Date: 03/14/2012
Final
BILL SUMMARY for SB12-092
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION
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01:33 PM -- Senate Bill 12-092
Representative Looper, chair, called the meeting to order. A quorum was present. Representative Liston, prime sponsor, presented Senate Bill 12-092. The bill allows video displays in any location of a moving motor vehicle, so long as the display is not visible to the driver. Under current law, video screens are prohibited at any point forward of the back of the drivers' seat. Representative Liston commented that this is enabling legislation to allow automobile dealers in Colorado to sell vehicles that have this technology. Representative Fischer asked if a passenger could still have a laptop or tablet in the passenger seat. Representative Liston responded that the bill does not prohibit a passenger from using a laptop or a tablet in the passenger seat, although the passenger could simply watch the video display that is installed in the vehicle. Representative Ramirez commented on the bill. Representative Hamner asked for more information about how the video display is positioned on the dashboard. Representative Liston emphasized that the display is not visible or distracting to the driver. Conversation ensued concerning the video display technology. Representative Fischer asked how long this technology has been available and related safety records of vehicles equipped with this technology. Representative Liston responded that there are witnesses present that can address this issue and commented that the technology was introduced in the United States approximately two years ago.
01:48 PM -- Ms. Renee Wadsworth, representing the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers (AAM), testified in support of the bill. Ms. Wadsworth gave a brief overview of AAM and discussed the video display technology under the bill. Ms. Wadsworth said that there are only five states in the country that do not offer this technology. Representative Tyler asked if the video display technology is available on foreign automobiles. Representative Fischer asked about the five states that do not offer this technology. Ms. Wadsworth responded that seven states have passed similar legislation in past years, indicating that the trend is catching on. Representative Fischer asked if the sound from the video display is distracting to the driver, even though he or she cannot view the screen. Ms. Wadsworth responded that she does not have cognitive distraction data available but that the technology is aimed at maintaining the safety of the driver.
01:54 PM -- Mr. Kevin Steward, representing Mercedes-Benz, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Steward discussed the video display technology and the increased demand for front seat passenger attention while maintaining safety of the vehicle. Representative Scott asked for more information about the availability of the video display technology. Representative Vaad asked about the video display technology and its function in the vehicle. Representative Fischer commented on the bill and asked if other vehicle manufacturers will have after-market equipment that could be installed in a vehicle similar to the split screen video display used in Mercedez-Benz vehicles. Committee discussion ensued concerning the video display technology. Mr. Wadsworth commented on screens that are in the backseat of the vehicle and said that those screens are not split-screen. Representative Liston asked Mr. Wadsworth if the technology with Mercedez-Benz is proprietary and patent-protected. Mr. Wadsworth said that currently it is proprietary to Mercedez-Benz.
02:06 PM -- Mr. Bobby Juchem, representing the Colorado State Patrol (CSP), came to the table to respond to questions from the committee. Mr. Juchem commented on the CSP's focus on maintaining traffic safety with the use of the video display technology in vehicles on roads in Colorado and addressed topics discussed by the committee earlier in the meeting. Representative Fischer asked about a possible amendment to the bill concerning driver safety. Representative Liston commented on personal responsibility of a driver when operating a vehicle. Representative Ramirez commented on the provisions of the bill. Mr. Juchem said that the bill does not prohibit the use of a computer or similar device as long as the computer or device is not displayed to the driver. Mr. Juchem referred to the careless driver provisions under current law.
02:19 PM
Representative Looper announced that the bill will be laid over for action only at a later date.
02:19 PM
The committee adjourned.