Date: 03/31/2009

Final
BILL SUMMARY for HB09-1026

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Votes: View--> Action Taken:
Moved a prepared amendment to House Bill 09-1026 (
Moved that House Bill 09-1026 be referred to the C		Pass Without Objection
PASS

01:40 PM

Senator Gibbs, Chair, called the meeting to order.

01:40 PM -- House Bill 09-1026

Senator Williams, prime sponsor, presented House Bill 09-1026, concerning the application of vehicle laws to low-power vehicles that operate with less than four wheels in contact with the ground, and in connection therewith, defining "low-power scooter" and "electric personal assistive mobility device." She commented on the top speed of scooters and helmet requirements for scooters. She said that House Bill 09-1026 will remove outmoded language and require proof of liability insurance for scooter operators starting in 2010. She added that the bill will limit the speed of scooters to a maximum of 40 miles per hour and she commented on the definition of "scooter" in House Bill 09-1026. She noted that one goal of the bill is to bring uniformity to Colorado law relating to the regulation of low-powered motor vehicles.

The following persons testified in regard to House Bill 09-1026:

01:48 PM -- Gerald Abboud, representing the Powersports Dealers Association of Colorado, supported House Bill 09-1026, and commented on definitions of various powersports vehicles, including those powered by motors with less than 49 cubic centimeters displacement. Senator Kopp expressed concern that House Bill 09-1026 will make it more onerous to operate a scooter in Colorado, and that use of the vehicles should be encouraged in light of potential gas price spikes. Mr. Abboud noted that a person must have a driver's license to operate a scooter.

01:57 PM -- Larry Reynolds, representing Colorado Adventure Segway Tours, commented on his business and the participation of tourists in Segway tours. He commented on restrictions he places on persons participating in his tours. He noted that many of his customers have mobility issues and said that these machines are of great value to such persons. He said that the Denver Police ask him to keep his customers on sidewalks. He said that it is his practice to pull over his tour groups to let bicycles pass. He noted that the Westminster Police have requested that he keep his tour groups on sidewalks and said that he is seeking a special use permit to operate in Broomfield. He expressed concern that provisions of House Bill 09-1026 relating to local control may negatively impact his business. He said that it is his preference that tour companies such as his be exempted from the provisions of the bill. He noted that he has booked many family reunions for tours and commented on the participation of retirement communities in his tours.

02:14 PM -- Jery Payne, representing the Office of Legislative Legal Services, pointed out language in House Bill 09-1026 relating to Segway vehicles. He said that local governments must authorize the operation of such vehicles on sidewalks under the bill.

02:16 PM -- Dan Grunig, representing Bicycle Colorado, supported House Bill 09-1026, and commented on the potential use of Segways on bicycle paths.

02:19 PM -- Terry Campbell, representing the Colorado State Patrol, supported House Bill 09-1026, and said that the bill will clarify definitions of slower moving vehicles in the state.
BILL:HB09-1026
TIME: 02:21:50 PM
MOVED:Williams
MOTION:Moved a prepared amendment to House Bill 09-1026 (Attachment A), L.012. The motion passed without objection.
SECONDED:
VOTE
Kopp
Renfroe
Romer
Spence
Veiga
Williams
Gibbs
Not Final YES: 0 NO: 0 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: Pass Without Objection
090331AttachA.pdf
BILL:HB09-1026
TIME: 02:24:38 PM
MOVED:Williams
MOTION:Moved that House Bill 09-1026 be referred to the Committee on Appropriations, as amended. The motion passed on a 5-2-0 roll call vote.
SECONDED:
VOTE
Kopp
No
Renfroe
No
Romer
Yes
Spence
Yes
Veiga
Yes
Williams
Yes
Gibbs
Yes
Final YES: 5 NO: 2 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: PASS