Committee advances bill requiring parental permission for minors' motorcycle instructional permits

House Bill 26-1079, sponsored in the Senate by Senator Bridal, would require minors under 18 to obtain written parental or legal-guardian permission before receiving a motorcycle instructional permit. The sponsor described the measure as a public-safety, evidence-based step that preserves access while increasing parental oversight.

Senator Bridal told the committee that motorcycle crashes cause disproportionate severe injury and death among younger riders and cited Colorado's 2024 motorcycle-death figure of 165. Committee members asked how the measure compares to driving licensure for automobiles; the sponsor said he expected testimony to address related statutory questions and that the bill is not intended to ban youth access to motorcycles.

No members of the public signed up to testify and the sponsor wrapped up without amendments. Senator Baugh moved the measure to the Committee of the Whole with a favorable recommendation; the motion passed on a unanimous roll-call vote and the bill was placed on the consent calendar at the sponsor's request.

The committee's action advances the bill to the next legislative stage; the bill sponsor encouraged support citing youth-safety data and bipartisan backing.