Date: 03/18/2009

Final
BILL SUMMARY for SB09-002

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE

Votes: View--> Action Taken:
Refer Senate Bill 09-002 to the Committee on ApproPASS



03:21 PM -- Senate Bill 09-002 - Concerning Motor Vehicle Fees to Fund Emergency Medical Services

Representative Peniston, prime sponsor, explained the provisions of the bill. She noted that Senate Bill 09-022 increases a motor vehicle registration fee from $1 to $2. The fee increase is credited to the emergency medical services account within the Highway Users Tax Fund. Representative Peniston continued by saying that the emergency medical services account is used to help support the state's emergency medical and trauma network. The account is administered by the Department of Public Health and Environment and supports local emergency service providers through grants. After a brief committee discussion on fee bills, the committee heard testimony.

The following persons testified:

03:25 PM -- Dr. Ned Calonge, Department of Public Health and Environment, testified in support of the bill. Dr. Calonge discussed state funding to support emergency medical services. He also recognized emergency medical service professionals present in the committee room. Dr. Calonge responded to questions from committee members. Dr. Randy Kuykendall, representing the Department of Public Health and Environment, discussed current funding needs for emergency services.

03:34 PM -- Dr. Randy Kuykendall, Department of Public Health and Environment, testified in support of the bill and responded to committee questions about emergency medical system costs. The fee increase will really make a difference to funding emergency care in Colorado.

03:11 PM -- Chief Dan Noonan, representing the Colorado State Emergency Medical and Trauma Advisory Council, testified in support of the bill.

03:17 PM -- Mr. Tim Dienst, Ute Pass Regional Ambulance District, testified in support of the measure and discussed the history of funding for emergency services.

03:54 PM -- Mr. Sean M. Caffrey, EMS Association of Colorado, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Caffrey closed by discussing how the fee increase could aid EMT professionals in rural parts of Colorado.

04:22 PM -- Chief Chris Riley, Colorado State Fire Chiefs' Association, testified in support of the bill. Chief Riley discussed call volume increases over the past twenty years. He closed by discussing the changing role of EMTs as they operate on less and less money. He urged the committee to support the bill.


04:26 PM

After a brief committee discussion on fee bills before the General Assembly, the bill was placed on the table for action.
BILL:SB09-002
TIME: 04:26:16 PM
MOVED:Roberts
MOTION:Refer Senate Bill 09-002 to the Committee on Appropriations. The motion passed on a 6-4 vote.
SECONDED:Gerou
VOTE
Apuan
No
Benefield
Yes
Gerou
Yes
Kefalas
Yes
Kerr A.
Yes
Lambert
No
Roberts
Yes
Summers
No
Swalm
No
Frangas
Yes
Judd
Excused
Final YES: 6 NO: 4 EXC: 1 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: PASS



04:37 PM

Adjourn.