OOIDA Information Update – Colorado Members

Dear Member,

I wanted to make you aware of an important issue in your state capitol that you should get behind. 

Legislation (HB1113) has been introduced that would move the Colorado Ports of Entry from the jurisdiction of the Department of Revenue to the Colorado State Patrol. 

The reason for the move is to consolidate all truck safety enforcement in the lead agency for it within the state.  This is a good idea from an administrative standpoint and from a very practical one as you may already know.  Having different agencies doing enforcement frequently results in inconsistencies in enforcement and in the inspections themselves.  Everyone should interpret the rules in the same way and violations (even warnings) should not be written up at all if they aren’t valid.  This has always been important, but it’s even more so with the introduction of CSA 2010 that will capture and store information on every violation. 

We are working with the Colorado Motor Carrier Association on this legislation.  A hearing will be held soon.  We will let you know when it’s scheduled.  In the meantime, please call your state representative in the House and urge them to support HB1113.

On a different note, some of our Colorado members have expressed an interest in getting together with state officials to discuss inconsistency in chain laws.  If weather requires chains then they should be on, but if the pavement is only wet, a requirement to have them on is ridiculous.  If you have an interest in meeting with state officials regarding chain laws or have suggestions, please reply to this email. 

To view a list of Colorado state representatives and their contact information, please click here:
http://www.leg.state.co.us/Clics/CLICS2009A/csl.nsf/directory?openframeset

Regards,

Todd Spencer
Executive Vice President