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Wildlife Payment Bill Delayed In Colorado

DENVER (AP) -- A Colorado bill to compensate victims of a deadly wildfire has been delayed in the Senate.

A committee known for rejecting Republican ideas was scheduled to consider a bill Thursday to lift state liability caps for victims of the Lower North Fork Fire in March. The fire killed three people and was caused by a prescribed burn on state forest land.

But the hearing was canceled without explanation.

Republican supporters say fire victims should have access to more than the liability cap of $600,000.

Opponents including Republican Attorney General John Suthers say the state constitution prevents an unlimited number of claims that would have to be paid by taxpayers.

(© Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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