Capitol Coverage: Gov. Hickenlooper signs “Rolling Coal” and other bills

Governor John Hickenlooper signed a host of bills into law on Monday including a measure to increase the fine for rolling coal. Bente Birkeland has more.

Rolling coal happens when diesel truck drivers modify their engines so they can spew black exhaust and fumes on pedestrians, cyclists, and diners at outdoor restaurants.

Bill sponsor Democratic Representative Joan Ginal of Fort Collins says in one case it happened at a pro Hillary Clinton rally in Fort Collins. “I think it’s the start to ending this type of harassment that we didn’t know about until several years ago.”

The only way police could crack down on rolling coal was to enforce it under the drag racing statutes. The bill now increases the penalty from 35 dollars to 100, but it no longer puts points against your license. Thursday is the deadline for bills to be signed into law.