< Back June 23, 2021 NEW LAWS SUPPORT COLORADO’S VETERANS Bills to create a veterans suicide prevention program, veterans mobile support unit, veterans hiring preference, and rename Lincoln park to honor our veterans signed into law DENVER, CO– Governor Polis today signed four bills to support veterans and make sure Colorado remains a great place to live for those who served our country. “One of my top priorities when coming to the legislature was to use my voice to ensure my brother and sister veterans are given the care and support they’ve earned,” said Rep. David Ortiz, D-Littleton, sponsor of HB21-1065, SB21-129 and SB21-032 . “Today’s bill signing demonstrates the incredible progress we made this year, helping veterans find good jobs, preventing veteran suicides, and providing a lifeline for rural and homeless vets going through tough times. We have a world-premier, all-volunteer fighting force, and to keep it that way we need to be proactive about ensuring veterans can go on to thrive after their service.” “Colorado is home to more than 400,000 veterans, and this year we worked hard to ensure Colorado remains a great place for veterans to live,” said Speaker Alec Garnett, D-Denver, sponsor of HB21-1257. “Watching these four bills be signed today, I feel extremely proud of the legislative results we were able to deliver for veterans this session. While renaming a beautiful part of the Capitol grounds in honor of our veterans is only a small sign of our appreciation, it represents the legislature’s commitment to looking out for those who selflessly served our nation.” HB21-1065 allows a private employer to give a preference to a veteran or the spouse of a veteran when hiring a new employee as long as the veteran or spouse is qualified for the job. To address higher rates of unemployment among post-9/11 veterans, the employer’s policy must apply to veterans who have been discharged in the last 10 years. Establishing a veterans hiring preference policy would be optional for employers. The bill includes safeguards against discrimination by still allowing a job applicant who is in a protected class to file a discrimination claim. This ensures that the bill will encourage the hiring of veterans without having unintended discriminatory impacts against women and people of color. Furthermore, the bill would offer businesses creating the hiring preference educational tools to help them navigate anti-discrimination laws so they can implement the policy fairly. SB21-129 will create a veteran suicide prevention pilot program in the Department of Human Services to reduce the suicide rate and suicidal ideation among veterans. The program would provide free, confidential behavioral health treatment for up to 700 veterans and their families. Services would be provided through agreements with nonprofit organizations. SB21-032 will provide funding to establish a mobile veterans support unit to serve as a point of contact for veterans in rural areas and those veterans experiencing homelessness. The unit will distribute supplies, transport veterans who do not have access to transportation services, and work with the Office of Economic Development to offer business and job opportunities to veterans. The bill provides funding for a veteran-owned or veteran-focused organization to purchase a vehicle and operate the program. HB21-1257 , also sponsored by Rep. Patrick Neville, R-Castle Rock, honors Colorado’s veterans by changing the name of Lincoln park and Liberty park in the Capitol complex to “Lincoln veterans’ memorial park”, and provides a small amount of funding to facilitate the name change. Previous Next

Legislation would help alleviate housing crisis across Colorado < Back January 30, 2024 Colorado House Democrats Pass Bill to Make Housing More Affordable Legislation would help alleviate housing crisis across Colorado DENVER, CO - The House Transportation, Housing & Local Government Committee today passed legislation to prohibit local governments from implementing or enforcing residential occupancy limits except for health and safety reasons. “Arbitrary housing limits exacerbate the housing crisis, creating an unnecessary barrier that makes it even more difficult for Coloradans to find a place to live,” said Rep. Manny Rutinel, D-Commerce City. “Prohibiting occupancy limits opens up affordable housing options, reduces our environmental impact, and gives Coloradans the freedom to live with others even if they aren’t related. This legislation is critical in giving Coloradans more housing choices and creating more affordable housing opportunities.” “Occupancy limits that are not genuinely based on health and safety concerns limit the ability of Coloradans struggling to get by to find affordable housing,” said Rep. Javier Mabrey, D-Denver. “At a time when Coloradans face a shortage of housing supply, our governments should not be limiting the supply of housing. This legislation will expand housing options for all and allow people to make their own housing choices that benefit their families and save them money.” HB24-1007 , which passed by a vote of 8-3, would prohibit local governments from limiting the number of people who can live together in a residence, regardless of familial relationship. Exceptions include only for demonstrated health and safety standards, such as fire code regulations, wastewater and water quality standards and international building code standards. Occupancy limits cap the amount of people that can live in a residence if they are not related, even if the residence has more bedrooms than the occupancy limit standard. In 2023, there were over 14,000 Coloradans experiencing homelessness. More than 50 percent of renters in the Denver Metro Area, as well as counties like Boulder, El Paso, Larimer, Pueblo, Summit, Eagle, and Mesa, are cost burdened. In 2021, Denver City Council passed a measure to increase their occupancy limit standards from two to five people, and last year, Boulder City Council voted to increase their occupancy limit standards from three to five people. Previous Next

< Back February 25, 2020 SNYDER & EXUM BILLS RAISE PAY FOR CO MILITARY FORCES, IMPROVE SERVICES FOR VETERANS Legislation advanced today would raise the minimum daily pay for state military forces and improve services for veterans in community living centers DENVER, CO– Bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representatives Tony Exum and Marc Snyder to raise the minimum daily pay for state military forces and improve services for veterans in community living centers today passed the House Committee on State, Veterans, and Military Affairs. “In 2018, 61 Colorado National Guard members were called to serve when the Spring Creek Fire, the third largest wildfire in our state’s history, swept through Southern Colorado,” said Rep. Tony Exum, D-Colorado Springs. “Their pay? Just $20 a day or $1.67 an hour. That is unacceptably low. As a former firefighter, I am appalled that we ask our fellow Coloradans to put themselves in harm’s way for such a low wage. This bill would more than triple the minimum daily pay, and I’m proud to see it move forward.” Under current law, the governor can activate Colorado National Guard units during natural disasters or civil emergencies. The current rate of pay is determined by a member’s rank and years of service. The minimum rate of pay, however, is just $20 a day, and guard members usually work 12 hour shifts. Often, those called upon are enlisted at a level that pays the lowest rate. Under SB20-091, which is also sponsored by Representative Richard Holtorf, the minimum rate of pay would be more than tripled to $88 a day. “Our region is home to one in four veterans in our state, and many are older veterans who rely on the services provided by veterans community living centers,” said Rep. Marc Snyder, D-Manitou Springs. “We must ensure that Colorado veterans have access to the state services they need. This bill will take a deep dive into the services provided by veterans community living centers across the state, and it will help us improve how our state delivers these critical services.” The state operates five veterans community living centers. The facilities provide long-term care, short-term rehabilitation, short-term respite care, memory care for individuals with dementia and end of-life/hospice services. HB20-1220, which is also sponsored by Rep. Terri Carver, R-Colorado Springs, requires the state to conduct a needs assessment to investigate: The changing demographics of the veteran population in Colorado The treatment needs of younger veterans The best practices for services and treatment of mental health conditions such as PTSD The benefits and limitations of providing services through the existing enters Alternatives models of care, such as constructing a new Colorado State Veterans Home The impact on long-term care facilities of the changing health care needs of veterans. The five centers are located in Aurora, Florence, Monte Vista, Rifle, and Walsenburg. Recently, advocates and officials have begun the process of exploring how to build a Colorado State Veterans Home near Colorado Springs. The report, due in December 2020, will look at alternative models of care, such as a state veterans home. The House State, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee also passed SB20-082, sponsored by Rep. Susan Lontine, D-Denver, and Rep. Lois Landgraf, R-Fountain. The bill would create the Colorado Legion of Merit medal, which would be awarded to any person who has rendered service in a clearly exceptional, unprecedented or superior manner. Previous Next

< Back November 12, 2019 REP. CUTTER: ENCOURAGED BY BIPARTISAN EFFORTS TO INCREASE STATE’S RECYCLING RATE DENVER, CO– Representative Lisa Cutter (D-Jefferson County), chair of the Zero Waste and Recycling Interim Committee, today released the following statement on the latest “ State of Recycling in Colorado ” report from Eco-Cycle and the Colorado Public Interest Research Group: “A year ago, I set an ambitious goal to greatly increase our state’s recycling rate, which is well below the national average. By recycling more, we can reduce pollution and help address the climate crisis that is threatening our economy and our Colorado way of life. We are making progress on this critical issue, but today’s report shows that we still have a long way to go. Over the last few months, we’ve developed new legislation to help improve recycling rates in Colorado. This issue needs more attention, and I’m encouraged by the bipartisan efforts underway to increase our state’s recycling rate.” Previous Next

< Back March 15, 2019 JOINT RELEASE: JOINT BUDGET COMMITTEE DEMOCRATS RESPOND TO NEWLY RELEASED BUDGET FORECAST Denver, CO – This afternoon, the Governor’s office and the Colorado Legislative Council released a quarterly budget forecast that will help lawmakers write the annual state budget. In response, members of the Joint Budget Committee released the following statements: “While this budget forecast might not be as strong as we hoped for, the Joint Budget Committee’s priority must be to serve as responsible stewards of taxpayers dollars as we work to balance the state budget,” said JBC Chair Sen. Dominick Moreno, D-Commerce City. “I am still confident that we will be able to find a way forward that protects the state’s finances while also delivering on many of the important legislative priorities that our Democratic majorities were elected on.” “We remain focused on putting forth a bipartisan and responsible budget that addresses our state’s most pressing needs and reflects the values of Coloradans,” said JBC Vice-Chair Rep. Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo. “Hardworking individuals and families in southern Colorado and across our state are struggling to keep up with the cost of living. We must work together to support them and give them the tools they need to get ahead.” “The budget forecast is not a red or a blue issue, and regardless of party, we must be smart with our decisions and balance many competing priorities with the need for fiscal responsibility,” said Senator Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada. “We take these decisions very seriously, and will carefully identify what our biggest financial needs are as we debate and finalize our state’s budget.” “A poorly targeted federal tax change and pointless trade wars and tariffs have manufactured uncertainty in the economy and are beginning to drag down hardworking families,” said Rep. Chris Hansen, D-Denver. “We must work together to responsibly invest in education, work to cut the cost of health care to ensure our state remains prosperous.” Previous Next

Representative Tisha Mauro, D-Pueblo, today released the following statement on the second meeting of the Wildfire Matters Review Committee: < Back July 18, 2024 Mauro Wraps Up Second Wildfire Matters Interim Committee Meeting DENVER, CO - Representative Tisha Mauro, D-Pueblo, today released the following statement on the second meeting of the Wildfire Matters Review Committee : “Keeping our communities safe from wildfire destruction starts with expanded mitigation efforts and education. I’m grateful to the forest service professionals we heard from today, who play a critical role in maintaining healthy forests and ultimately preventing the spread of wildfires. “As our committee continues to meet with industry leaders and state agencies, I look forward to crafting policies with my colleagues that will reduce wildfire risk in all four corners of our state.” Previous Next

< Back June 30, 2022 HAPPY FISCAL NEW YEAR, COLORADO! House Dems highlight critical investments to move Colorado Forward in countdown to the new fiscal year that begins July 1, 2022. DENVER, CO – House Democrats today released a countdown to the Fiscal New Year, highlighting critical investments for FY 2022-2023 in K-12 education, behavioral health and housing, and wildfire mitigation and prevention. “Happy Fiscal New Year, Colorado!,” said JBC Chair Rep. Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “I’m excited that school districts will receive nearly $550 more per student this year to improve K-12 education and that we are increasing state funding for schools that serve more at-risk and special education students. From saving people and businesses money to increasing access to behavioral health care and affordable homes, we’re making critical investments to meet the most pressing needs in our communities and protect the Colorado way of life. ” House Democrats’ Countdown to the Fiscal New Year: 10. $10 million for rural hospitals to improve health care services, increase access for rural patients, modernize health IT systems, and save people money on health care. ( SB22-200 ) 9. Nearly $900 million combined investment to save Coloradans money on housing and increase access to mental health care and substance use disorder treatment. ( Behavioral Health ; Housing ) 8 . Eight new laws that fund wildfire mitigation, response and recovery efforts in communities across Colorado and save homeowners money on wildfire mitigation. 7 . $700 million over two years for property tax relief for homeowners and businesses, helping save families money on housing and cutting costs for businesses statewide. The average homeowner will save $275 on their property taxes and many small businesses won’t see any increase at all. ( SB22-238 and SB21-293 ) 6. $600 million to save businesses money by replenishing the state Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund that provided crucial benefits to workers during the pandemic. ( SB22-234 ) 5 . $550 more on average per student in state funding for K-12 public schools. This year, Colorado Democrats took a massive – and sustainable – step towards eliminating the budget stabilization factor and fully funding public K-12 education. The 2022 School Finance Act increases funding for public education by over $430 million. ( HB22-1390 ) 4 . Four million Coloradans will receive Colorado Cashback checks later this summer – $750 for single filers, $1,500 for joint filers! ( SB22-233 ) 3 . Three percent increase in funding for health care providers to help retain and attract the health care workforce Colorado needs. ( HB22-1329 ) 2. $200 million to respond to homelessness across the state, including investments in housing and services that help people find and maintain safe and stable living situations. 1 . One balanced budget investing in critical priorities to save people money, improve public education and protect the Colorado way of life! Previous Next

Three new laws to cut down on housing costs and strengthen renter protections go into effect August 7 < Back August 7, 2023 JOINT RELEASE: Laws to Save Renters Money and Strengthen Protections Go Into Effect Three new laws to cut down on housing costs and strengthen renter protections go into effect August 7 DENVER, CO - On August 7, three laws to strengthen residential renter rights, save Coloradans money on rental applications, and reduce overbearing rental application qualifications to make it easier for lower-income Coloradans to find housing, go into effect. “Renters shouldn’t be forced to sign away their legal rights just to have a roof over their heads,” said Rep. Steven Woodrow, D-Denver, sponsor of HB23-1095. “Our new law now prohibits residential leases from including hidden fees, legal waivers, and other traps that some landlords have used to take advantage of unsuspecting tenants.” “Too often, Colorado renters unknowingly sign rental agreements that waive important rights, contain legal traps, and tack on hidden fees,” said Senator Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo, sponsor of HB23-1095 . “HB23-1095 prohibits landlords from sneaking inflated charges or unfair provisions into rental agreements, ensuring Colorado renters aren’t taken advantage of or exploited.” “Housing insecurity is a very real threat for many Coloradans, leading to people being pressured into signing leases that strip away their rights,” said Rep. Mandy Lindsay, D-Aurora, sponsor of HB23-1095. “Colorado renters are getting a big win with the implementation of our new law that prevents landlords from creating unfriendly leases that infringe on the legal rights of renters.” “Whether it’s Steamboat Springs or Sedalia, housing is a top concern for Coloradans,” said Senator Faith Winter, D-Westminster, sponsor of HB23-1095 . “This year we’re taking bold action to tackle Colorado’s housing crisis from all angles. By preserving the affordable housing stock we already have and strengthening renters’ rights, Coloradans will be better positioned to find housing options that fit their budget and sign rental agreements that preserve their comfort and safety.” Effective August 7, HB23-1095 prohibits most rental agreements from including: Any waiver of the right to quiet enjoyment of the property Any waiver of the right to a jury trial, unless all parties agree to waive a jury trial in a hearing to determine occupancy, Any waiver of the right to participate in a class action, Penalties or charges if a renter does not provide notice of non-renewal unless the landlord incurred actual losses as a result, or The landlord’s ability to charge renters for both third party services like pest control and valet trash that is in excess of 2% of the actual charge and a monthly administrative fee of $10 to cover these services Landlords often profit from renters by including inflated third party charges like pest control and valet trash services in administrative fees. Under this law, landlords are prohibited from charging renters more than the actual cost for services, limiting excessive profiting off of tenants. The right to enjoyment protects renters from landlords entering the property without notice and their right to have peace and quiet in their home, as landlords often include clauses that waive these rights. Large rental companies often use a class action waiver to protect themselves from lawsuits by preventing renters from collectively pursuing legal action. Individual renters usually can’t afford a legal fight against a large rental company, which allows rental companies to get away with violations. HB23-1099 builds off the Rental Application Fairness Act that was passed by Colorado Democrats in 2019 by allowing prospective renters to reuse a rental application for up to 30 days without paying additional fees. “As a renter, I know how stressful and expensive it can be to have to find new housing,” said Rep. Stephanie Vigil, D-Colorado Springs, sponsor of HB23-1099. “Our new law cuts down on repetitive fees, so that Coloradans who rent their home can make the most of their precious financial resources.” “Too many Coloradans searching for a rental have found themselves spending hundreds of dollars in unnecessary fees for something they’ve previously paid for,” said Senator Rhonda Fields, D-Aurora, sponsor of HB23-1099. “Applying to rent a home shouldn’t require redundant, substantial fees and a negative impact on one’s credit. We have to continue to fight rising housing expenses across the board, including application costs, so that every Colorado family can find a place to call home without breaking the bank.” “When renters face the end of their lease, they often have to spend hundreds of dollars on multiple rental applications just to find housing that keeps them sheltered,” said Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora, sponsor of HB23-1099. “With this law going into effect soon, Coloradans will be able to reuse their rental application documents, allowing them to save their hard-earned money for rent, groceries, childcare, and other necessary costs while looking for their new home.” “Our state is in a housing crisis, which is why we’ve been fighting to reduce the many barriers to housing that exist in our state,” said Senator Tony Exum, D-Colorado Springs, sponsor of HB23-1099. “Paying for a new screening report every time someone applies for a lease is a big financial burden, especially if it’s their fourth, fifth, or sixth application. This new law allows for greater transparency between landlords and prospective tenants while reducing the cost of finding a new place to live.” HB23-1099 minimizes the number of times a credit score is pulled, protecting a potential renter’s credit score from being continuously damaged from credit score inquiries. Under this law, a landlord must provide a copy of the credit report to a potential tenant to reuse and provide a notice of the applicant’s right to dispute the accuracy of the report. Rental and credit history reports and criminal record documents must come from verified consumer reporting agencies to be eligible for reuse. This law goes into effect on August 7. SB23-184 , which also goes into effect on August 7, expands access to housing by limiting any minimum income requirement to two times the cost of the rent. Because landlords can require prospective tenants to make three to five times as much as their annual rental cost, some hardworking Coloradans like teachers and firefighters are finding it impossible to qualify for housing opportunities with their incomes. It also limits the amount landlords can charge for security deposits to two times the monthly rent. “Over the last decade the cost of housing in Colorado has doubled, forcing folks to spend larger shares of their income on rent,” said Senator Winter, sponsor of SB23-184 . “Our rental market hasn’t adjusted to these challenging economic realities, and many Coloradans – especially those on limited or fixed incomes – are denied housing or face barriers to obtaining housing because of income requirements. It’s time to put in place sensible guardrails to expand housing access for Coloradans of all income levels.” “Excessive income and security deposit requirements are making it nearly impossible for many Coloradans to qualify for housing,” said Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood, sponsor of SB23-184 . “By capping income requirements and setting a limit to security deposit costs, we can create more realistic housing opportunities for hardworking Coloradans that want to stay in their community.” “Over half of low-income Coloradans spend more than 30 percent of their income on rent,” Senator Exum, sponsor of SB23-184, said. “Burdensome income requirements shut out too many hardworking Coloradans from the market. This new law will help ensure prospective renters aren’t being discriminated against because of their income while improving housing stability across Colorado.” “Some of our most vulnerable neighbors, like seniors on fixed incomes and those with a disability, have difficulty finding housing because incomes don’t meet overwhelming lease requirements,” said Rep. Lorena Garcia, D-Unincorporated Adams County, sponsor of SB23-184. “With our new law going into effect soon, more lower-income and fixed-income Coloradans can find housing that works best for them and their family, without unreasonable security deposit and income requirements.” For prospective tenants with a housing voucher or subsidy, this cap would only apply to their portion of the rent obligation, and landlords wouldn’t be able to inquire about or consider their credit score. Large security deposits can also price renters out of housing they would otherwise be able to afford. This law breaks down cost barriers by capping security deposits at two times the monthly rent. Although Coloradans who experience housing discrimination can sue or file a civil rights complaint, they’re not able to raise discrimination as an affirmative defense to an eviction. SB23-184 further protects tenants from eviction by establishing that a violation of the law's new prohibitions is an unfair housing practice and clarifying that fair housing violations, including source of income violations, are an affirmative defense to eviction. Previous Next

< Back August 18, 2020 HOUSE DEMS: PROTECT THE US POSTAL SERVICE DENVER, CO – Colorado House Democrats today released the following statement on efforts by the Trump administration to undermine the US Postal Service: “The critical delays at the US Postal Service (USPS) and the Trump administration’s efforts to undermine mail delivery and deny USPS the funding it needs are dangerous and deeply concerning. These delays are a brazen and direct attack on our democracy. They jeopardize Colorado’s economic recovery and hurt our state’s small businesses, especially in our rural communities. In the middle of a global pandemic, seniors and veterans who rely on the mail for life-saving medications fear their prescriptions won’t arrive. Small businesses struggling to stay afloat worry that one of their crucial lifelines will be yanked away. This is unacceptable. “To protect our democracy and our Colorado Way of Life, Congress and the administration must immediately address reductions in USPS services and ensure timely mail delivery ahead of the November elections.” Colorado mails ballots to all registered voters from October 9-16, ensuring voters receive their ballots at least 18 days before the election. There are over 300 dropboxes across the state, providing Coloradans with multiple options to return their ballots to election officials. During the 2019 legislative session, Colorado Democrats passed legislation that improved Colorado’s premier vote-by-mail system by increasing the number of dropboxes across the state. This has further reduced the need for in-person contact in order to vote in Colorado. Previous Next

Legislation would allow counties to boost access to housing, child care, and behavioral health. < Back February 13, 2024 Bipartisan Bill to Boost Affordable Workforce Housing Passes Committee DENVER, CO - The House Transportation, Housing & Local Government Committee today passed bipartisan legislation to grant local governments the authority to create property tax rebate programs to address areas of specific local concern, including affordable housing development. SB24-002 passed committee unanimously. “We’re working hand-in-hand with rural and mountain communities, like my home county of Summit County, to address the affordability crisis in Colorado and save people money on housing, child care and health care,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. "This bipartisan bill provides local governments with new tools to create more workforce housing, high-quality child care options and economic development.” SB24-002 , also sponsored by Rep. Lisa Frizell, R-Castle Rock, would allow local governments to establish property tax incentive programs to address critical issues related to housing, child care, behavioral health, and economic development. This could include programs that address affordable housing needs, the availability of in-home daycares, economic revitalization, the creation of stronger social resources and services for working families. Under the bill, a municipality would be able to authorize tax credits or rebates that incentivize property owners to convert rental properties from short-term to long-term, boosting the availability of workforce and more permanent housing. The bill allows a local government to renew a tax rebate or incentive program for up to one year if they find that it has effectively addressed the area of specific local concern. Previous Next

< Back May 27, 2020 SULLIVAN BILL IMPROVES CO’S NATION-LEADING UNIVERSAL VOTE BY MAIL SYSTEM DENVER, CO — Legislation sponsored by Representative Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial, to improve Colorado’s universal mail system today passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 37-24. “Colorado leads the way when it comes to universal vote by mail. Other states are following us because we’ve shown it is the most secure way to vote and greatly increases participation. Vote by mail strengthens our democracy and the voice of the people,” said Rep. Sullivan, D-Centennial. “No one should have to choose between risking their lives and their constitutional right to participate in our elections. This bill would ensure that all registered voters have the opportunity to vote by mail when unexpected issues come up with their ballots.” Colorado is one of only a handful of states that allows all voters to cast their ballot by mail. It has been recognized across the country as one of the most secure and successful ballot administration systems in the nation. The state’s universal mail ballot system means Colorado is uniquely positioned to safely administer upcoming elections and ensure that Coloradans can vote without risk to their health. HB20-1313 would improve the process for updating registration applications and records to ensure that new ballots are sent within an appropriate timeline. It would also permit a voter to obtain a replacement ballot if their ballot was destroyed, spoiled or not received for any reason. It requires counties to mail replacement ballots to eligible voters who update their address or register to vote after ballots have been mailed. Furthermore, the bill requires counties to mail ballots by First Class Mail if they are sent within 11 days of an election, ensuring they will be delivered on-time. Previous Next

< Back March 9, 2020 HOUSE GUARANTEES NEW RIGHTS FOR MOBILE HOME OWNERS Legislation would protect residents from retaliation and secure new rights to privacy and utility billing transparency for mobile home owners DENVER, CO– The House today passed HB20-1196, legislation to create new rights and protections for mobile home park residents, by a vote of 41-22. “No one should lose their life’s savings or be forced to relocate their family because they were retaliated against when they complained about the management of their mobile home park or because they incurred a minor rule violation,” said Rep. Hooton, D-Boulder. “This legislation will protect mobile home park residents from retaliation, protect their right to privacy and ensure they are accurately billed for the utilities they use,” said Rep. McCluskie, D-Dillon. “Coloradans deserve to feel comfortable in their own homes and to live free from the fear of retaliation or privacy violations from their landlords.” HB20-1196 , sponsored by Representatives Edie Hooton and Julie McCluskie, would define retaliation against residents and would outline a process to protect residents from retaliation when they complain about park owner violations. It prevents park owners from removing tenants over minor rule violations, protecting mobile home residents from unwarranted evictions that can destroy their lives. The bill also requires transparency in utility billing so that residents can ensure that the money they pay for essential services goes towards what it is supposed to. HB20-1196 secures a right to privacy for tenants, mandating that park owners provide adequate notice and obtain tenant consent before entering their homes. Over 100,000 Coloradans live in mobile homes, and they are the single largest source of unsubsidized affordable housing in the state. Park residents, however, have been subject to arbitrary evictions and retaliation when they file complaints. HB20-1196 is supported by: 9 to 5 Colorado, Adams County, B-Konnected, Boulder County, Call to Action-CO, CatholicNetwork, City of Aurora, City of Boulder, City of Fort Collins, Colorado Center on Law and Policy, Colorado Coalition for the Homeless, Colorado Coalition of Manufactured Home Owners, Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition, Colorado Children’s Campaign, Colorado Disability Law, Colorado Municipal League, Colorado Poverty Law Project, Colorado Public Health Association, Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition, Colorado Senior Lobby, Colorado Village Collaboration, GES Coalition, The Denver Foundation, Disability Law Colorado, Elevation Land Trust, Interfaith Alliance, League of Women Voters of Colorado, Livewell Colorado, Mile High Connects, Prosperity Now, Rodefei Tzedek, United for a New Economy, Westwood Unidos, Women’s Lobby of Colorado, Together Colorado, The Chaffee Housing Trust. Previous Next