Date: 04/23/2015

Final
BILL SUMMARY for SB15-221

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY

Votes: View--> Action Taken:
Refer Senate Bill 15-221 to the Committee of the WPASS



01:35 PM -- SB15-221

The committee was called to order. A quorum was present. Representatives Danielson and Priola, prime sponsors, presented Senate Bill 15-221, concerning public transit officers. Representative Danielson explained why the bill is needed. Representative Priola responded to questions regarding a provision in the bill concerning a public transit officer's scope of authority. Representative Danielson explained that the bill does not expand the authority of the subject officers, but rather expands their jurisdiction. Discussion ensued on this point, and the implications with regard to public transportation entity liability.


01:49 PM

The following persons testified regarding SB 15-221:

01:49 PM -- Chief John Tarbert, representing the Regional Transportation District and the Colorado Association of Chiefs of Police, testified in support of the bill. Chief Tarbert discussed the security duties of his department, and their law enforcement work in collaboration with local law enforcement. Chief Tarbert responded to questions regarding the primary goal of the bill, and the relationship between local law enforcement and public transit police under the bill. Discussion ensued regarding the need for the bill, and the potential for the transit authority and local law enforcement to achieve the goals of the bill through contracting. Discussion returned to the goals of the bill.


02:02 PM

Chief Tarbert responded to questions regarding the workload of his office, and the intent of the legislation. Chief Tarbert responded to further questions regarding the number of officers he employs through contract.

02:05 PM -- Chief John Jackson, representing the Colorado Association of Chiefs of Police, testified in support of the bill. Chief Jackson discussed the jurisdictional elements of the bill, and the need to provide safety within the Regional Transportation District's jurisdiction. Chief Jackson explained that local law enforcement agencies require statutory authority to allow them to properly contract with the district. Chief Jackson responded to questions regarding certain current language in state law that is stricken by the bill, and the ability of transit police to engage in the practices under current law for which the bill seeks authority.


02:17 PM

Chief Jackson responded to questions regarding the scope of authority of public transit officers under SB 15-221, and the potential expansion of authority for these officers under the bill. Chief Jackson responded to further questions regarding jurisdictional authority granted to transit officers under current law.

02:24 PM -- Ms. Annmarie Jensen, representing the Colorado Association of Chiefs of Police, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Jensen addressed questions raised during earlier discussion and testimony. Ms. Jensen responded to questions regarding the scope of authority of transit officers under current law, and the reasons why the current statute was drafted the way it is. Discussion ensued regarding a provision in the bill limiting the scope of a transit officer's police authority to the period during which the transit officer is performing his or her duties.


02:38 PM

Mr. Gregg Fraser, Office of Legislative Legal Services, made himself available to respond to questions about the bill. Mr. Fraser responded to questions regarding the jurisdictional boundaries for transit officers under the bill as compared to current law, and the intent of certain provisions of SB 15-221. Discussion ensued regarding changes made by certain language in the bill. Discussion followed regarding the ability to amend the bill to limit the scope of a transit officer's police authority to the officer's line of sight.


02:53 PM

No amendments were offered to SB 15-221. Discussion ensued regarding the potential for amending the bill going forward to address certain concerns. Representative Foote noted some statutory authorities applicable to certain law enforcement jurisdictions. Various committee members provided their positions on the bill.
BILL:SB15-221
TIME: 02:57:11 PM
MOVED:Lawrence
MOTION:Refer Senate Bill 15-221 to the Committee of the Whole. The motion passed on a vote of 12-1.
SECONDED:Pettersen
VOTE
Becker K.
Yes
Carver
Yes
Court
Yes
Dore
Yes
Foote
Yes
Lawrence
Yes
Lundeen
Yes
Pettersen
Yes
Salazar
No
Van Winkle
Yes
Willett
Yes
Lee
Yes
Kagan
Yes
Final YES: 12 NO: 1 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: PASS