[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},"mediaId",6289603,"mediaKeyId","2532288-c41e15b82829fe3ad907fc9cbc3274ac","parentId",2532288,"title","Votes at a glance: approvals on public-comment rules, legislative request and accessibility steps","audioSeconds",6213,"startMs",208000,"endMs",6421000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2532288-c41e15b82829fe3ad907fc9cbc3274ac&start=208&end=6421","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2532288-c41e15b82829fe3ad907fc9cbc3274ac/thumbnail_208000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6289603/Colorado/Votes-at-a-glance-approvals-on-public-comment-rules-legislative-request-and-accessibility-steps","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6289603-8161627c5ce899bc654e33d99492d88f/orig.mp4?Expires=1775378165&Signature=ZIXuAjZB9IMYG8cP180pMrjJWEMS9U~-DMqplCEtLrVpZmX3QQaTYWd521LqHCIwBN3PItR9cKQPdsS7TXbqLq3xof8laqWf9zgD~ELOepSshysLFXgfa0ojPNbSwYKCZyCSoYR1qL-oSIPHd8LC9QROsDPS5CFdQp~igbmcZ4OVmfGkAH3P4yJlwCPWOlnEl3IkMsM5ajw7TFiLpH1aPQv3tudkla0~wSKbN8IZNtAljOnq3zBcx06fXTCo2jaXgIG2vOyOL1RWlImjdapAkgz4WcszbkWCdayRkQGOOa2OvWp5IoaVJNSld-WryDcaUIf41ZWxLNcuW2tEMTyJXw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-03-11T03:02:05Z","article","At the close of its meeting the Public Utilities Commission\u0000s towing task force recorded multiple formal outcomes. The task force handled routine business and adopted several administrative and procedural items.

Key outcomes (all taken by motion and recorded during the meeting):

- Approval of the minutes from the prior meeting (motion, second, voice vote; outcome: approved).

- Public-comment procedures: motion to post the meeting link on the PUC towing page, set public comment to three minutes per speaker, encourage advance sign-up and allow late speakers at the chair's discretion (mover: Robert Schulz). Outcome: approved (voice vote; no nays recorded).

- Request to legislators to involve the task force as the legislature considers a draft bill expanding the task force\u0000s remit (mover: Jim House). Outcome: approved in recorded roll-call vote, 12 yes / 1 no / 1 absent. The task force directed staff to draft and circulate the request and asked that the group be given at least three months to review any legislative proposals.

- Website and accessibility motions (mover: Joanne): create a dedicated towing-task-force web page on the PUC site; request that the PUC verify the new page complies with state ADA/WCAG standards; request live and post-meeting closed captioning where technology allows. Outcome: each motion was seconded and passed.

The task force recorded no formal votes that altered statute or PUC rules; most actions were procedural or requests to staff and legislators. Staff will draft the letter to the legislature and post website and accessibility updates per the task-force direction.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Towing Task Force Meeting February 9, 2022","oneSentenceSummary","The task force recorded several formal approvals: minutes approval, public-comment rules, a request to legislators to involve the task force on a draft towing bill (12-1), and administrative requests for a web page, ADA web compliance checks and meeting captions.","taxTitle","Public Utilities Commission, Governor's Boards and Commissions, Organizations, Executive, Colorado","taxId",28165,"location","Colorado","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6289608,"Task force hears industry history on rates, insurance spikes and statutory notice rules",863,2032000,2895000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2532288-c41e15b82829fe3ad907fc9cbc3274ac&start=2032&end=2895","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2532288-c41e15b82829fe3ad907fc9cbc3274ac/thumbnail_2032000.jpg","/articles/6289608/Colorado/Task-force-hears-industry-history-on-rates-insurance-spikes-and-statutory-notice-rules","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6289608-a35d8e3789a25af59d34811ddb47ff3f/orig.mp4?Expires=1775378165&Signature=H3s4nX-m87OuLodgPE9Xfu8NdTrUg~Xb5QYJH6KbqN4LAKkslZ9dN25oNjUTy99M4tKQOMU0Be1XzGMjN0CkWRa~RyXiobvcNdX4yYxS14EUMB53n1bfqo1861cKWMX1CguVrdIfhz0kitcUojiOxC4kIYKXN6rVaiq4Y2-bidRmFMzBeMMrp1nPJBUPfM7XqQwSZMFWwjco9t3haL5VmNVo~kNElwkypiwFKinbCyGU12mLA6s8Znd5Wnx4DiBrFi1V8~6G3qaj6s-PaPUp~9tzc8uTWPBCVMSDB4~rBEorf-jF6IngX7QRsC5zwGGSQMQjlXp9EknGcb8WWrs9Sw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Task force members received an extended briefing on how Colorado\u0000s towing rates are set, why the industry uses different rate structures for private-property and law-enforcement tows, and how statutory notices and PUC invoicing rules affect consumers.

John Connolly, a tow operator who described himself as having decades in the business, summarized the evolution: the PUC historically regulated private-property impound (PPI) rates; later law-enforcement tows were added after abuse complaints. \"Law enforcement towing versus private property towing is a completely different animal,\" Connolly said, explaining that private-property tows are often flat rates while law-enforcement tows are priced hourly because of variable costs.

Members discussed a recently implemented CPI mechanism that adjusts rates periodically; staff explained the adjustment was delayed until finalized local CPI figures were available from the Colorado Department of Local Affairs. Chief staff and industry members said CPI is imperfect but preferred to infrequent, large adjustments. \"The CPI increase was a way to basically keep the rates with the market without being arbitrary,\" a staff member said.

Industry speakers highlighted a sharp recent increase in insurance premiums as a primary cost driver. Connolly gave a company example: \"In 02/2016, I was paying a hundred and $90,000 a year for truck liability insurance... It went from there to 650,000,\" which he said almost put his business out of operation.

Staff outlined consumer-facing transparency tools. Nate Riley said the PUC maintains a public spreadsheet of current tow rates (base rates by weight class, storage, after-hours fees, mileage) on the towing web page so vehicle owners and investigators can compare rates and see historical changes. He also explained invoicing and notice rules: the statutory notice process under Title 42 is designed for abandoned vehicles and requires an IDS (VIN) check via the Department of Revenue and certified mail to owners and lienholders between two and ten days after impound; the certified-mail step — when proven — allows a carrier to charge the statutory notification fee of up to $150.

Joanne and others clarified enforcement: tow invoices must be itemized under PUC rule 6509 (as cited in discussion), and if a carrier cannot substantiate a notification or charge during a PUC investigation, the commission can require refunds and pursue fines.

Members asked staff to ensure rate and invoice information is easily accessible on the PUC towing page and to continue providing background materials ahead of future rate discussions.","Towing operators briefed the task force on how state rate-setting evolved, why law-enforcement tows and private-property tows are treated differently, how CPI adjustments are applied and how statutory notification and invoicing rules work.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6289613,"Task force asks legislature to involve group on proposed towing bill; members warn of unintended effects",5052,1201000,6253000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2532288-c41e15b82829fe3ad907fc9cbc3274ac&start=1201&end=6253","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2532288-c41e15b82829fe3ad907fc9cbc3274ac/thumbnail_1201000.jpg","/articles/6289613/Colorado/Task-force-asks-legislature-to-involve-group-on-proposed-towing-bill-members-warn-of-unintended-effects","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6289613-51d6cadf043dc02020dff0a65b4213c3/orig.mp4?Expires=1775378165&Signature=OWGbWVEdY1ehuGDjiPUKxqW9Y0paocz7GrExjTO2gfANpN2MUPG24Cb2tEfz84hjQXtPNQCKW6sx4gJrDoYolqTnZSe-xGIZOZuhpMLXZzdgbz-dSR37buobsC7Y24jJyv3zKH32LbnPxdx3QZuYXXvXOiBZIF~OcTv0AuwjdkvVy6Qt0bWMvjM4I-bdxJn-NQCaU9Q-tb2ITrbCEgdRvWKD05~3ZbXGZmMsGkQgJXk~Ai6NCm9cHiYbxsunxLY26Nf3aBFbVYFN85B-w0Ule7ZxbTXipuUjiDhPaLRo0eKdcG721kymOKkJutZkFboRs6Ev8LvihBe2d~3EMAnbVA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Public Utilities Commission\u0000s towing task force voted to ask state legislators to involve the task force as they advance a draft bill that would broaden the panel's authority to consider issues beyond maximum rates.

The motion, made by Jim House and seconded during the meeting, passed in a recorded roll-call vote: 12 in favor, 1 opposed and 1 not present. Members who voted yes included John Connolly, Trooper David Hackenberger, Troy Hill, Brandon Rich, Joanne, Michael Pierce and Chair Trevor Forbes. Andrea voted no; Jeffrey Reister (Attorney General\u0000s office) was not present at the vote.

Members said the bill's draft language appears to expand the task force\u0000s authority to recommend rules beyond rates and to advise on investigations of overcharges. Some supported the expansion to allow the task force to address systemic problems; others urged caution.

\"If we find problem areas, it would be kind of nice to have an avenue to go there,\" said John Connolly, a towing operator who provided a historical overview. He and other industry members warned that certain draft provisions could have unintended consequences for public safety and for people relying on reserved or accessible parking.

Chair Trevor Forbes and others flagged specific concerns in the draft: limiting removal of vehicles from handicap spaces could prevent legitimate enforcement, and requiring identical posted rates for consensual and nonconsensual tows could force some towers to stop providing law-enforcement tows, which task-force members said would create public-safety problems on highways.

Several members urged that any legislative changes allow the task force time to analyze proposals and recommend targeted fixes. \"I would like the task force to ask the legislator that we go ahead with this broadening... and then give us some time to discuss as a task force,\" House said when he introduced the motion.

After the vote the task force said it would draft and circulate the letter to legislators and noted individual members remain free to testify or advocate privately. Several members recommended inviting the bill sponsor to brief the task force when a public draft is available.","The towing task force voted to ask legislators to involve the group in drafting a proposed bill that would expand the task force\u0000s responsibilities. Members raised concerns about consequences for handicapped parking, reserved spaces and rates parity between consensual and nonconsensual tows.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6289617,"Towing task force adopts 3-minute public-comment limit, agrees to post meeting link",403,363000,766000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2532288-c41e15b82829fe3ad907fc9cbc3274ac&start=363&end=766","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2532288-c41e15b82829fe3ad907fc9cbc3274ac/thumbnail_363000.jpg","/articles/6289617/Colorado/Towing-task-force-adopts-3-minute-public-comment-limit-agrees-to-post-meeting-link","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6289617-684ded939f1649419b4f5505abd03f19/orig.mp4?Expires=1775378165&Signature=JYmHzw5NY8TYlYeAmEpxQHclU1uFlHAVxpxzqR2Qy4EIYl7Ygz0iMfZouF2TBAE1FP196lXbijcLLs3dxjrR5eHhcv65I1HWB0~fOAHrZFVtCVdT~cHm6~4YrxlcQ~oZa9zeZaYFYJ2oNVwH~xjPhhHEFeRCqGnKZq0JgdUYIGkjWzm9EkREgAGDk7P1PVTCqmFVe1E8xVNfA1NRJZ1DuuP8~lD3A-MIG7D8Q7qyvYbVkZSfLMPdzCXlfwdX-5SJctN2D7SDGs9vurByTlY1GkG0d9XT10T4OrvaJ7I-Nwf-paDujdRKd-Mv5w~nDuIqze3gyOcQk4BEQxCqd0cKZA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Public Utilities Commission\u0000s towing task force voted to require a three-minute limit for individual public comments, to publish meeting links on the PUC website and to continue accepting last-minute speakers at the chair's discretion.

Task force members said the changes are intended to balance public access with running efficient meetings. The motion, put forward during the group\u0000s meeting, passed after members agreed the time limit should be three minutes and that advance sign-up should be encouraged but not required.

The change came after staff described the current sign-up process: a notice on the PUC\u0000s towing page links to an online form where prospective speakers can list name, email, whether they plan to comment, a short description of their topic, and any accessibility needs. Nate Riley, PUC staff, said the form also records late entries and that he emails the meeting link to people as they sign up.

\"As soon as I see a new entry, I immediately send them an email with all the information,\" Riley said. He told the task force that the meetings notice page and the sign-up form already exist and that posting a direct meeting link is feasible.

Members emphasized flexibility. Joanne (task force member) and Andrea urged the group not to bar last-minute speakers and said the chair should be able to extend time if a public comment prompts substantive follow-up questions. \"I don't want to cut people off directly at 2 minutes,\" Joanne said while arguing for discretion to allow follow-up.

Motion language adopted by the task force asks the PUC to post the public meeting link on the towing task-force page, sets the public-comment time at three minutes per speaker, and asks the public to sign up in advance while allowing late entries at the chair's discretion and time permitting.

The task force agreed the new practice would be trialed and adjusted if it caused access problems. Members asked staff to post clear instructions about advance sign-up and to continue collecting accessibility needs through the form.

The task force did not set a deadline for when the website change must appear, but Chair Trevor Forbes said staff would circulate the new guidance once the PUC page is updated.","The Public Utilities Commission\u0000s towing task force voted to set a three-minute limit for public comment, encourage advance sign-ups and publish the meeting link on the PUC website while keeping flexibility for late arrivals.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: approvals on public-comment rules, legislative request and accessibility steps

Task force hears industry history on rates, insurance spikes and statutory notice rules

Task force asks legislature to involve group on proposed towing bill; members warn of unintended effects

Towing task force adopts 3-minute public-comment limit, agrees to post meeting link