Lawmakers approve bill to authorize permitted chain‑assist vendors on mountain corridors
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Summary
Senate Bill 69 would allow CDOT to permit vendors to install or remove tire chains and other traction devices at designated highway locations; the House Finance Committee advanced the bill to Appropriations 10‑3 after testimony from CDOT, Colorado State Patrol and industry groups.
The House Finance Committee voted to advance Senate Bill 69 to the Committee on Appropriations after testimony that the bill would improve safety on Colorado's mountain corridors by permitting trained vendors to install and remove tire chains and other traction devices for a fee.
"This bill authorizes CDOT to issue permits to qualified vendors to help install or remove tire chains or other traction devices for commercial drivers and passenger vehicles," Representative Lukens said during sponsorship remarks. Sponsors framed the measure as a pragmatic public‑safety step to reduce delays and crashes during winter storms on corridors such as Interstate 70.
CDOT, the Colorado State Patrol and trucking and ski‑area representatives all backed the proposal at the hearing. "We are in strong support of this measure," Emily Hathaway, CDOT legislative liaison, told the committee, noting Washington State has permitted similar vendors for nearly 20 years. Sergeant Brandon Nathlich of the Colorado State Patrol described a pilot effort and said trained vendors helped troopers and commercial drivers and reduced roadside exposure during chain installations.
The Colorado Motor Carrier Association, ski area operators and local elected officials also endorsed the bill. Greg Fulton of the Colorado Motor Carrier Association said properly installed chains and vendor assistance reduce time spent on shoulders and increase safety; Pete Van Heuven of Colorado Ski Country USA noted closures on mountain highways cause lengthy local disruptions.
Fiscal and program details supplied during testimony indicated the Department of Transportation would use the State Highway Users Tax Fund to support implementation costs, and rulemaking would set permit fees and vendor standards. Sponsors said initial fiscal estimates assumed a modest number of permits and one administrative full‑time equivalent to manage permitting, inspections and oversight.
The committee voted 10‑3 to send SB 69 to Appropriations with a favorable recommendation.