Senators request original version of RTD “takings” bill
Swayed by emotional testimony from property owners who are losing their land through RTD’s power of eminent domain, a Senate committee rejected what was described as a “watered-down” bill to curb that power and requested reconsideration of the originally introduced measure.
Earlier versions of the bill had specified that the Regional Transportation District could only take land by eminent domain for “public-transit purposes.” That left unclear whether RTD could acquire land for a rail-station parking garage and then offer private companies the opportunity to develop commercial space on floors above the parking levels.
The House-amended bill focused on RTD’s pledge to sell land it takes back to the original owner if it doesn’t need the property.
On Thursday, the Senate’s Local Government committee is expected to consider the bill with its original language in a hearing.
Education reforms may include consolidation
Lawmakers may consider a plan to abolish two state boards and merge two state departments to help smooth students’ path from kindergarten through college.
The plan would eliminate the Board of Education and the Commission on Higher Education and consolidate the departments that separately oversee public K-12 schools and state colleges and universities.
The Legislative Council, made up of top lawmakers from both parties, voted Tuesday to have an interim committee study the proposal sometime after the legislature adjourns next month.
The proposal has a long path ahead of it. The full House and Senate must agree to set up the interim panel, which would then have to craft a bill to be introduced next year. If the bill passes, it would then have to go before voters.
