Andy Kerr

Kerr pushes pair of bills through final House votes

Charley Able

March 15th, 2010

DENVER – A proposal to hold deadbeat drivers accountable sponsored by Rep. Andy Kerr, D-Lakewood, cleared its final test in the Colorado House 44-19 Monday. Two representatives were not present for the morning votes in the House.

Kerr’s HB 1164 would require drivers to appoint their insurance companies to act as their agents in the event that an at-fault driver cannot be located. The bill creates an incentive for insurance companies to locate the deadbeat drivers.

“This policy holds at-fault drivers accountable for their actions,” Kerr said. “Without this bill, at-fault drivers and their insurance companies will continue to be able to evade responsibility for their actions by simply disappearing, even when they have a liability policy in force, leaving injured people without the ability to be reimbursed for their damages.”

Kerr introduced the bill to put an end to at-fault drivers’ attempts to avoid their financial responsibility to accident victim. In many such cases the injured victim, doctors and the trauma centers – and often the state – are left holding the bag for damages and medical bills, according to proponents of the bill, which is sponsored in the Senate by Lois Tochtrop, D-Adams County.

Also Monday Kerr’s HB 1267, which would make leasing solar panels more affordable for homeowners, moved to the Senate after a final 50-13 House vote.

“By working to streamline government, grow business and protect the environment, this bill is a smart choice for Colorado. Homeowners will benefit from the affordability of leasing solar panels, the solar industry will benefit from an increase in business, and Colorado will benefit from an increase in green energy usage,” Kerr said.

HB 1267 will bring more solar panel installation jobs to Colorado.

By leasing, homeowners avoid the expensive up-front costs of purchasing solar panels and offers the benefit of clean energy. Homeowners who sell their house can assign the lease to the new owners.

Under current law, homeowners who purchase solar panels are exempt from the property taxes on them, but those who lease panels are not. Kerr said his bill would “create a level playing field by treating leased and owned panels the same.”

Sen. Chris Romer, D-Denver, is carrying the bill in the Senate.