Date: 10/29/2013

Final
Briefing by the Department of Revenue

TRANSPORTATION LEGISLATION REVIEW COMMITTEE

Votes: View--> Action Taken:
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09:04 AM -- Call to Order

Representative Tyler, chair, called the meeting to order. A quorum was present. Representative Tyler commented on the committee's activities throughout the interim. He explained the agenda for the meeting.

09:06 AM -- Briefing by the Department of Revenue

Mr. Michael Dixon, representing the Department of Revenue (DOR), introduced himself to the committee. Handouts were distributed to the committee (Attachments A and B). Mr. Dixon commented on the Department of Motor Vehicles' (DMV) strategic plan and explained that the division's mission is to provide excellent identification, driver, and motor vehicle services to help make Colorado a safe place to live, work, and play. He commented on the following components of the strategic plan: organization, business processes, facilities, and IT systems. Representative Tyler asked about the lien related to the strategic plan. Discussion ensued concerning how liens are the cornerstone to the strategic plan process for the division. Representative Mitsch Bush asked about the online renewal licensing process, specifically for those persons over the age of 65. Representative Lee asked if the department is working with the Department of Corrections (DOC) concerning identification (ID) cards for those inmates who are being released on probation. Mr. Dixon responded that the department is working closely with the DOC on how to better provide ID documents to inmates who are leaving a facility or a county jail. Representative Lee said that he understands that the state is releasing offenders who do not have ID cards and whether the department is aware that this is an issue. Mr. Dixon said that the DOR offers the service but that he does not know how often the DOC is releasing inmates under these circumstances. Discussion ensued concerning current law surrounding the ID card process and the federal REAL ID Act. Mr. Dixon commented on exceptions processing, which allows individuals alternatives to showing proper identification when they do not have the required documentation.

13TLRC1029AttachA.pdf13TLRC1029AttachA.pdf 13TLRC1029AttachB.pdf13TLRC1029AttachB.pdf

09:20 AM

Senator Todd asked for more information concerning online driver's license renewal for persons over the age of 65. Mr. Dixon commented on criteria by which individuals may not be eligible for online renewal of their driver's license.


09:22 AM

Representative Kraft-Tharp asked about wait times for DMV offices and what the division is doing to improve wait times. Mr. Dixon commented on wait times at offices and the new Wait Less Project. He said that part of the strategic plan will evaluate how to improve those wait times. He stated that the division's objective is to have 65 percent of costumers being seen within 60 minutes or less. Discussion ensued concerning customer volume at DMV offices.


09:27 AM

Representative Peniston commented on her positive recent experience at a DMV. Representative Primavera asked about the emissions program and what the department has done to improve the emissions program. Mr. Dixon commented on the emissions program and spoke to a few legislative changes from last session that impacted the program. Discussion ensued concerning audit recommendations from the last few audits of the program. Representative Primavera asked about upgrading of the Colorado State Title and Registration System (CSTARS) and if the department is hoping to do something with the financial strategy to replace the system. Mr. Dixon responded that the system is still in place today and that the department recognizes the need to replace the driver's license and CSTARS systems. Discussion ensued concerning vehicle registration.


09:35 AM

Representative Buck asked about the mobile emissions program. Mr. Dixon commented on the Clean Screen Program and said that it is run by a vendor. Discussion ensued concerning locations of the mobile program.


09:37 AM

Representative Coram commented on a constituent's experience in obtaining a Colorado driver's license when she moved here from Utah. Mr. Dixon said that to comply with state law the DMV offices ask for certain types of documentation.


09:41 AM

Senator Jones asked about the gold star on his license. Mr. Dixon said that the gold star indicates that the license is REAL ID compliant.


09:41 AM

 Mr. Dixon continued to discuss the organizational component of the strategic plan, including major initiatives such as an enhanced hiring process and international registration plan program to the Titles and Registration sections of the DMV pursuant to House Bill 12-1019. He commented on the business processes. Representative Primavera asked about entry level Titles and Registration staff salaries. Mr. Dixon said that the average starting salary is approximately $26,000 per year. He commented on IT systems.


09:46 AM

Mr. Dixon commented on the implementation of Senate Bill 13-251 concerning non-citizen ID cards and driver's licenses. He said that the bill creates a new tiered system for the issuance of documents to different customers. He said that the law allows a non-citizen to qualify for a three year ID card or driver's license if he or she meets certain requirements, including being a Colorado resident for 24 months, a signed affidavit, and certain documentation. He said that the department will create an executive steering committee to further advance implementation and that the department is on track for an August 1, 2014 start date. Representative Fischer asked about the look of the ID card or driver's license under the bill. Representative Primavera asked if CSTARS will be able to accept all of these changes in the program.


09:53 AM

Mr. Dixon provided an update on the implementation of House Bill 13-1289 concerning electronic liens and titles. He said that the law allows DOR to establish a system to allow the electronic transmission of registration, lien, and titling information for motor vehicles. He commented on the creation of working groups comprised of county and industry representatives to evaluate the implementation of the legislation.


09:54 AM

Mr. Dixon commented on financial challenges that the DMV faces, including persistent structural deficit. He said that appropriation exceeds revenue and that revenue is projected to remain relatively flat. He said that the only option is to align spending with revenue impacting the ability to provide customer service and spend down the fund balance. He stated that the current financing structure expires on June 30, 2015.