< Back June 11, 2020 HOUSE PASSES BILL TO STOP CORPORATE TAX HANDOUTS, PROVIDE $1B TO K-12 INSTEAD DENVER, CO — The House today passed HB20-1420, sponsored by Representatives Emily Sirota and Matt Gray, by a vote of 39-26, with House Republicans standing with special interests at the expense of Colorado’s teachers and students. HB20-1420 ends state tax handouts for corporations and the very wealthy in order to protect funding for K-12 education. The bill preserves economic relief for hardworking Coloradans and small businesses and invests $1 billion to K-12. “We need to make a choice; we can either give taxpayer funded handouts to corporations and wealthy individuals who don’t need them, or we can protect our students and underpaid teachers,” said Rep. Sirota, D-Denver. “Colorado can’t afford to follow politicians in Washington who want companies making $25 million or more to get economic relief while our schools struggle to retain teachers.” “We had to close a $3.3 billion hole in our $12.5 billion budget, and that has meant painful cuts to education that no one wants to see,” said Rep. Gray, D-Bloomfield. “The Fair Tax Act gives hardworking families a boost and invests $1 billion in our schools to protect our students and teachers from these severe cuts while preserving economic relief for those who need it most.” Several provisions in Colorado’s tax code follow federal law and cost the state hundreds of millions a year, but primarily benefit the wealthy. This legislation makes means-tested changes to eliminate state handouts for special interests and the wealthiest individuals while protecting them for hardworking families to avoid devastating cuts to education. CARES Act Loopholes: Eighty-two percent of the benefits from a provision of the CARES Act that allows for the deduction of excess business losses (CARES Act Section 2304) goes to filers with incomes above $1 million. Only three percent of the benefits go to filers with incomes under $100,000. The bill preserves relief for hardworking Coloradans under that threshold while eliminating it for millionaires. The bill also limits the amount of net operating loss deductions a company can claim in one year to $400,000, preserving the deduction for 98 percent of filers while capping them for the wealthiest businesses. Finally, it rejects a CARES Act hand out of interest expense deductions (CARES Act Section 2306) for corporations larger than $25 million, saving the state $2 million a year. Trump Tax Scam “Pass Through” Loophole: The 2017 federal tax bill, pass-through businesses can take a 20 percent deduction off their qualified business income (QBI), essentially reducing the amount of taxable income. In Colorado, a quarter of the benefit of this tax break goes to households with incomes above $1 million, while households with incomes below $75,000 receive only 11 percent of the benefit. The average millionaire gets nearly a $9,000 break from the state while someone making $30,000 to $40,000 may get $70 or $90. The bill preserves the relief for hardworking Coloradans making under $75,000 while eliminating it for those who don’t need it. Insurance Company Handouts: The bill removes a tax break for insurance companies who maintain an in-state office. Just 85 insurance companies in Colorado get a 50 percent tax break averaging $1 million because of an outdated provision that the State Auditor has found is ineffective at its intended purpose. Capital Gains: Colorado allows a tax break for income on investments in personal property and other capital gains, even if that property isn’t in Colorado. It costs the state $8-$20 million a year, and only 0.2% of all Colorado tax filers get this benefit. The very wealthiest 0.1 percent of Americans—taxpayers with AGI over $2 million—received almost half, or 49 percent, of all capital gains income. Previous Next

New law creates the Office of Sustainability to coordinate efforts to implement Colorado’s climate goals < Back May 17, 2024 Signed! Legislation to Streamline Sustainability Practices, Help Colorado Reach Climate Goals New law creates the Office of Sustainability to coordinate efforts to implement Colorado’s climate goals BOULDER, CO – Today Governor Jared Polis signed into law legislation sponsored by Senators Chris Hansen, D-Denver, and Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, and Representatives Judy Amabile, D-Boulder, and Karen McCormick, D-Longmont, to create the Office of Sustainability to coordinate efforts to implement Colorado’s climate goals. “Colorado has passed nation leading legislation in recent years to set reasonable and reachable climate goals and put us on a path to a sustainable future,” said Hansen. “With the many policies we’ve passed, there are a number of agencies and offices working independently towards the same goals. The Colorado Office of Sustainability will ensure these many moving parts are working in concert to implement our climate goals, reduce emissions, and put our state on a path to climate sustainability for generations to come.” “Colorado’s beauty is part of what makes our state so special, and it’s important that we do our part to meet the climate goals we’ve created to protect our environment and our communities,” said Amabile. “With our new law, we’re better aligning sustainability measures across numerous state agencies and higher education institutions to promote more environmentally sustainable practices.” “From my first day as a legislator, I've worked on sustainability issues,” Cutter said. “It is critical that we fully support and employ in state agencies the practices that align with our goals and values as a state. From coordinating efforts on sustainable infrastructure projects to leveraging federal funding available for sustainable practices, the Office of Sustainability will be a critical asset as we continue our work to achieve Colorado’s climate goals.” “Colorado Democrats have passed numerous laws in the past few years to help us meet our climate goals, but it can be difficult for all of the agencies and offices that are running sustainability programs to coordinate effectively,” said McCormick. “Our new law creates the Colorado Office of Sustainability to support clean energy technology adoption and boost coordination so we can reach our climate goals in an efficient and impactful way.” SB24-214 creates the Office of Sustainability within the Department of Personnel and Administration to streamline sustainability practices across state agencies. The Office is charged with: Facilitating sustainable infrastructure projects with other state agencies, such as electric vehicle charging infrastructure, energy efficiency, and waste diversion; Conserving water, including through xeriscaping and native plant landscaping; Developing baseline metrics for reducing negative environmental impacts; Tracking financial savings from implementation of sustainability policies; and Seeking federal funding to support sustainability practices. The law also advances a range of other measures to make progress on state climate goals including: Creating the Sustainability Revolving Fund to replace state-owned gas and diesel-powered equipment located in the ozone nonattainment area on the Front Range; Initiating a study to advance the adoption of energy-efficient heat pump technology; and Requiring newly constructed buildings that receive state financial assistance – which is growing due to new investments in affordable housing – to use energy-efficient appliances. Previous Next

< Back November 1, 2021 DEMOCRATIC WOMEN’S CAUCUS OF COLORADO CO-CHAIRS’ STATEMENT ON SCOTUS SB8 ORAL ARGUMENTS DENVER, CO– Representatives Lisa Cutter and Monica Duran, the Co-Chairs of the Democratic Women’s Caucus of Colorado, today released the following statement on the US Supreme Court hearing on SB8, the Texas law that will ban abortions as soon as six weeks–before many women know they are pregnant: “While we strongly believe the Supreme Court should have stopped this anti-woman law from going into effect weeks ago, we hope the justices will do the right thing after hearing today’s oral arguments and put an end to this discriminatory policy. As Chairs of the Women’s Caucus, we will keep working to ensure that Colorado respects the rights of women and guarantees access to a full range of reproductive health care options, including abortion. While Texas uses SB8 as another way to suppress, control, and shame women over their healthcare choices, Colorado will safeguard women’s autonomy, privacy, and fundamental rights.” Previous Next

< Back May 3, 2022 DEMOCRATIC WOMEN’S CAUCUS OF COLORADO STATEMENT ON DRAFT SCOTUS OPINION OVERTURNING ROE V. WADE DENVER, CO— The Democratic Women’s Caucus of Colorado today released the following statement on the draft Supreme Court opinion that would overturn Roe v. Wade and Casey: The Democratic Women’s Caucus of Colorado is outraged and appalled at the Supreme Court of the United States which, according to a leaked draft opinion , is signaling that the court will overturn Roe v. Wade. While we wait for the official ruling, expected to come out in the next couple of months, abortion is still legal in this country. Clinics are open and operating, and everyone should make or keep the appointments they need. We passed the Reproductive Health Equity Act this year because we knew it was possible that Roe v. Wade could be overturned. This was the number one priority for our caucus because we strongly believe that all people deserve access to abortion care when they need it, on a timeline of their choosing, and in a community and an environment they trust and feel safe in. It is important to reassure every pregnant person and their family that their fundamental right to all abortion care and reproductive health care services are protected in Colorado. No matter what the Supreme Court does, Colorado will continue to lead in order to ensure all people in need of these services are safe, and that anyone who must travel to Colorado in order to get abortion care will be supported. The obstacles that many face to obtaining abortion care–violence, judgment, costs, needing to travel long distances for care, and politicians attempting to make decisions in private health and personal medical matters– don’t impact us all equally. Communities of color and marginalized populations do not have equal access to health care and abortion care because of racism and structural inequities. Bodily autonomy is a fundamental and essential right for all people. We are deeply committed to this fight. Our hearts are with all the people impacted by this pending decision and leaders in the reproductive health and justice community. Previous Next

< Back September 7, 2021 “KEEP COLORADO WILD” PASS AND FREE STATE PARK ACCESS FOR PURPLE HEART RECIPIENTS GO INTO EFFECT DENVER, CO– Two laws passed last session to make it easier for Coloradans to access state parks and recreation areas go into effect today. SB21-249 , sponsored by Representatives Kerry Tipper and Perry Will, creates a discounted Keep Colorado Wild Pass to increase access to and funding for Colorado’s state parks and public lands. HB21-1116 , sponsored by Representatives David Ortiz and Richard Holtorf, allows Colorado veterans with purple heart license plates and their passengers free entry to state parks and recreation areas. “The ‘Keep Colorado Pass’ will make it easier for people to enjoy some of the most incredible state parks and public lands in the country,” said Rep. Kerry Tipper, D-Lakewood. “Starting soon, Colorado drivers will have access to cheaper park passes that will help us ensure our parks have the resources they need to flourish, protect visitors and remain open for all to enjoy.” SB21-249, also sponsored by Rep. Perry Will, R-New Castle, creates the Keep Colorado Wild Pass, a discounted state park pass which can be paid for at the time a vehicle is registered or during the registration renewal process. The pass grants entry into state parks and other public lands and the revenue collected from the pass will go toward investments in our public lands and state parks, which have taken a toll from a surge in outdoor recreation during the COVID pandemic. Also going into effect today is a bill to expand access to our state parks for veterans who have received the Purple Heart medal, sponsored by Rep. David Ortiz. “Colorado’s spectacular state parks offer tremendous benefits and recreation opportunities for Purple Heart recipients and disabled veterans,” said Rep. David Ortiz, D-Littleton. “ While we can never repay the debt we owe to all of our nation’s Purple Heart recipients, this small token of gratitude honors our veterans and ensures that cost will never be a barrier for them to access and enjoy our state parks.” HB21-1116, a bipartisan bill sponsored by combat veteran and Purple Heart recipient Representative David Ortiz and Representative Richard Holtorf, would allow veterans displaying a Purple Heart special license plate to access any state park or recreation area free of charge. Any Purple Heart recipient who is a resident of Colorado could also obtain a free state parks pass from a Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) office. Previous Next

The House today advanced legislation to prevent evictions and keep Coloradans safely housed, outlining the conditions when landlords would have grounds to file for evictions or “no-fault” lease terminations. < Back February 16, 2024 House Advances Bill to Prevent Evictions, Homelessness DENVER, CO - The House today advanced legislation to prevent evictions and keep Coloradans safely housed, outlining the conditions when landlords would have grounds to file for evictions or “no-fault” lease terminations. “Despite always paying our rent on time and following our lease agreement, my son and I were evicted after escaping my abuser, and our lives were turned upside down,” said Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge. “Current Colorado law leaves renters vulnerable to homelessness and an eviction on their record that can make it nearly impossible to find housing. This legislation will reduce evictions and offer a greater sense of community that hardworking Colorado families and renters deserve while ensuring that landlords can still file for evictions when appropriate.” “Nearly 13,000 evictions were filed in Denver last year, having a devastating impact on Colorado renters and leaving many homeless,” said Rep. Javier Mabrey, D-Denver. “These aren’t just numbers, these are real people who deserve a safe place to call home. This ‘For Cause Eviction’ legislation strengthens protections for renters and provides stability for landlords by clearly outlining the reasons why an eviction can be filed. Our bill is essential in preventing the displacement of renters and protecting vulnerable Coloradans from facing unnecessary evictions.” Currently, Colorado law exposes renters to possible arbitrary, retaliatory or discriminatory evictions. The ‘For Cause Eviction’ legislation would prevent a landlord from evicting a tenant unless there is cause for eviction. Under HB24-1098 , the reasons a landlord could lawfully evict a tenant include failure to pay rent in a timely manner, destruction of property, interfering with the right to quiet enjoyment, or a substantial violation of the rental agreement. The bill also includes allowable reasons for a no-fault lease non-renewal, including substantial repairs or conversion of a residential premises, and selling the property. Some exceptions to the ‘For Cause Eviction’ bill include rentals within the landlord’s primary residence, short-term rentals, mobile homes and for employers who provide housing to employees. Evictions threaten the health and safety of Coloradans, with research showing that individuals who experience an eviction are more likely to report poorer physical or mental health outcomes . In 2023, Denver set a new record of annual evictions, reaching nearly 13,000 filings. Previous Next

< Back March 16, 2022 JOINT RELEASE: LAWMAKERS UNVEIL BILLS TO BOOST ACCESS TO BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CARE DENVER, CO – Lawmakers in the House will introduce two more bills today that will boost access to behavioral health care by expanding the state’s inpatient and residential treatment capacity and better integrating physical and behavioral health care. “Colorado doesn’t have the inpatient and residential treatment capacity we need, which is why we’re investing $65 million to build additional beds and expand critical services across the state,” said Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder. “The addition of 16 beds at Fort Logan and 125 residential treatment beds across the state will transform care and provide the services that people with serious mental illness and substance use disorders need to get better. This transformational investment will expand treatment capacity in Colorado to increase access to behavioral health care.” “Right now, Colorado is struggling to provide the capacity needed to care for our state’s most vulnerable, leaving folks with serious behavioral health needs without the critical treatment they need,” said Sen. Faith Winter, D-Westminster . “This bill will help us boost bed capacity for inpatient and residential care so individuals with serious mental health and substance use challenges can access the care and treatment they need and deserve, helping us accomplish our overall goal of building a healthier Colorado for all.” Adult Inpatient and Residential Care: Sponsored by Representative Judy Amabile and Senators Faith Winter and Jim Smallwood, this bill invests $65 million to expand inpatient and residential treatment options. Currently, Colorado does not have enough residential treatment beds to treat individuals with serious mental health needs or substance use disorders, including individuals with co-occuring conditions or in need of civil commitment. The bill will support the addition of 16 beds at the Colorado Mental Health Institute at Fort Logan and 125 residential treatment beds across the state. These beds will be available for adults with urgent behavioral health needs that require long-term services and supports, and will be available as long as necessary for stabilization. They will provide integrated care to flexibly serve all populations, including individuals involved in the criminal justice system and those awaiting competency restoration services. Integrating Primary Care and Behavioral Health Care: Sponsored by Representatives Chris Kennedy and Perry Will, and Senators Sonya Jaquez Lewis and Kevin Priola, this bill would invest $35 million to improve behavioral health outcomes by better integrating physical and behavioral health care. The bill will provide grants to primary care practices to integrate behavioral health care into their clinical models, helping Coloradans access whole person care and early behavioral health interventions before a crisis. The transformational investment will increase access to mental health and substance use disorder screening and treatment and help coordinate referrals to other levels of care. The funding could be used to better streamline and co-locate behavioral and physical health care services in outpatient, pediatric and primary care settings. “Integrating physical and behavioral health care will make a huge difference in the lives of Coloradans,” said Sen. Jaquez Lewis, D-Boulder County. “We will be able to reach more people who are in need of help, including those seeking substance use disorder screening and treatment. I am a proud champion of this legislation to make it easier for Coloradans to get the care they need.” “Better integrating primary and behavioral health will increase access to the care Coloradans need and build healthier communities through better outcomes,” said Rep. Chris Kennedy, D-Lakewood. “Coloradans will be able to access both physical and behavioral health care more easily and at the same location, facing fewer barriers to critical care. Not only will this bill make it easier for Coloradans to make behavioral health care a regular part of their lives, it will make that care less expensive and save people money.” Previous Next

Governor Jared Polis today signed a bill into law to implement voter-approved Proposition 130 and direct significant new resources to public safety and law enforcement training, recruitment and retention. < Back June 2, 2025 Signed! Bill to Improve Law Enforcement Training Becomes Law DENVER, CO - Governor Jared Polis today signed a bill into law to implement voter-approved Proposition 130 and direct significant new resources to public safety and law enforcement training, recruitment and retention. “Colorado voters made it clear with Proposition 130 they want real investments in public safety,” said Sen. Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County. “This bill delivers on that promise by responsibly investing in law enforcement recruitment, retention, and training over the next several years. Even in a tough budget year, made worse by federal chaos and uncertainty, Colorado’s budget reflects our commitment to public education, public health, and public safety.” "This law honors voter intent when they passed Prop 130 and increases the state’s investment in public safety,” said Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster. “Our law will invest $350 million to recruit, retain and train local law enforcement officers and ensure that families of first responders receive death benefits in the event their family member’s life is taken while in the line of duty. Our law ensures that the state is a partner in protecting the safety of every Coloradan and makes certain that local law enforcement agencies have the resources they need to do their jobs well." SB25-310 , also sponsored by Senator Barbara Kirkmeyer, R-Weld County, and Representative Rick Taggart, R-Grand Junction, will implement the voter-approved Proposition 130 by creating a funding mechanism for the distribution of $350 million for local law enforcement officer recruitment, retention and training. It makes a one-time investment of $500 million of the general fund reserve in PERA and reduces future general fund payments to PERA by the amount of interest earned. It will then divert that amount to the new Peace Officer Training and Support Fund each year, which will be distributed to local police departments. It also implements the death benefit required in Proposition 130 of $1 million to the surviving spouse, family member, or designee of any first responder who died as a result of injuries or an occupational disease sustained while performing their job, and creates the Death Benefit Fund. Previous Next

Learn more about the Colorado House Democrats, including meeting minutes and locations. Meetings & Minutes Meeting minutes and notices prior to August 22, 2024 can be found in the archive. August 27, 2026 2:00 AM House Democrats Caucus Meeting Meeting Notice Meeting Minutes May 7, 2026 4:00 AM Health and Human Services Caucus Meeting Meeting Notice Meeting Minutes May 6, 2026 2:00 AM Business Affairs & Labor Caucus Meeting Meeting Notice Meeting Minutes May 6, 2026 2:00 AM Education Caucus Meeting Meeting Notice Meeting Minutes May 6, 2026 2:00 AM Energy and Environment Caucus Meeting Meeting Notice Meeting Minutes May 5, 2026 2:00 AM Transportation, Housing, and Local Government Caucus Meeting Meeting Notice Meeting Minutes May 5, 2026 2:30 AM Health and Human Services Caucus Meeting Meeting Notice Meeting Minutes May 5, 2026 2:00 AM Judiciary Caucus Meeting Meeting Notice Meeting Minutes May 4, 2026 2:00 AM Finance Caucus Meeting Meeting Notice Meeting Minutes May 4, 2026 2:00 PM Appropriations Caucus Meeting Meeting Notice Meeting Minutes April 29, 2026 2:00 AM Business Affairs and Labor Caucus Meeting Meeting Notice Meeting Minutes April 29, 2026 2:00 AM Energy and Environment Caucus Meeting Meeting Notice Meeting Minutes

The House today passed legislation sponsored by Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon and Representative Naquetta Ricks that would improve flexibility, fairness, safety, and transparency for gig transportation network company (TNC) workers and consumers. SB24-075 passed by a vote of 43-19. < Back May 6, 2024 Bill to Improve Gig Worker Rights, Boost Transparency Passes House DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation sponsored by Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon and Representative Naquetta Ricks that would improve flexibility, fairness, safety, and transparency for gig transportation network company (TNC) workers and consumers. SB24-075 passed by a vote of 43-19. “Gig workers deserve to know how much they will get paid before they accept a job, and this bill will give them better clarity so they can make informed workplace decisions,” said Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver. “This bill improves gig workers’ rights while providing much-needed transparency to consumers so they know what their money is paying for.” “The gig economy has exploded in recent years, and we must address the lack of worker protections and consumer transparency to ensure fair wages and autonomy,” said Rep. Naquetta Ricks, D-Aurora. “This bill aims to address these issues by requiring companies to disclose the distance, direction, and fare of a ride to drivers before they accept it and share fare information with customers so they know how much of their rideshare is going to their driver. Without this information, drivers and customers are left in the dark and are vulnerable to being over-charged or underpaid.” Gig work has risen over the last decade, but many workers struggle to make ends meet or plan for their financial future due to the volatile nature of their earnings and unjust terminations. SB24-075 would address a number of issues gig workers and consumers face by requiring the following: Companies must disclose terms and grounds for termination or deactivation of drivers and communicate their reconsideration process; Companies must disclose the fare, distance, and direction to all drivers before they accept a ride, which can prevent last-minute ride cancellations initiated by drivers; Companies must disclose fare information to customers, including the total amount paid and how much of that the driver received; and Companies must disclose some ride and app activity-related information to the state of Colorado, such as total mileage driven, deactivations and reconsideration results, and more. The bill aims to provide TNC drivers with transparent information about tasks and earnings, and customers with the information needed to make decisions about how much to tip. Additionally, the bill would protect drivers by giving them a basic level of transparency about how deactivations are considered and can be appealed. Previous Next

Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation to make prescription drug labels more accessible to blind, visually impaired and print-impaired Coloradans. < Back June 3, 2024 Prescription Label Accessibility for Blind Coloradans Signed into Law DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation to make prescription drug labels more accessible to blind, visually impaired and print-impaired Coloradans. HB24-1115 is sponsored by Representatives Mary Young and Junie Joseph and Senate President Steve Fenberg. “The information on prescription labels provides important details that enable patients to safely and effectively take medication – we need to ensure blind, visually impaired and print-impaired Coloradans can readily access this information,” said Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley. “If you can’t access the label of your prescription medication, it could lead to negative health consequences, even death. This law allows Coloradans to have agency over their health care by making sure prescription labels are accessible for blind, visually impaired and print-impaired Coloradans.” “All patients deserve to have access to accommodations that meet their unique needs so that they can consistently receive critical information about their medications,” said Senate President Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder. “Prescription medications are critical to maintaining one’s health, and a lack of access to information about prescription medications can have serious, life-threatening consequences, such as accidentally taking an incorrect medication or dosage. This important new law will help blind, visually impaired, and print disabled Coloradans stay healthy and safe while maintaining their independence.” “Prescription labels outline important information related to dosage and frequency, and this law makes labels more accessible to blind or visually and print-impaired Coloradans,” said Rep. Junie Joseph, D-Boulder. “Our law will increase reading accessibility of prescription labels so that blind, and visually impaired Coloradans can access the live-saving information they need. We’re committed to improving accessibility throughout our state, and this law tackles prescription labels as an important part of that effort.” HB24-1115 will require a pharmacy to provide blind, visually impaired and print-impaired Coloradans with access to prescription drug label information. The law requires pharmacies to, upon request, provide patients with: An electronic label, like a QR code, on the container that can transmit the label information and instructions to the person’s accessibility device, A no-cost prescription drug reader that provides the label information in an audio format, Prescription drug label information in braille or large print, or Any other method recommended by the US Access Board. The law also allows Colorado patients to sue non-compliant pharmacies on the basis of disability discrimination, and creates the Prescription Accessibility Grant Program to provide grants to pharmacies for the purchase of equipment used to create accessible prescription labels. Previous Next

Governor Jared Polis yesterday signed two bills into law administratively to limit HOA-driven foreclosures and prevent excessive increases in rent in the wake of a disaster. < Back June 6, 2024 ICYMI: Gov Signs Bills to Prevent HOA Homeowner Foreclosures, Price Gouging on Rent After a Disaster DENVER, CO - Governor Jared Polis yesterday signed two bills into law administratively to limit HOA-driven foreclosures and prevent excessive increases in rent in the wake of a disaster. “Millions of Coloradans live in HOA communities, and although we have passed numerous laws to protect HOA homeowners, they are still at risk of losing their home over minor issues,” said Rep. Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora, sponsor of HB24-1337. “No family should forego buying food, medicine, or other necessities just to keep up with ballooning charges from their HOA. This legislation creates safeguards against foreclosures initiated by HOAs and ensures that Coloradans in HOAs will not lose their homes due to fines, fees, and exorbitant attorney fees, keeping Coloradans safely housed.” “No one should be at risk of losing their home for being in violation of minor HOA rules,” said Senate President Pro Tempore James Coleman, D-Denver, sponsor of HB24-1337 . “In addition to ensuring Coloradans won’t have to pay sky–high attorney fees, this new law will give homeowners the right to purchase their property back before it's transferred, which creates more housing stability.” “Housing affordability is a serious issue for Coloradans, and excessive HOA fees and collections threaten housing security for thousands of families,” said Rep. Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver, sponsor of HB24-1337. “This law creates a pathway for homeowners to cure their debts and remain in their homes or allows affordable housing advocates to have an opportunity to buy the home before corporate developers. This change is crucial in keeping more Coloradans safely housed and preserving affordable housing.” “Home ownership is supposed to create generational wealth, but right now the housing crisis is creating generational debt,” said Senator Tony Exum, Sr., D-Colorado Springs, sponsor of HB24-1337. “This law helps ensure HOA foreclosure is a last resort while lowering legal costs and providing Coloradans with the opportunity to buy back their property and stay in their communities. It’s a great step to improving financial and housing stability in Colorado.” Currently, HOAs can require a homeowner to reimburse the HOA for collection costs and attorney fees associated with collecting HOA fines and fees without starting a legal proceeding. HB24-1337 limits the reimbursement amount to 50 percent of the underlying payment owed or $5,000, whichever is less. The law prohibits foreclosing on a lien if the homeowner is in compliance with a repayment plan for the owed amount and requires an HOA to take specific steps before foreclosing on a home, ensuring foreclosure is the last resort. The law also creates a right of redemption for properties in an HOA that have been foreclosed on, which would allow unit owners, tenants, nonprofits, community land trusts, and other entities the opportunity to purchase the property before it’s transferred. HB24-1259 prohibits rental price gouging for one year after a disaster declaration issued by the Governor or the U.S. President, where the declaration specifically declares a material decrease in housing. Rent increases are to be capped at the percentage of the rent increase for the prior year or 10 percent compared to the unit’s rent immediately before the disaster, whichever is greater. “Many Coloradans saw rents skyrocket after the Marshall Fire, and those who had lost their homes were forced to juggle exorbitant rents while they tried to rebuild their lives,” said Rep. Kyle Brown, D-Louisville, sponsor of HB24-1259. “We know disasters cause financial and emotional trauma, and no one deserves to be taken advantage of while they try to piece their life back together. This legislation adds essential protections for Coloradans so they don’t experience excessive rent increases in the aftermath of a disaster.” “After the Marshall Fire, affected Coloradans saw their rents skyrocket, and those who lost their everything were thrown into a priced-gouged market that strained them even more,” said Senator Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, sponsor of HB24-1259. “As our planet continues to warm, we know that wildfire season is a year-round threat and natural disasters like this one will become more frequent. This law will protect Coloradans from rental price gouging in the wake of disasters, and ease the burden of housing during already-difficult times.” “After the Marshall Fire, hundreds of families suddenly had to find housing overnight because they lost everything they had, only to experience huge increases in rent because of the influx of renters in the market,” said Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora, sponsor of HB24-1259. “Disasters devastate communities and have a ripple effect on neighboring communities that now must house Coloradans post-disaster. This consumer protection legislation reigns in price-gouging of rent for a one-year period after a declared disaster, preventing disaster survivors from being taken advantage of." The law makes it a deceptive trade practice to price gouge when providing rental housing during the year following a disaster that materially reduces housing units, allowing the Attorney General or a district attorney to pursue enforcement actions, including civil penalties, under the Colorado Consumer Protection Act. Affected tenants are also able to pursue civil action for violations. While homeowners insurance policies cover up to two years of rent for people whose homes are uninhabitable, people who were renting prior to a natural disaster don’t have this support. In the year after the devastating Marshall Fire, a report showed many impacted residents saw their rents increase 30 to 50 percent. Previous Next