State legislation to raise fines up to tenfold for parking in front of a fire hydrant stalled in a House committee today as the bill’s author insisted the current fines are too lenient to curb violators—yet another lawmaker said the proposed increase is simply too steep.

House Bill 1094, sponsored by Rep. Andy Kerr, D-Lakewood, considered in the House Local Government committee, would raise the fines from $15-$100 currently, to $150-$250 in all counties statewide.

Raising the fine, says Kerr, will free up space for fire trucks in the event of an emergency, allowing first-responders to do their jobs.

“Everyone should know not to park in front of a fire hydrant,” said Kerr. “We don’t have a stiff enough (fine) in place to enforce this law so that firefighters can do their job and protect us.”

Yet, Rep. Jim Kerr, R-Littleton, who is unrelated to Andy Kerr, said the proposed solution was excessive.

“It’s an incredible leap from $15 to $150,” Jim Kerr said. “I’d have a hard time justifying that to the people in my district.”

The bill was laid over, and both Representatives plan on working together to find the right minimum fee for this issue.

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