| Colorado Legislative and Related Legal Issues |
2010 Colorado General Assembly Bills of Interest:
The General Assembly will convene on January 13, 2010 and is mandated by law to close no
later than May 12, 2010.
Use this link to the Colorado General Assembly home page www.leg.state.co.us/ where you
can find current information on all House and Senate bills, contact your representatives and
access the Colorado Revised Statutes.
This session is expected to be dominated by the challenge of the successive major annual revenue
shortfalls necessitating that some very, very, difficult and painful decisions be made by our legislators. Given
that any tax increases must first be sent to the citizens for a vote no sooner than November 2010, most of the
focus will be on increasing user fees and cutting entire programs. As always, the OCCC and our full time
lobbyist, Leo Boyle, will be working hard to ensure that our hobby is not unfairly impacted by any proposed
changes to the CRS. We may need your help to contact your legislators on specific bills. Please stay tuned for
more information.
The OCCC is not sponsoring any specific bills this session. However, we are carefully following
all legislation that may have any effect on our hobby.
2009 Discussions with the Regional Air Quality Council held throughout 2008 resulted in the passage of SB09-003 Motor Vehicle emissions Programs
(Bacon, Fischer). This bill excludes a collector's item motor vehicle with a model year of 1975 or earlier from the emissions testing process. Correspondingly,
changes the definition of "collector's item" from a motor vehicle that is at least 25 years old to a vehicle that is either:
1. A model year of 1975 or earlier; or
2 . A model year of 1976 or later that is registered as a collector's item on or before September 1, 2009.
Prevents a motor vehicle with a model year of 1976 or later that is registered as a collector's item on or before September 1, 2009, from being registered as a
collector's item after sale or transfer to a new owner.
The bill also extends the "enhanced" emission area to heavily populated areas of Weld and Larimer counties. This is done to help bring the Denver metro area
into compliance with EPA maximum ground level ozone concentrations (brown smog) during stagnant air days.
The OCCC also gained major concessions in SB09-108 Transportation System Planning & Funding (Rice, Gibbs) (this bill established increases in registration
fees for the repair of bridges and roads) in the exclusion of Horseless Carriage registrations from both fees and the limitation of those fees to only one of 5 years
registration for the Collector Vehicle registration (both are 5 year plates).
Additionally, the OCCC introduced changes to the CRS via SB09-107 Bonded Title Notarized Bill of Sale (Kester, Looper). This bill Extends to 24 months the time
that a notarized bill of sale exempts a motor vehicle that is at least 25 years old from having to have a bonded title when the vehicle does not have an existing title.
2008 The OCCC engaged in substantive discussions with the Regional Air Quality Council, Dept. of Revenue, Dept. of Public Health and Environment,
EnviroTest and the County Clerks Association regarding changes to the Collector Vehicle registration CRS that would limit the number of owners that abuse the
collector vehicle plates by placing them on daily drivers and work vehicles. Data from the DOR indicated that there were approximately 90,000 collector
registrations statewide in 2007 with 60,000 of them in the Denver Metro area. Data from EnviroTest showed that single, poorly tuned, vehicle could emit 100x the
pollutants than that of a compliant vehicle. Given the failure of the Denver Metro area to maintain compliance with EPA standards for ground level ozone in both
2006 and 2007, the OCCC committed itself to help Denver regain compliance and clean our air. A bill is planned for the 2009 legislative session that will limit
collector vehicle registrations to vehicles manufactured in 1975 or earlier. In return the state will exempt 1975 and earlier vehicles from the AIR program (emission
inspection).
2007 Two bills passed this year that the OCCC did not sponsor but supported: HB 1097 Year of Manufacture plates. "Authorizes a motor vehicle that is
registered as a collector's item to use original license plates if such plates are at least 30 yrs old". This bill brings the requirement for year of manufacturer plates in
line with the requirement for collector's plates which was set at 30 yrs old by a bill passed in the 2006 session. Sponsored by Rep Rose. Signed by the Governor.
HB 1148 Coordinated registration expiration. This bill allows a vehicle owner to request the Dept of Revenue to set a "simultaneous expiration for registrations of
multiple vehicles under the same ownership." The bill contains a mechanism to have all of your registrations expire in the same month. However, it is not clear if
you will be able to specify what month that may be. Sponsored by Rep Rice, et al. & Sen Williams, et al. Signed by the Governor.
2006 The OCCC sponsored two bills that were signed by the Governor: HB1176 Authorize Kit Motor Vehicles (Rep Ragsdale et al.) Defines a "kit vehicle" as a
passenger-type motor vehicle assembled, by other than a licensed manufacturer, from a manufactured kit that includes a prefabricated body and chassis and is
accompanied by a manufacturer's statement of origin. Specifies that the year listed on the certificate of title is the same as the year stated on the kit manufacturer's
statement of origin. Exempts kit vehicles from the motor vehicle emissions inspection program. HB1294 Rebuilder's Certificate of Title (Rep. Decker, et al.).
Allows the issuance of a "Rebuilder's Title" to a vehicle that is: not roadworthy, at least 25yrs old, at least a rolling chassis, and has passed a certified VIN
inspection. The applicant must provide a statement containing facts as to how ownership was acquired and provide a surity of at least twice the value of the vehicle.
A vehicle titled under this law will NOT be deemed a "salvage vehicle" or receive a "salvage" certificate of title. Both bill will take effect by Aug 2007.
2005 The Old Car Council was the chief advocate for two house bills: House Bill 1068 permits the owner of a personalized license plate to retain the plate, with
its unique configuration, even when the vehicle to which it is registered is no longer roadworthy and is undergoing restoration. An annual fee must be paid to retain
the plate. House Bill 1069 modified a bill passed the previous year which would have prevented restored fire trucks from flashing their emergency lights in parades
and other official car events held on city streets. The original bill was aimed at people who impersonate law enforcement officers to harass or pull over innocent
citizens. The Old Car Council continued a series of meetings with the Motor Vehicle Department on titling kit cars and the titling of non-roadworthy vehicles.
2004 The Old Car Council began a series of meetings with the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles on finding a way to exempt "kit cars" from auto emissions
requirements. In the Legislature the Old Car Council was successful in amending House Bill 1386 to lower from 8 to 6 years the age of cars which can be branded
as salvage when applicable law permits.
2003 Representative Ragsdale and Senator Chlouber introduced House Bill 1287, which passed and was signed by the Governor to address the problem of
cars over 25 years of age whose title had been lost and could not be obtained when the vehicle was purchased. This lost title bill eliminated the requirement for an
appraisal and bonding of these vehicles in order to obtain a title.
2002 Worked with the Department of Motor Vehicles to find language that will be submitted to the legislature in 2003 that allows for the titling of vehicles where
the original title has been lost. Monitored all auto insurance legislation dealing with no-fault. Final bill continued no-fault insurance for one year until July 1. 2003
which means the issue of mandatory auto insurance will be addressed again in the 2003 legislature.
2001 Worked closely with the towing industry and the salvage industry to recodify the language dealing with what vehicles can be towed, and from what
location, and how the titles of abandoned vehicles are handled. HB 1261 also dealt with certificates of title issued to owners of salvaged, rebuilt or non-repairable
vehicles.
2000 OCCC was prime force for the passage of the Year of Manufacture license plate. SB 146 by Senator Musgrave had to be limited to 1943 or older vehicles
due to the fiscal impact of including more recent model years. Boyle also was successful in defeating an effort by one Senator to amend the bill to limit "horseless
carriages" from using national or state highways.
1999 Lobbied against SB 91 which would have made land use restrictions in
El Paso County that would severely impact owners of old cars and old car parts in El Paso. Worked with county commissioners to try to resolve the issue without
offending key legislators who are generally supportive of old car hobby, but who object to "visual pollution" of abandoned vehicles. Testified in favor of bill to
eliminate requirement of front license plate, but bill defeated because of opposition from law enforcement.
1998 Lobbied against SB 84 changing the law on salvage titles. Worked with law enforcement and other interest parties, but we were successful in convincing
the legislature that this bill was beyond redemption. Also involved in SB 34 on Regulations of Suspension Systems.
1997 OCCC was the prime mover behind two bills: SB 35 that required that all collector plate vehicles be 25 years old or older and SB 89 which lowered the
registration fees for old trucks with limited annual mileage to $65.
1996 Defeated SB 51 by Senator Hopper that would have forced owners of non-used vehicles to garage or shelter from view their cars of trucks. Was prime
supporter of SB 28 for the street rod clubs that allowed them made it impossible for old cars to meet emissions standards or would have required collector series
cars to submit to annual inspections.
1995 Worked on all emission bills to see that old cars retained exemptions from meeting higher standards. These were efforts to tweak the Envirotest program
and reinstitute the mom and pop emissions stations that would charge higher fees to test old cars annually.
1994 Worked to defuse any legislative mandate for a cash for clunkers bill that would destroy the reservoir of older restorable vehicles.
1993 Salvage Title issue. OCCC amended bill to remove language that would have stigmatized cars rebuilt with parts from other vehicles. Involved in all
discussions of the emissions control issues.
1992 Salvage Title issue. OCCC was successful in amending legislation to exclude vehicles more than eight years old.
1991 Collector Plate reauthorization Bill carried by Bill Owens and Norma Anderson.
(Bacon, Fischer). This bill excludes a collector's item motor vehicle with a model year of 1975 or earlier from the emissions testing process. Correspondingly,
changes the definition of "collector's item" from a motor vehicle that is at least 25 years old to a vehicle that is either:
1. A model year of 1975 or earlier; or
2 . A model year of 1976 or later that is registered as a collector's item on or before September 1, 2009.
Prevents a motor vehicle with a model year of 1976 or later that is registered as a collector's item on or before September 1, 2009, from being registered as a
collector's item after sale or transfer to a new owner.
The bill also extends the "enhanced" emission area to heavily populated areas of Weld and Larimer counties. This is done to help bring the Denver metro area
into compliance with EPA maximum ground level ozone concentrations (brown smog) during stagnant air days.
The OCCC also gained major concessions in SB09-108 Transportation System Planning & Funding (Rice, Gibbs) (this bill established increases in registration
fees for the repair of bridges and roads) in the exclusion of Horseless Carriage registrations from both fees and the limitation of those fees to only one of 5 years
registration for the Collector Vehicle registration (both are 5 year plates).
Additionally, the OCCC introduced changes to the CRS via SB09-107 Bonded Title Notarized Bill of Sale (Kester, Looper). This bill Extends to 24 months the time
that a notarized bill of sale exempts a motor vehicle that is at least 25 years old from having to have a bonded title when the vehicle does not have an existing title.
2008 The OCCC engaged in substantive discussions with the Regional Air Quality Council, Dept. of Revenue, Dept. of Public Health and Environment,
EnviroTest and the County Clerks Association regarding changes to the Collector Vehicle registration CRS that would limit the number of owners that abuse the
collector vehicle plates by placing them on daily drivers and work vehicles. Data from the DOR indicated that there were approximately 90,000 collector
registrations statewide in 2007 with 60,000 of them in the Denver Metro area. Data from EnviroTest showed that single, poorly tuned, vehicle could emit 100x the
pollutants than that of a compliant vehicle. Given the failure of the Denver Metro area to maintain compliance with EPA standards for ground level ozone in both
2006 and 2007, the OCCC committed itself to help Denver regain compliance and clean our air. A bill is planned for the 2009 legislative session that will limit
collector vehicle registrations to vehicles manufactured in 1975 or earlier. In return the state will exempt 1975 and earlier vehicles from the AIR program (emission
inspection).
2007 Two bills passed this year that the OCCC did not sponsor but supported: HB 1097 Year of Manufacture plates. "Authorizes a motor vehicle that is
registered as a collector's item to use original license plates if such plates are at least 30 yrs old". This bill brings the requirement for year of manufacturer plates in
line with the requirement for collector's plates which was set at 30 yrs old by a bill passed in the 2006 session. Sponsored by Rep Rose. Signed by the Governor.
HB 1148 Coordinated registration expiration. This bill allows a vehicle owner to request the Dept of Revenue to set a "simultaneous expiration for registrations of
multiple vehicles under the same ownership." The bill contains a mechanism to have all of your registrations expire in the same month. However, it is not clear if
you will be able to specify what month that may be. Sponsored by Rep Rice, et al. & Sen Williams, et al. Signed by the Governor.
2006 The OCCC sponsored two bills that were signed by the Governor: HB1176 Authorize Kit Motor Vehicles (Rep Ragsdale et al.) Defines a "kit vehicle" as a
passenger-type motor vehicle assembled, by other than a licensed manufacturer, from a manufactured kit that includes a prefabricated body and chassis and is
accompanied by a manufacturer's statement of origin. Specifies that the year listed on the certificate of title is the same as the year stated on the kit manufacturer's
statement of origin. Exempts kit vehicles from the motor vehicle emissions inspection program. HB1294 Rebuilder's Certificate of Title (Rep. Decker, et al.).
Allows the issuance of a "Rebuilder's Title" to a vehicle that is: not roadworthy, at least 25yrs old, at least a rolling chassis, and has passed a certified VIN
inspection. The applicant must provide a statement containing facts as to how ownership was acquired and provide a surity of at least twice the value of the vehicle.
A vehicle titled under this law will NOT be deemed a "salvage vehicle" or receive a "salvage" certificate of title. Both bill will take effect by Aug 2007.
2005 The Old Car Council was the chief advocate for two house bills: House Bill 1068 permits the owner of a personalized license plate to retain the plate, with
its unique configuration, even when the vehicle to which it is registered is no longer roadworthy and is undergoing restoration. An annual fee must be paid to retain
the plate. House Bill 1069 modified a bill passed the previous year which would have prevented restored fire trucks from flashing their emergency lights in parades
and other official car events held on city streets. The original bill was aimed at people who impersonate law enforcement officers to harass or pull over innocent
citizens. The Old Car Council continued a series of meetings with the Motor Vehicle Department on titling kit cars and the titling of non-roadworthy vehicles.
2004 The Old Car Council began a series of meetings with the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles on finding a way to exempt "kit cars" from auto emissions
requirements. In the Legislature the Old Car Council was successful in amending House Bill 1386 to lower from 8 to 6 years the age of cars which can be branded
as salvage when applicable law permits.
2003 Representative Ragsdale and Senator Chlouber introduced House Bill 1287, which passed and was signed by the Governor to address the problem of
cars over 25 years of age whose title had been lost and could not be obtained when the vehicle was purchased. This lost title bill eliminated the requirement for an
appraisal and bonding of these vehicles in order to obtain a title.
2002 Worked with the Department of Motor Vehicles to find language that will be submitted to the legislature in 2003 that allows for the titling of vehicles where
the original title has been lost. Monitored all auto insurance legislation dealing with no-fault. Final bill continued no-fault insurance for one year until July 1. 2003
which means the issue of mandatory auto insurance will be addressed again in the 2003 legislature.
2001 Worked closely with the towing industry and the salvage industry to recodify the language dealing with what vehicles can be towed, and from what
location, and how the titles of abandoned vehicles are handled. HB 1261 also dealt with certificates of title issued to owners of salvaged, rebuilt or non-repairable
vehicles.
2000 OCCC was prime force for the passage of the Year of Manufacture license plate. SB 146 by Senator Musgrave had to be limited to 1943 or older vehicles
due to the fiscal impact of including more recent model years. Boyle also was successful in defeating an effort by one Senator to amend the bill to limit "horseless
carriages" from using national or state highways.
1999 Lobbied against SB 91 which would have made land use restrictions in
El Paso County that would severely impact owners of old cars and old car parts in El Paso. Worked with county commissioners to try to resolve the issue without
offending key legislators who are generally supportive of old car hobby, but who object to "visual pollution" of abandoned vehicles. Testified in favor of bill to
eliminate requirement of front license plate, but bill defeated because of opposition from law enforcement.
1998 Lobbied against SB 84 changing the law on salvage titles. Worked with law enforcement and other interest parties, but we were successful in convincing
the legislature that this bill was beyond redemption. Also involved in SB 34 on Regulations of Suspension Systems.
1997 OCCC was the prime mover behind two bills: SB 35 that required that all collector plate vehicles be 25 years old or older and SB 89 which lowered the
registration fees for old trucks with limited annual mileage to $65.
1996 Defeated SB 51 by Senator Hopper that would have forced owners of non-used vehicles to garage or shelter from view their cars of trucks. Was prime
supporter of SB 28 for the street rod clubs that allowed them made it impossible for old cars to meet emissions standards or would have required collector series
cars to submit to annual inspections.
1995 Worked on all emission bills to see that old cars retained exemptions from meeting higher standards. These were efforts to tweak the Envirotest program
and reinstitute the mom and pop emissions stations that would charge higher fees to test old cars annually.
1994 Worked to defuse any legislative mandate for a cash for clunkers bill that would destroy the reservoir of older restorable vehicles.
1993 Salvage Title issue. OCCC amended bill to remove language that would have stigmatized cars rebuilt with parts from other vehicles. Involved in all
discussions of the emissions control issues.
1992 Salvage Title issue. OCCC was successful in amending legislation to exclude vehicles more than eight years old.
1991 Collector Plate reauthorization Bill carried by Bill Owens and Norma Anderson.
| Members, if you find anything that needs to be corrected contact the OCCC Webmaster Copyright 2009 OCCC |
| Colorado Legislature |
| Old Car Council of Colorado Serving the Hobbyist Community since 1965 |
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| A Brief History of OCCC Legislative Activity |
At the National level:
The OCCC has been a member of SEMA for many years and SEMA employs a number of lobbyists in Washington DC that work to protect our interests at the
national level. For current information go to our SEMA News page above.
Additionally, SEMA has organized a caucus of state legislators to support our hobby. Here is their description of the program:
State legislators around the country with a common goal to support the motor vehicle hobby have joined the State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus.
The Caucus is a bi-partisan group of state lawmakers whose common thread is a love and appreciation for automobiles. The Caucus will help raise the motor
vehicle hobby’s profile in the state legislatures and in the eyes of the public. Working in state capitals, many of these legislators have sought to preserve and
protect the hobby by seeking the amendment of existing motor vehicle statutes and creating new programs to safeguard and expand the hobby. Over the past
several years, their work has brought a series of significant legislative accomplishments for the vehicle enthusiast community on issues ranging from equipment
standards to registration classifications, and from emissions test exemptions to hobbyist rights. By joining the Caucus, these legislators have demonstrated their
commitment to upholding the rights of vehicle enthusiasts. In addition, hobbyists will be able to quickly identify which state legislators have chosen to be
recognized for their support of this great American hobby.
Colorado members:
Senator Ken Kester SD 2 Pueblo, Baca, Bent, Las Animas, Crowly, Custer, Fremont, Huerfano, Otero
Representative Debbie Benefield HD 29 Jefferson
Representative Larry Liston HD 16 El Paso
Representative Nancy Todd HD 41 Arapahoe, Denver
Representative Edward Vigil HD 62 Saguache, Mineral, Conejos, Costilla, Huerfano
Contact these legislators regarding Colorado issues. You can get their email, address or phone numbers by visiting the Colorado General Assembly Home
Page. You can also follow the progress of bills daily on this site. If you are interested in the future of our hobby you must bookmark this site.
The OCCC has been a member of SEMA for many years and SEMA employs a number of lobbyists in Washington DC that work to protect our interests at the
national level. For current information go to our SEMA News page above.
Additionally, SEMA has organized a caucus of state legislators to support our hobby. Here is their description of the program:
State legislators around the country with a common goal to support the motor vehicle hobby have joined the State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus.
The Caucus is a bi-partisan group of state lawmakers whose common thread is a love and appreciation for automobiles. The Caucus will help raise the motor
vehicle hobby’s profile in the state legislatures and in the eyes of the public. Working in state capitals, many of these legislators have sought to preserve and
protect the hobby by seeking the amendment of existing motor vehicle statutes and creating new programs to safeguard and expand the hobby. Over the past
several years, their work has brought a series of significant legislative accomplishments for the vehicle enthusiast community on issues ranging from equipment
standards to registration classifications, and from emissions test exemptions to hobbyist rights. By joining the Caucus, these legislators have demonstrated their
commitment to upholding the rights of vehicle enthusiasts. In addition, hobbyists will be able to quickly identify which state legislators have chosen to be
recognized for their support of this great American hobby.
Colorado members:
Senator Ken Kester SD 2 Pueblo, Baca, Bent, Las Animas, Crowly, Custer, Fremont, Huerfano, Otero
Representative Debbie Benefield HD 29 Jefferson
Representative Larry Liston HD 16 El Paso
Representative Nancy Todd HD 41 Arapahoe, Denver
Representative Edward Vigil HD 62 Saguache, Mineral, Conejos, Costilla, Huerfano
Contact these legislators regarding Colorado issues. You can get their email, address or phone numbers by visiting the Colorado General Assembly Home
Page. You can also follow the progress of bills daily on this site. If you are interested in the future of our hobby you must bookmark this site.