Scanlan passes two bills out of committee

DENVER — State Rep. Christine Scanlan is wasting no time on Capitol Hill, as she passed two new bills on Tuesday out of the House Transportation and Energy Committee.

The two new bills aim to protect passenger safety on ski lifts and school buses. The first, House Bill 1244, continues the passenger safety tramway board for the next 12 years. The board provides oversight for Colorado’s 374 tramways, most of which are ski lifts.

“In just the last two years, there have been more than 25 million ski visits to our resorts, which have accounted for more than 250 million rides on our lifts,” Rep. Scanlan said. “Not once has there been a major lift failure or accident during that time. Obviously, we’re doing something right. Keeping this board going for the next 12 years ensures we keep doing it right.”

The House Transportation & Energy Committee also heard testimony on Rep. Scanlan’s House Bill 1339, which created new safety standards for Colorado’s school buses.

The bill aligns Colorado’s school bus safety standards with federal requirements, which will enhance school bus visibility and school bus pedestrian safety devices.

“This is a small bill, but it goes a long way towards protecting our smallest residents — Colorado’s children,” said Rep. Scanlan.