Truckers are likely to keep a watchful eye on a Colorado House bill that would transfer responsibility for the state’s Ports of Entry.

The Colorado Department of Revenue now operates the Ports of Entry weigh stations throughout the state. Sponsored by Rep. Buffie McFadyen, D-Pueblo West, the bill would hand over that responsibility to the State Patrol within the Colorado Department of Public Safety.

With the move, all statutory authority, powers, duties, personnel, property, funding, budgeting, purchasing and planning would shift from the Department of Revenue to the State Patrol.

Supporters say the transfer would consolidate truck safety and enforcement activities into one agency. It would go a long way to ensuring greater uniformity and consistency in truck inspections, interpretations of laws, and enforcement procedures, they say.

With the state facing a budget shortfall, supporters are also touting the need to look at implementing legislation that may improve efficiency and cut spending.

The motor carrier services division of the Department of Revenue would continue to be responsible for personnel and facilities dealing with motor vehicle registrations, while the State Patrol would be responsible for enforcement-related and certain permit-related functions at POE weigh stations.

The bill – HB1113 – is in the House Transportation and Energy Committee.

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