s_fin_2016a_2016-03-17t11:37:19z0 Hearing Summary

Date: 03/17/2016

11:37 AM -- HB16-1030



The committee was called to order. A quorum was present.



Senator Donovan, prime sponsor, presented House Bill 16-1030. Under current state regulations, any person ten years of age or older can operate an off-highway vehicle (OHV) on approved routes as long as he or she is accompanied by and under the immediate supervision of a person who has a valid driver's license. The reengrossed bill allows local governments, acting by ordinance or resolution, to require all OHV operators to have a driver's license (i.e., be 16 years of age or older) or carry liability insurance while operating within the entity's jurisdiction. Any resolution or ordinance adopted by a local government in this regard is not in conflict with state regulations specifying different age requirements for OHV operators. The bill makes an exception for those OHVs operating during emergency conditions and those used for agricultural purposes.



The bill also requires a municipality that chooses to regulate the crossing of a state highway by OHVs within its jurisdiction to submit a written request to the regional office of the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) to approve the regulation. The CDOT may not unreasonably withhold its approval, and if the request is not answered within 60 days, it is considered approved.



Senator Donovan discussed a handout about local government regulation of OHVs provided by Colorado Counties, Inc. (CCI) (Attachment A).



16SenateFin0317AttachA.pdf



11:43 AM -- Mr. Tony Lombard, representing CCI, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Lombard addressed questions from the committee.



11:57 AM -- Ms. Peg Ackerman, representing the County Sheriffs, testified in support of the bill.



11:59 AM -- Mr. Richard Orf, Associated Governments of Northwest Colorado, testified in support of the bill.



12:02 PM -- Ms. Dianne Criswell, representing the Colorado Municipal League, testified in support of the bill.