CO SB017

Exempts the Department of Transportation from reporting and Transportation Commission approval requirements when acquiring land through negotiation, purchase, or exchange for highway projects.

Requires reporting and Commission approval only when the chief engineer determines that filing a petition in condemnation is necessary to acquire land for highway establishment, relocation, widening, or alteration.

Mandates ten days' written notice to affected landowners of Commission meetings where condemnation petitions will be considered, with opportunity to be heard.

Repeals the requirement that landowners can request a jury trial to determine compensation if they find a tender offer inadequate.

Takes effect August 2, 2019, unless subject to a referendum petition, in which case it requires approval by voters at the November 2020 general election.