H_TLG_2019A 03/19/2019 11:01:04 AM Committee Summary

Representative Soper introduced House Bill 19-1087 concerning online notice of a public meeting for a local government entity, as well as the amendment, L.006 (Attachment A).  Local governments must post meeting notices required by the state open meetings law on the local government's website.  Notices must be accessible to the public at no cost; and searchable, if possible, by meeting type, date and time of meeting, and agenda item.

The committee questioned the bill sponsor about the designation of a public place to post notices, costs for online posting, current issues surrounding notices, and requiring notices. Aaron Carter, fiscal analyst, said that there will be a new fiscal note.

Natalie Menten, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Evan Goulding, representing the Special District Association, testified in support of the bill.

Kevin Bommer, representing the Colorado Municipal League, testified in support of the bill with the amendment.

Patrick Potyondy, representing Colorado Common Cause, testified in support of the bill. He stated that he would work with the sponsor on the amendment.

The committee questioned the witnesses about governmental entities' posting requirements, including changing posting locations.

The committee questioned the bill sponsor about the mandatory language in the amendment.

The committee talked about clarifying language making the posting of notices on the Internet an option.

There was a discussion about the cost of access to a posting.

The committee made closing remarks about the bill.

The sponsor made closing remarks about the bill.

Representative Coleman introduced House Bill 19-1221 concerning the regulation of electric scooters. The bill excludes electric scooters from the definition of toy vehicles and includes electric scooters in the definition of motor vehicles.  The designation of motor vehicles in the bill athorizes the use of electric scooters on roadways.  Electric scooter riders will have the same rights and responsibilities as riders of electrical assisted bicycles, under the laws of Colorado.  Local governments may regulate the operation of electric scooters in a manner similar to local government regulations for electrical assisted bicycles, but no more restrictive than regulations for electrical assisted bicycles. 

Representative A. Valdez introduced the bill.  Representative Coleman provided a handout (Attachment B).

The committee questioned the sponsors about the classification of electric scooters and how they will be governed in localities, as well as the docking of the scooters.

Rena Davis, representing Lyft, testified in support of the bill.

Sam Sadle, representing Lime, testified in support of the bill.

Edward Fu, representing Bird, testified in support of the bill.

Morgan Cullen, representing the Colorado Municipal League, testified in support of the bill.

The committee questioned the witnesses about safety on roadways, taxes for roadways, and liability.

Natalie Menten, representing herself, testified neutral to the bill.