Date: 04/26/2006

Final
BILL SUMMARY for SB06-072

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION & ENERGY

Votes: View--> Action Taken:
DELETE THIS ONE
Moved a conceptual amendment. Amend engrossed bil		TIE
Pass Without Objection



02:52 PM -- Senate Bill 06-072

Representative Harvey, prime sponsor, presented Senate Bill 06-072 which increases the penalties related to careless driving resulting in serious bodily injury.

Representative Harvey distributed amendment L.008 (Attachment E).

03:06 PM

Maureen Cain, representing the Colorado Criminal Defense Bar, spoke in opposition to the bill. Ms. Cain stated that courts should have discretion in careless driving cases.

Responding to questions from members, Representative Harvey explained the penalties for careless driving under current state law.

Members of the committee discussed whether or not the bill would make the penalties for careless driving stronger than the penalties for reckless driving.

03:23 PM

Dave Thomas, Executive Director of the Colorado District Attorney Council, spoke in opposition to the bill.

03:40 PM

Michael Williams, representing Bikepac, spoke in support of the bill. Mr. Williams distributed two handouts, a Rocky Mountain News Article (Attachment F), and a Colorado Legislative Council memorandum (Attachment G). He does not believe that the bill makes the penalties for careless driving stronger than the penalties for reckless driving. Mr. Williams stated that driving is a privilege and that with that privilege comes responsibility. He stated that there is a huge responsibility with driving a motor-vehicle.

04:08 PM

Christine Lafore, representing her family, spoke in support of the bill. Ms. Lafore described a motor-vehicle accident that her son was involved in and subsequently died from. She stated that she knows the bill will not prevent accidents, but she's hoping the legislation will act as a deterrent to careless driving.

04:13 PM

Allela Collins, representing her family, spoke in support of the bill. Ms. Collins stated that her father loss 30 years of his memory as a result of a motor-vehicle accident. She reiterated that driving is a privilege, not a right. She stated that it is a shame to allow careless drivers to continue to have the privilege of driving.

04:19 PM

Sherry Kester, representing the Colorado Judicial Department, testified before the committee. Ms. Kester discussed amendment L.008.

04:23 PM

Katie, representing her brother, spoke in support of the bill.

04:25 PM

Terry Level, representing her family, spoke in support of the bill. Ms. Level described the motor-vehicle accident that killed her son.

04:32 PM

Representative Harvey gave his closing remarks.


BILL:SB06-072
TIME: 04:45:14 PM
MOVED:Green
MOTION:Moved a conceptual amendment. Amend engrossed bill, page 3, line 2, strike "shall" and insert "may"; line 5 strike "shall" and insert "may", line 15 strike "shall" insert "may". The motion passed without objection.
SECONDED:Ragsdale
VOTE
Borodkin
Green
Hefley
Knoedler
Larson
Lindstrom
Ragsdale
Sullivan
Welker
McFadyen
Pommer
Not Final YES: 0 NO: 0 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: Pass Without Objection

04:52 PM

Representative Pommer laid over the bill so that the committee could review amendments.