Assembly glance: Tuesday in review

Super Slab

   The proposed Super Slab corridor will not be removed from official records in seven counties, but its developers must clear more hurdles before they can move forward on it.

   Calhan Republican Rep. Marsha Looper's much-amended HB1007 was given final approval on Tuesday. The measure wipes mention of the toll road corridor from the titles of property owners in an effort to alleviate problems they have had selling and refinancing homes.

   The final compromise - which states owners of the proposed 3-mile-wide road must get approval from local and state transportation commissions before having exclusive rights to develop the area - drew mixed reactions from residents who would be affected.

   Sharon Croghan of Weld County said it makes "a small dent" in the toll road company's rights. Residents should work next year to limit the time toll road developers have to do such projects, she said.

   But Robert Thomasson of Elbert County argued that by giving immunity to toll-road owners and title developers who have clouded property titles, the bill is a step backward.

Renters' rights

   Tenants soon may be able to legally break leases if they can show that the condition of their homes or apartments threatens their health or safety.

   The Legislature passed a measure to give renters new rights. HB1356 now awaits Gov. Bill Ritter's signature.

   Legislators have considered similar bills over the past 40 years; each has been turned back by fierce opposition from groups representing landlords.

   Those opponents were against this bill, as well, despite the effort to reach a compromise measure that included hiring a mediator.

   "I'm thrilled it made it through the whole process without seriously being watered down," the bill's sponsor, Rep. Mike Merrifield, D-Colorado Springs, said.

   Ritter has yet to indicate if he will support the measure.