Skip to main content

PUBLIC
BILL SUMMARY For HB25-1243

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY
Date Apr 2, 2025       Location HCR 0107

HB25-1243 - Postponed Indefinitely


06:19:16 PM  
Representative Lindsay, prime sponsor, presented House Bill 25-1243. The bill prohibits peace officers from asking persons if they are aware of the reason they were pulled over. Representative Lindsay explained the effect of the bill and discussed its need. Representative Lindsay responded to questions regarding the lack of a consequence function in the bill, and norms practiced by law enforcement during traffic stops in Colorado. Representative Lindsay responded to further questions regarding a forthcoming amendment, and issues surrounding prior restraint of speech. Discussion ensued regarding certain hypothetical situations.
06:44:44 PM  
Chief Matthew Packard, representing CDPS/ Colorado State Patrol, testified in opposition to the bill. Chief Strossner, representing the Colorado Association of the Chiefs of Police, testified in opposition to the bill. Mrs. Erin Meschke, representing themself, testified in opposition to the bill.

Colonel Packard responded to questions what is expected of a state trooper during a traffic stop. Colonel Packard and Chief Strossner responded to questions regarding best practices for when law enforcement engages in a traffic contact.  Colonel Packard responded to questions regarding the the detainment status of a person during a traffic stop, and current law with respect to obligations of law enforcement during traffic stops.
07:02:55 PM  
Mr. Skyler McKinley, representing AAA, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Mac Muir, representing themself, was available to answer committee questions.

Mr. McKinley responded to questions regarding certain constitutional issues implicated during traffic stops.  Mr. Muir answered additional questions on these constitutional issues. Mr. McKinley responded to questions regarding how HB 25-1243 might affect roadside safety. Discussion ensued regarding roadside safety.  Discussion returned to constitutional issues. Discussion ensued regarding other jurisdictions with laws similar to the bill.
07:32:33 PM  

Representative Lindsay explained the effect of amendment L.001 (Attachment B).  Discussion ensued about the merits of the amendment and the source of the amendment.


07:38:43 PM
Motion Adopt amendment L.001 (Attachment B)
Moved Carter
Seconded Clifford
Armagost No
Bacon No
Barron No
Caldwell No
Clifford No
Espenoza No
Garcia No
Keltie No
Velasco No
Carter No
Mabrey No
YES: 0   NO: 11   EXC: 0   ABS:  0   FINAL ACTION:  FAIL
07:38:45 PM  
Representative Lindsay provided closing remarks in support of HB 25-1243. Various committee members provided their positions on the bill.

08:01:03 PM
Motion Refer House Bill 25-1243 to the Committee of the Whole.
Moved Carter
Seconded Velasco
Armagost No
Bacon No
Barron No
Caldwell No
Clifford No
Espenoza No
Garcia Yes
Keltie No
Velasco Yes
Carter No
Mabrey Yes
YES: 3   NO: 8   EXC: 0   ABS:  0   FINAL ACTION:  FAIL

08:01:37 PM
Motion Postpone House Bill 25-1243 indefinitely using a reversal of the previous roll call. There was no objection to the use of the reverse roll call, therefore, the bill was postponed indefinitely.
Moved Carter
Seconded Clifford
Armagost Yes
Bacon Yes
Barron Yes
Caldwell Yes
Clifford Yes
Espenoza Yes
Garcia No
Keltie Yes
Velasco No
Carter Yes
Mabrey No
Final YES: 8   NO: 3   EXC: 0   ABS:  0   FINAL ACTION:  PASS