Bill Summary for Bill Number HB14-1301

Date: 03/19/2014

Final
BILL SUMMARY for HB14-1301

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION & ENERGY

Votes: View-->	Action Taken:
Adopt amendment L.002 (Attachment E). The motion p Refer House Bill 14-1301, as amended, to the Commi	Pass Without Objection PASS

02:34 PM -- HB 14-1301

Representative Mitsch Bush, prime sponsor, presented House Bill 14-1301. The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) currently administers the Safe Routes to School Program (program) and distributes federal funds to state subdivisions for projects that improve the safety of pedestrians and bicyclists in school areas. Beginning in FY 2014-15, the CDOT will no longer receive federal funds for distribution. This bill appropriates $3.0 million General Fund to the CDOT in FY 2014-15 for the continuation of the program, and specifies that at least 20 percent but not more than 30 percent of state funds must be used for non-infrastructure projects. The bill also adds a criterion that the CDOT must consider when evaluating grant applications. Representative Mitsch Bush discussed the intent of the bill and distributed a handout and prepared amendment L.001 (Attachments A and B). She read a letter submitted by Bruce Brown (Attachment C). Representative Moreno asked about Map-21 and if other states are being affected by a loss of federal funds as well. Discussion ensued concerning the fiscal note. Representative Peniston asked if there is ever a sunset on this bill. Representative Kraft-Tharp asked about funding of the program in future years.

140319 AttachA.pdf

140319 AttachB.pdf

140319 AttachC.pdf

The following people testified on the bill:

02:58 PM -- Janet Hruby, representing Routt County, testified in support of the bill. She commented on the positive impact of the program. Representative Ginal asked why Highway User Tax Fund (HUTF) dollars cannot be utilized for this program and if there are other ways that funding can be obtained. Discussion ensued concerning funding.

03:11 PM -- Sarah Harter, representing Live Well Longmont, testified in support of the bill. She commented on the importance of active transportation and sustaining the Safe Routes to School program.

03:20 PM -- Barb Parnell, representing Live Well Northwest Colorado, testified in support of the bill. She commented on the academic benefits of the Safe Routes to School program.

03:26 PM -- Rear Admiral Christopher Colvin, representing Mission Readiness, testified in support of the bill. He distributed a handout to the committee (Attachment D).

140319 AttachD.pdf

03:31 PM -- Leann Hepburn, representing the Colorado Association for Health Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance, testified in support of the bill.

03:33 PM -- Betsy Jacobson, representing CDOT, testified in support of the bill. Discussion ensued concerning funding for the Safe Routes to School program. Kurt Morrison, representing CDOT, commented on federal funding.

03:47 PM -- Kathleen Krager, representing Colorado Springs, testified in support of the bill.

03:52 PM -- John Giardino, representing the Colorado Parent Teacher Association, testified in support of the bill.

03:55 PM -- Bob Wilson, representing himself, commented on transit policy.


BILL:	HB14-1301
TIME:	03:57:57 PM
MOVED:	Moreno
MOTION:	Adopt amendment L.002 (Attachment E). The motion passed without objection.
SECONDED:	Mitsch Bush
		VOTE
	Buck
	Coram
	Fischer
	Ginal
	Kraft-Tharp
	Lawrence
	Lee
	Mitsch Bush
	Peniston
	Scott
	Sonnenberg
	Moreno
	Tyler

YES: 0 NO: 0 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: Pass Without Objection

140319 AttachE.pdf

04:06 PM -- Herbert Holman, representing himself, testified in support of the bill. He spoke about the importance of active transportation and the need to continue the Safe Routes to School program.


BILL:	HB14-1301
TIME:	04:12:28 PM
MOVED:	Mitsch Bush
MOTION:	Refer House Bill 14-1301, as amended, to the Committee on Appropriations. The motion passed on a vote of 11-2.
SECONDED:	Moreno
		VOTE
	Buck	No
	Coram	Yes
	Fischer	Yes
	Ginal	Yes
	Kraft-Tharp	Yes
	Lawrence	Yes
	Lee	Yes
	Mitsch Bush	Yes
	Peniston	Yes
	Scott	Yes
	Sonnenberg	No
	Moreno	Yes
	Tyler	Yes

Final YES: 11 NO: 2 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: PASS

04:14 PM

The committee adjourned.