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Committee backs bill to allow registration of small imported utility trucks; amendment removes emissions testing requirement
Summary
House Bill 12-81 would allow Colorado counties to title and register small imported utility and "K" trucks for use off interstates, with restrictions on maximum speeds. Sponsors and farm and rural witnesses said the vehicles are valuable for agricultural and property uses; an amendment removed a CDPHE emissions testing
The House Finance Committee voted to advance House Bill 12-81 after adopting an amendment that removes a requirement for Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) emissions testing for these small imported utility vehicles.
Sponsor Representative Lindsey Lindstead said the bill responds to constituent demand from owners of small, lightweight imported trucks (often called “K trucks”) that have proven useful for farm and ranch work and other utility tasks. The vehicles typically operate at low speeds (well under interstate speeds) and have small engines with catalytic converters; sponsors and witnesses said they are highly fuel-efficient and used for short-haul, off-highway work.
Amendment L6, worked out with CDPHE and other stakeholders, struck the CDPHE emissions-testing language that had contributed to the original fiscal note. Sponsors said that change reduces administrative burdens while retaining safety guardrails and ensuring the vehicles will not be operated on interstates or on roads with speed limits above 55 mph. The bill also directs counties and the Department of Revenue to provide a path to titling and licensing the vehicles.
Supporters included Rocky Mountain Farmers Union and Colorado K Advocates; witnesses said the vehicles provide an affordable, lightweight alternative for farm and property tasks and that the current patchwork of county practices leaves owners unable to register legally in some areas. Witnesses asked the legislature to normalize the titling and registration process and keep it revenue neutral. Opponents were not prominent during the hearing; state vehicle and public-safety staff had been consulted during drafting.
The committee moved the bill to the Committee on Appropriations with a favorable recommendation; the report recorded the committee’s unanimous support after the adopted amendment.
Ending: Sponsors urged prompt floor consideration; supporters said states with similar statutes successfully title these vehicles under comparable restrictions.
