfire in Boulder County, and discussed other situations that benefitted from drone use. Mr. Bishop addressed some concerns raised during earlier testimony.



03:00 PM -- Ms. Allison Daley, representing Colorado Counties, Inc., testified in support of HB 17-1070.



03:01 PM -- Mr. Greg Romberg, representing the Colorado Broadcasters Association, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Romberg discussed the use of drones to help protect public communications infrastructure.



03:03 PM -- Mr. Chris Linsmeyer, representing Colorado Ski Country USA, testified in support of HB 17-1070. Mr. Linsmeyer discussed the use of drones for search and rescue activities.



03:05 PM -- Mr. Richard Orf, representing the Associated Governments of Northwest Colorado, testified in support of the bill.





03:07 PM



Representative Wilson explained the effect of amendment L.002 (Attachment B).



17HouseJud0214AttachB.pdf

03:08 PM



Representative Wilson explained the effect of amendment L.003 (Attachment C).



17HouseJud0214AttachC.pdf

03:09 PM



Representative Salazar explained the effect of amendment L.006 (Attachment D).



17HouseJud0214AttachD.pdf

03:21 PM



Representative Wilson provided closing remarks in support of HB 17-1070. Various committee members expressed their positions on the bill.

03:30 PM



The committee recessed.