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Interstate 70 Snow Tire Bill Dies In Senate Committee

DENVER (AP) — A bill intended to cut the number of I-70 mountain closures during winter storms by requiring that passenger vehicles have snow-ready tires or chains has died.

Colorado's Republican-led Senate Judiciary Committee voted 3-2 on party lines Thursday.

Similar bills have been killed in recent years.

Democrats Kerry Donovan of Vail and Nancy Todd of Aurora sponsored this year's attempt in the Senate.

They argue that unprepared drivers cause frequent I-70 shutdowns that cost Colorado's economy millions of dollars — and that I-70's winter troubles threaten to drive ski tourists to competing states like Utah.

Police and paramedics supported the bill, calling it a vital safety issue.

No one testified against the bill before the committee vote.

But Republican Sens. Randy Baumgartner and Ray Scott complained it had no enforcement provisions.

(© Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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