New measures target wages, global warming
By John Fryar
The Daily Times-Call
DENVER — Beginning Monday, would-be buyers of residential real estate could get an extra measure of protection against unwittingly purchasing a property that once was used for manufacturing methamphetamine. A new state law sponsored by Sen. Brandon Shaffer, D-Longmont, and Rep. Jack Pommer, D-Boulder, spells out rights and responsibilities for both the buyer and seller of a residential property that once may have been the home of a meth lab. “Once a home is used as a meth lab, it’s a toxic waste lab,” Shaffer said when his bill was moving through the Legislature earlier this year. The new law will require the seller to disclose to the buyer, in writing, whether the seller knows the property was previously the location of a meth lab, unless any contamination of the property has been cleaned up to meet State Board of Health standards. The new law also gives the buyer of the property the right to have a certified industrial hygienist test it to determine whether it has ever been used as a meth lab. If those tests are positive, the buyer must notify the seller and could terminate the sales contract. The seller, though, would have 30 days to conduct a second independent test. A seller who knew meth was produced on the property and fails to disclose it before the sale would be liable for paying the buyer for cleanup costs, as well as any expenses stemming from health-related injuries to subsequent residents after the sale. The meth-lab disclosure measure is one of nearly 20 new laws that take effect Monday. Another new statute that kicks in Monday prohibits state and local governments from issuing some professional and business licenses and permits to people who cannot prove they are U.S. citizens or that they are legally in the United States. That law also requires the state Department of Regulatory Agencies or local governments to revoke the licenses of anyone determined to be here illegally. At the state level, the measure will apply to licenses issued to accountants, barbers, cosmetologists, electricians, engineers, dentists, insurers, land surveyors, physical therapists, plumbers and veterinarians. At the local level, the law is expected to cover licenses and permits that authorize individuals to conduct business in those jurisdictions, such as building or development permits, some occupational licenses, flea markets, massage parlors, pawn shops and liquor stores, according to a legislative staff analysis of the measure earlier this year. John Fryar can be reached by e-mail at jfryar@times-call.com.
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