Press Release: Signs Land Use and Careless Driving Bills
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OFFICE OF GOV. BILL RITTER, JR.
WWW.COLORADO.GOV/GOVERNOR
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FRIDAY, MAY 21, 2010
CONTACTS
Megan Castle, 303.319.8513, megan.castle@state.co.us
Evan Dreyer, 720.350.8370, evan.dreyer@state.co.us
GOV. RITTER SIGNS LAND USE AND CARELESS DRIVING BILLS
Click here to listen to audio from bill signing HB1205
Click here to listen to audio from bill signing SB204
Gov. Bill Ritter signed two bills today that will increase cooperation between military installations and local communities, and toughen penalties for those convicted of careless driving resulting in death.
House Bill 1205, sponsored by Rep. Su Ryden and Sen. Nancy Spence, will bring military leaders together with local government officials on land use, zoning and development issues.
“House Bill 1205 reinforces the message that the military is very important to Colorado,” Gov. Ritter said. “We have numerous military installations throughout the state, and this new law will help ensure that these installations can continue their mission even as our state’s communities continue to grow.”
“This new law is about protecting jobs, protecting Coloradans and protecting national security,” Rep. Ryden said. “There are thousands of Coloradans employed at our military bases, such as Buckley Air Force Base, that represent a $4.6 billion annual economic impact. The new law increases transparency for municipalities and homebuyers, as well. Military bases are exceptionally important to Colorado, and we want to ensure their continued well-being. At the same time, we want to be perfectly transparent about their impacts on local communities.”
“Communication between local governments and military installations is crucial,” Sen. Spence said. “Improving that communication will help prevent local zoning changes from having unforeseen, adverse impacts on military bases’ missions.”
Gov. Ritter also signed Senate Bill 204, sponsored by Sen. President Brandon Shaffer and Rep. Judy Solano. The measure will increase the penalty for careless driving resulting in death from 4 points to 12 points, triggering a one-year driver’s license suspension.
“We can never make up for the loss of a life,” Gov. Ritter said. “But this new laws says in no uncertain terms that when you drive, you have a duty to be careful. Colorado roads will be a safer place to drive with the enactment of this legislation.”
President Shaffer introduced SB 204 after a good friend, Bruce Patterson, was killed in an accident caused by a careless driver. A second motorist also died. The woman responsible for the deaths of Mr. Patterson’s and the other driver was sentenced to six months in jail through work release.
“It really hit home when Bruce died,” said President Shaffer. “I don’t want anyone to experience what Bruce’s family did after he was killed by a careless driver. By enforcing harsher punishments for careless drivers in Colorado, my hope is that our roads become safer for the future generations of our children. I'm proud that Gov. Ritter is signing this bill into law today.”
“With this new law, Colorado is taking a stand against senseless deaths caused by careless driving and sending a message that we take this offense seriously,” Rep. Solano said. “It’s necessary for the preservation of our public health and safety.”
For a complete list of Gov. Ritter’s 2010 legislation decisions, visit www.colorado.gov/governor or click here.
SB204
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HB1205
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