Representatives Mabrey and Velasco, co-prime sponsors, presented Senate Bill 25-162. The bill gives the Public Utilities Commission the sole authority to inspect and regulate railroads, requires the commission to collect data on railroad safety, and imposes a new fee on railroads. The bill sponsors provided amendments L.023 (Attachment A) and L.025 (Attachment B) and responded to committee questions.

Rebecca White, representing the Public Utilities Commission, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Elena Santarella, representing BlueGreen Alliance, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Paul Pearson, representing the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, testified in support of the bill. Carl Smith, representing SMART-Transportation Division, testified in support of the bill. The panel of witnesses responded to questions from the committee.

Nathan Anderson, representing the Union Pacific Railroad, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. Andy Williams, representing the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. Michael Ogborn, representing Colorado Short Line Railroads, testified in opposition to the bill. The panel of witnesses responded to committee questions.

The bill sponsors made closing remarks.