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The House Education Committee today passed two bills. < Back March 26, 2025 House Committee Passes “Freedom to Read Act” and Facial Recognition Protections DENVER, CO – The House Education Committee today passed two bills. SB25-063 would create safeguards against book bans in public school libraries. SB25-143 would protect the biometric data of students and staff collected by schools. “Banning books only harms our students, and it’s never been more important to preserve access to literature in our public schools,” said Rep. Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn, sponsor of SB25-063. “Knowledge is power, and schools shouldn’t take that away from students. Schools are for learning, and this important bill insulates our public libraries from D.C. culture wars and political fights by creating a fair process to evaluate a book’s inclusion or removal from a library.” “When we ban books in our schools, we’re erasing the identities and perspectives of diverse thinkers and cultural thought-leaders from society,” said Rep. Lorena Garcia, D-Unincorporated Adams County, sponsor of SB25-063. “We’re fighting back against attempts to remove books from libraries and silence the voices of marginalized people. The freedom to read is a cornerstone of democracy and muzzling what literature our students are exposed to is a slippery slope. When students have access to age-appropriate books that cover all topics, they’re more likely to be well-informed and critical thinkers.” SB25-063 , passed committee by a vote of 7 to 5. This bill would create safeguards against book bans in public schools by requiring local school boards to establish a written policy on the acquisition, use, and removal of library resources. The policy would ensure that any removal or restriction of a library resource follows a clear, fair, and consistent process. Without a policy in place, a local school board or the Charter School Institute could not remove a library resource from its collection. SB25-063 would also prevent discriminatory policies and protect librarians from retaliation. “As technology continues to advance, we need to ensure that the privacy of our students and staff is upheld,” said Rep. Michael Carter, D-Aurora, sponsor of SB25-143. “Facial recognition technology can be a helpful tool for schools when locating a missing student or identifying a threat – but that biometric data needs to be kept safe and secure. This bipartisan bill protects and secures the biometric data collected by schools and ensures that they cannot use or share this information freely.” SB25-143 , also sponsored by Rep. Ryan Armagost, R-Berthoud, passed the committee unanimously. This bill aims to extend biometric data protections to students and staff. Without SB25-143, schools would be permitted to use facial recognition software freely beginning in June 2025. This bill reaffirms guardrails already in place to protect the biometric data obtained by schools of students and staff. The goal of SB25-143 is to maintain student privacy in an era where technology keeps advancing, while permitting facial recognition software in limited school safety scenarios. Under the bill, schools are allowed to use facial recognition technology for a limited scope of school safety. This could include using it for locating a missing student or identifying a person of interest. SB25-143 would create an opt-in program for school districts and charter schools. Previous Next

SB24-233 would provide long-term property tax relief to save Coloradans money on their property taxes while protecting K-12 funding < Back May 8, 2024 Bipartisan Bill to Make Colorado More Affordable, Reduce Property Taxes Passes House SB24-233 would provide long-term property tax relief to save Coloradans money on their property taxes while protecting K-12 funding DENVER, CO – The House today passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Speaker Pro Tempore Chris deGruy Kennedy that would provide permanent property tax relief to homeowners and businesses while protecting funding for public schools. SB24-233, which passed by a vote of 57-6, will build on the billions of dollars in temporary savings the state has provided over the last three years. “After months of hard work on the Commission on Property Tax, I’m proud that we have come up with a long-term, bipartisan solution that will save Colorado homeowners and small businesses money on property taxes,” said Speaker Pro Tempore Chris deGruy Kennedy, D-Lakewood. “This legislation will responsibly reduce property taxes in a meaningful way to save people money while protecting school funding. Today we made clear that there is no reason for deep-pocketed special interests to move forward with ballot measures that would devastate our communities, school funding, and public safety resources.” SB24-233 is sponsored by members of the bipartisan Commission on Property Tax Speaker Pro Tempore Chris deGruy Kennedy and Representative Lisa Frizell, R-Castle Rock. The bill would ensure that Colorado homeowners won’t see an increase in their property taxes for 2024 and reduce statewide local taxes by more than $1 billion. In 2026 and beyond, the bill would reduce property taxes by seven to 10 percent compared to current law for homes valued at $700,000 or less. Annual savings would equal $300-$400 for a home valued at $700,000. Savings would depend on local mills and any changes in assessed home values. SB24-233 would also reduce the commercial property assessment rate to 25 percent by 2027, down from 29 percent. To offset revenue loss resulting from the next year of property tax reductions, the bill would backfill school districts, ensuring public schools remain fully funded. Finally, SB24-233 would protect Coloradans against future spikes in property taxes by capping local property tax growth at 5.5 percent starting in 2025, creating more certainty for homeowners and businesses. Local governments would still have the opportunity to temporarily or permanently opt out of the cap by a vote of the people. Previous Next

The House Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources Committee today passed a bipartisan bill sponsored by Representative Matthew Martinez that would make the Wildlife Habitat Stamp Program permanent. < Back April 3, 2025 Bipartisan Martinez Bill to Support Wildlife and Property Owners Passes Committee DENVER, CO - The House Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources Committee today passed a bipartisan bill sponsored by Representative Matthew Martinez that would make the Wildlife Habitat Stamp Program permanent. “The Wildlife Habitat Stamp Program has been pivotal in helping property owners protect wildlife and outdoor recreation on their properties, and I’m proud to sponsor legislation to make the program permanent,” said Rep. Matthew Martinez, D-Monte Vista. “Colorado’s natural beauty is one of our biggest draws, and property owners want to do their part in protecting our environment. We’re helping rural Coloradans, like my district in Southern Colorado, be good stewards of their land and protect Colorado for future generations to enjoy.” The Wildlife Habitat Stamp Program offers funding opportunities for landowners who want to protect wildlife habitats, provide wildlife-related recreational access to the public or sell their property to the Colorado Parks and Wildlife. The program, which is funded by hunting and fishing licenses, is currently set to sunset on July 1, 2027. SB25-049 would continue the Wildlife Habitat Stamp Program indefinitely. With support from Great Outdoors Colorado and federal funding, the program has secured over 290,000 acres of conservation easements and over 146,000 acres of public access. SB25-049, also sponsored by Assistant Minority Leader Ty Winter, passed by a vote of 13-0. The committee also passed SB25-176 , also sponsored by Rep. Matthew Martinez and Assistant Minority Leader Ty Winter, to extend the Commodity Handler and Farm Products Act until 2032 to continue the regulation of commodity and farm products. The bill would also increase the limit on the amount of farm products or commodities that a person could buy from $20,000 to $45,000 and allow the amount to be adjusted periodically. SB25-176 passed by a vote of 13-0. Previous Next

< Back March 16, 2022 DEMS DEFEAT CONTROVERSIAL GOP CONSTITUTIONAL SHERIFFS BILL DENVER, CO – Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee today defeated clearly unconstitutional legislation sponsored by Rep. Stephanie Luck that would impede federal investigations and law enforcement actions by subjecting them to review and approval by local sheriffs before federal agencies can act. "This legislation is plainly unconstitutional, and it would undermine federal law enforcement,” said Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora. “This bill purports to allow county sheriffs to block federal law enforcement actions, such as investigations into serious crimes like human trafficking and drug trafficking, to the detriment of everyone in Colorado." HB22-1147 , which is unconstitutional according to analysis prepared by nonpartisan staff, would require federal law enforcement departments to seek approval and notify county sheriffs before engaging in a law enforcement operation within their regions or jurisdictions. This would impede and jeopardize critical federal law enforcement investigations. The legislation is inspired by the Constitutional Sheriff Movement, which argues that county sheriffs should have supremacy over federal law enforcement. They have been labeled an extremist group by the Anti-Defamation League. The ADL states that, “the central tenet of CSPOA [The Constitutional Sheriffs and Peace Officers Association], borrowed from the anti-government extremist sovereign citizen movement, is that the county sheriff is the ultimate authority in the county, able to halt enforcement of any federal or state law or measure they deem unconstitutional.” The bill was defeated by a vote of 8-3. Previous Next

< Back April 27, 2022 HOUSE ADVANCES BILLS TO BUILD A SAFER COLORADO Bills would invest in wildfire mitigation efforts and provide grants to enhance security at institutions facing increasing threats DENVER, CO – The House moved a trio of bills today to build a safer Colorado. Two bills, HB22-1012 and SB22-002, invest in wildfire mitigation and prevention efforts. HB22-1077 provides grant funding to ramp up security at faith-based institutions facing increasing threats, including synagogues and mosques. “Wildfires are happening at almost any time of the year, and this session, we are moving forward several pieces of legislation to prevent and reduce the risk of wildfires,” said Rep. Lisa Cutter, D-Littleton, sponsor of HB22-1012 and SB22-002 . “The two bills we took action on today will support our volunteer firefighters who step up to protect our communities and will help our state better manage our forests to prevent fires and remove carbon, which is responsible for much of our changing climate.” “Our forests play an important role in reducing the risk of wildfire,” said Rep. Donald Valdez, D-La Jara, sponsor of HB22-1012 . “We’ve seen how fast wildfires can spread in forested areas and how quickly a small fire can grow to one of the largest we’ve ever seen. This bill will improve forest management practices to mitigate the risks of wildfire and help combat climate change.” “Antisemitic incidents reported in Colorado grew by 53 percent in 2021 and reached the highest level nationwide in more than a decade – we need to secure funding now to protect our communities from violence,” said Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City, sponsor of HB22-1077 . “I am worried about the safety of my community and this bill provides grant funding so faith-based institutions can improve their security. I am proud to stand behind this legislation that will make Colorado communities safer by ramping up security measures at sacred spaces, including synagogues, churches, temples and mosques.” “With this bill, we’re prioritizing the safety and well-being of Colorado’s minority communities who continue to experience threats and acts of violence at their places of worship,” said Rep. Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora, sponsor of HB22-1077 . “Coloradans deserve to feel safe in their houses of worship, community centers, schools and community spaces and this bill provides grant funding to boost security on hallowed ground. The time is now to provide places of worship in Aurora and around the state with the security resources they need to protect their communities.” Wildfire Mitigation and Recovery: HB22-1012 , sponsored by Representatives Lisa Cutter and Donald Valdez, passed by a vote of 45 to 19. This bill improves forest management to mitigate wildfire risks and increase the state’s carbon inventory – the capacity of plants and trees in the state to remove carbon from the air. The bill creates a framework to link forest management and wildfire mitigation goals with efforts to decarbonize the air through healthy forests. Resources For Volunteer Firefighters: SB22-002 , sponsored by Representative Lisa Cutter and Perry Will advanced the House on a preliminary vote and would invest $1 million to better prepare local fire departments and their firefighters for wildfires. Specifically, this bill would make local volunteer fire departments eligible for reimbursement for wildland fire suppression activities, including equipment costs and volunteer firefighter recruitment, training and retention. Local fire departments will also be able to use funds from the Local Firefighter Safety and Disease Prevention Grant Program for the replacement or disposal of damaged or obsolete equipment. The bill also creates the Firefighter Behavioral Health Benefits Trust to provide behavioral health care services to firefighters and paid for by public employers. Colorado Nonprofit Security Grant Program : HB22-1077 , sponsored by Representatives Dafna Michaelson Jenet and Iman Jodeh passed by a vote of 46 to 18. This bill would create the Colorado Nonprofit Security Grant Program in the Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. The program would offer grants to eligible entities to enhance the physical security of Colorado’s faith-based and charitable organizations. Currently, the federal government provides grants for this purpose through the Department of Homeland Security, however the increase in threats combined with not enough funding has led to unmet security needs for Colorado-based organizations. As drafted, the bill would provide $1.5 million for these grants with a maximum award of $50,000, allowing nearly 30 additional Colorado organizations to complete critical security upgrades for their facilities. Minority communities are facing a growing threat from violent extremists who are targeting sacred spaces such as mosques, temples and synagogues. In Colorado, there has been an increase in violent rhetoric and threats. In 2019, there was an attempted bombing at a synagogue in Pueblo and an individual was recently arrested after threatening congregants with a weapon outside of the Downtown Denver Islamic Center. Previous Next

The House today passed bipartisan legislation to improve patient access to necessary prescriptions by allowing for pharmacy dispensing machines so Coloradans can access their prescription outside of a pharmacy’s business hours. < Back March 3, 2023 House Passes Prescription Accessibility Bill DENVER, CO - The House today passed bipartisan legislation to improve patient access to necessary prescriptions by allowing for pharmacy dispensing machines so Coloradans can access their prescription outside of a pharmacy’s business hours. “Coloradans with long or untraditional working hours often struggle to access the prescription medication they need because their pharmacy’s hours often don't align with their work schedule,” said Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City . “Pharmacist-monitored dispensing machines would help Coloradans across the state access the medication they need with a remote pharmacist to walk them through the details of their medication. This bill removes unnecessary barriers to improve access to the medication patients need.” HB23-1195 , sponsored by Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet and Rep. Matt Soper, passed by a vote of 58-4. It would allow pharmacies to operate automated prescription dispensing machines so patients could access their medication outside of regular pharmacy business hours. The machines would only be placed in pharmacy-licensed locations and would be live monitored to prevent theft. The medication would be stocked in the machine and patients would be able to discuss the prescription with a live remote pharmacist. Previous Next

The House today passed legislation that would help Coloradans save money on their property insurance policies by requiring transparency in wildfire mitigation risk models and how they impact an individual’s insurance policy. HB25-1182, sponsored by Representatives Brianna Titone and Kyle Brown, passed by a vote of 45-18. < Back March 20, 2025 House Passes Bill to Reduce Property Insurance Costs DENVER, CO - The House today passed legislation that would help Coloradans save money on their property insurance policies by requiring transparency in wildfire mitigation risk models and how they impact an individual’s insurance policy. HB25-1182, sponsored by Representatives Brianna Titone and Kyle Brown, passed by a vote of 45-18. “When Coloradans are properly informed about fire mitigation, they can be more strategic about the steps they take to protect their property from fire damage and correct any errors in their insurers’ records,” said Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada. “Insurance companies are increasingly using wildfire risk scoring and models to determine policy coverage and pricing, but the lack of transparency has left property owners confused about the policy decisions their insurers make. This bill promotes transparency and accountability in property insurance so Coloradans can take effective mitigation efforts that help bring down their insurance costs.” “Colorado Democrats’ fire mitigation laws help Coloradans protect their properties against wildfires, and this bill helps clarify how property owners can implement these strategies to drive down their insurance costs,” said Rep. Kyle Brown, D-Louisville. “This legislation helps provide transparency behind wildfire risk score calculations so Coloradans can take the action they need to save money and protect their property from wildfire damage.” HB25-1182 would require an insurer to provide a written notice to each policyholder at the time of application, renewal, or nonrenewal. The notice would include plain-language explanations of the wildfire risk score or other classifications, a range of possible scores a property could be assigned, and the impact each mitigation action could have on a risk score or classification. Policyholders and applicants can appeal their wildfire risk model score, wildfire risk classification, or applicable mitigation discount if they believe it is inaccurate and can provide evidence of the mitigation efforts that should be considered. The insurer would notify the policyholder or applicant in writing of the right to appeal and acknowledge receipt of the appeal within 10 calendar days. They would be required to respond to the appeal with a reconsideration and decision within 30 calendar days. If an appeal is denied, the Commissioner can request a copy of the appeal and the insurer’s response. HB25-1182 would require insurers that consider parcel level and community wide mitigation efforts in their models to ensure that risk scores reflect actual resilience. An insurer that uses these models would be required to ensure property-specific mitigation actions and community-level mitigation activities or designations are accounted for in underwriting and pricing. If an insurer doesn’t incorporate these actions into their models, they shall provide discounts to policyholders who demonstrate these property or community-level mitigation actions. Previous Next

The Recidivism Interim Study Committee today unanimously advanced three bills to improve our understanding of criminal activity by creating a uniform definition of “recidivism”, exploring alternative methods of measuring public safety and desistance from crime, and studying how defendants move through the criminal justice system. < Back October 25, 2023 Interim Committee Advances Bills to Reduce Recidivism and Improve Public Safety DENVER, CO - The Recidivism Interim Study Committee today unanimously advanced three bills to improve our understanding of criminal activity by creating a uniform definition of “recidivism”, exploring alternative methods of measuring public safety and desistance from crime, and studying how defendants move through the criminal justice system. “In order to effectively understand and utilize data on recidivism, we have to start on the same page,” said Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, D-Denver, sponsor of all three bills. “The legislation we’re advancing today will ensure agencies operate with the same definition and understanding of ‘recidivism’, and that the legislature has a comprehensive knowledge of the way Coloradans move through our criminal justice system. With these updates to help us better understand our criminal justice system, we’ll be able to develop more effective legislation that results in just outcomes for Coloradans and safer communities for all.” “Agencies throughout Colorado use varying definitions for ‘recidivism’, making it more difficult to use as a data point when drafting legislation to address public safety concerns,” said Rep. Matthew Martinez, D-Monte Vista, sponsor of Bill 1 and 3. “We’re streamlining the definition across Colorado agencies to make ‘recidivism’ a useful tool in policy-making and continued evaluation of our justice system to create a safer Colorado.” Currently, the definition of “recidivism” fluctuates greatly between the Division of Youth Services, Department of Corrections, community corrections, and other agencies. Bill 1 , sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, Senator Julie Gonzales, and Representatives Judy Amabile and Matthew Martinez, would require the Division of Criminal Justice to create a working group with the purpose of establishing a definition of “recidivism” that can be used by all state entities, making it easier to use data to understand the efficacy of current procedures and legislative or policy changes. “Understanding recidivism rates is a useful tool in measuring successful strategies to decrease future criminal activity, and with this legislation, we are considering additional metrics to create meaningful and effective policy,” said Vice Chair Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder, sponsor of Bill 1 and 2. “Factors like housing status, education, mental health, and social considerations can contribute to the likelihood of someone committing a crime. By expanding our scope and using a consistent definition of ‘recidivism’, we can identify what factors have a positive influence on individuals so we can reduce crime and slow the revolving door of people in and out of prison.” “Time and time again, data has shown us that the most successful strategies to decrease crime are comprehensive approaches,” said Senator Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, sponsor of all three bills. “Our new legislation will bring in diverse voices and provide the necessary resources to take a close look at the efficiency of Colorado’s criminal justice system and, going forward, will help us determine more holistic methods to decrease crime and help Coloradans successfully reintegrate into their communities.” Bill 2 , sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, Senator Julie Gonzales, and Representative Judy Amabile, would create the Alternative Metrics to Measure Criminal Justice System Performance Working Group to study metrics and methods other than recidivism. These alternative metrics and methods, used in addition to recidivism data, would measure risk-reduction outcomes and life factors that influence successful outcomes, and more effectively determine the efficiency of the criminal justice system. The working group would be required to submit a report to the House Health and Insurance, House Judiciary, Senate Health and Human Services, and Senate Judiciary committees by July 1, 2025 with a summary of their work and any recommendations. The committee also voted to advance Bill 3 , sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, Senator Julie Gonzales, and Representative Matthew Martinez, requiring the Division of Criminal Justice (division) to conduct a study to examine how individuals proceed through the stages of criminal and juvenile justice proceedings, including sentences and alternative sentencing programs, and make recommendations for creating a more efficient system. The division must submit a report of its findings by June 30, 2025. The three bills will now go to the Legislative Council for approval before being introduced next session. Once introduced in the 2024 session, interim bills will follow the legislative process in the same manner as all other bills. Previous Next

The Insurance Rebate Reform Model Act would allow insurance companies to extend discounts to consumers < Back March 19, 2025 Committee Passes Bill to Save Coloradans Money on Insurance DENVER, CO – The House Business Affairs and Labor Committee today passed legislation to save Coloradans money on insurance. “We’re working to save Coloradans money on their insurance, and this bill ensures consumers can receive certain no-cost or discounted add-ons offered by insurance companies,” said Rep. Gretchen Rydin, D-Littleton. “Whether it’s a security camera or flood detection system, there are many no-cost promotions or discounts offered to consumers through their insurance company. This bill updates Colorado’s anti-rebate law to ensure Coloradans can receive promotions, discounts and add-ons that save them money and provide peace of mind.” The Insurance Rebate Reform Model Act ( SB25-058 ) passed committee by a vote of 13-0. This bill aims to save Coloradans money on insurance by allowing insurance companies to extend certain discounts or rebates to consumers. Under current law, discounting the price of insurance below what is stated in the contract is considered a deceptive trade practice. This bill would update the regulatory framework to extend specific discounts while maintaining critical consumer protections. Under the bill, insurance companies would be able to offer discounts or rebates to consumers, if they relate to insurance coverage. In addition, the discounts or rebates must mitigate loss, enhance health or promote financial or wellness literacy. For example, a no-cost or discounted service tacked on to consumer insurance could be an electric system that protects against flood or fire, security cameras and motion detectors. The goal of SB25-058 is to ensure that consumers can benefit from no-cost or discounted insurance add-ons offered by insurance companies that will help keep them safer. Previous Next

< Back February 24, 2022 BILL TO END TRANSCRIPT WITHHOLDING MOVES FORWARD DENVER, CO – Legislation sponsored by Representatives Jennifer Bacon and Naquetta Ricks to prohibit post-secondary institutions from withholding transcripts because a student owes a debt to the institution passed the House today on Second Reading. “With this bill, we’re working to dismantle a debt collection tool that disproportionately affects low-income students and students of color,” said Rep. Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver . “When post-secondary institutions withhold transcripts because of unpaid parking tickets, library fines or some other fees, students have a harder time entering the workforce or transferring schools. Holding the credits a student earned for ransom prohibits talented graduates from enlisting in the military, enrolling in nursing courses or applying for their dream job. This legislation will prepare our students for success and ensure Colorado’s workforce is stronger and more talented than ever.” “Transcript withholding is an unnecessary barrier for graduates entering the workforce,” said Rep. Naquetta Ricks, D-Aurora. “This bill would prohibit post-secondary institutions from withholding transcripts and diplomas from students with unpaid debts. Graduates have done the work and earned the credits, now let’s make it easier for them to prove it to future employers. Whether our students are applying for their first post-college job or enrolling in a new program, this bill prepares our students for success and moves Colorado forward.” HB22-1049 would protect students from transcript withholding when students owe an unpaid debt. It would also prohibit institutions from charging a higher fee or providing less favorable treatment in response to a transcript or diploma request because a student owes a debt. Debts protected by the bill range from unpaid fees to parking tickets, library fees and other minor costs students may not realize they owe. The bill also protects students with debt from tuition, financial aid funds, and room and board fees from having their transcript withheld when they apply for a job, credit transfer or financial aid. It also protects transcript withholding for those pursuing opportunities in the military and post-secondary institutions. Across the country, students owe approximately $15 million in unpaid balances, impacting over 6.6 million students. Previous Next

The House Transportation, Housing & Local Government Committee today passed a bill that would incentivize the development of condominium and townhome units to create more affordable housing options. HB25-1272, sponsored by Representative Shannon Bird and Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker, passed by a vote of 12-1. < Back March 18, 2025 Construction Defects Reform Bill Passes Committee DENVER, CO - The House Transportation, Housing & Local Government Committee today passed a bill that would incentivize the development of condominium and townhome units to create more affordable housing options. HB25-1272, sponsored by Representative Shannon Bird and Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker, passed by a vote of 12-1. “From building equity and generational wealth to lowering housing costs, condos offer numerous benefits to Coloradans looking to buy their first home,” said Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster. “Rising rent and housing prices have made it nearly impossible for hardworking Coloradans to save enough money to buy a home at the median price tag of $550,000. After years of hard work, I'm thankful for everyone who worked closely with us to help craft this bill so we can spur new housing options that Coloradans can afford and offer more Coloradans a fair shot at the American Dream.” “With a shortage of over 100,000 homes across our state and a decrease in condominium development, it's becoming increasingly difficult for first-time homebuyers to find housing they can afford,” said Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins. “Offering a variety of housing options is a critical piece in making homeownership a reality for more Coloradans. This legislation would help increase the availability of high-quality starter homes in the market to create more affordable housing options that work for every budget.” HB25-1272 aims to reform construction defect laws by encouraging condo builders to work with third-party inspectors to help identify and correct any construction issues upfront, establishing clear guidelines for construction defect claims, and adjusting the statutes of limitation for construction defect claims. Beginning January 1, 2026, the bill would create the Multi-Family Construction Incentive Program. Builders could opt into this program if they offer a warranty for any defect and damage and hire a third-party inspector to periodically review the construction throughout the building process. Builders in the program would be protected from construction defect action unless the claim has resulted in damage that meets the outlined criteria. Under HB25-1272, a homeowner who purchased a property built under the program would have six years to bring an action for damages if the builder provides a warranty that meets minimum coverage requirements. The homeowner would have a duty to mitigate damage alleged to be caused by a defect and notify the builder, who must offer a fix to any defect claims. If the issue is not resolved through this warranty process, the homeowner may proceed with a defect claim. The bill would exempt a construction professional participating in the program from liability for a damage or defect if they can prove the damage or defect was caused by: Certain weather conditions, an act of war, terrorism or vandalism, A homeowner’s unreasonable failure to timely mitigate damages or complete ongoing home maintenance, Misuse, abuse, or neglect after the sale to the claimant. From 2007 to 2022, the number of condo developers working in Colorado declined by 84-percent in part due to the potential for expensive lawsuits. Meanwhile, the median age of first-time homebuyers in Colorado rose from 35 to 38 in the past year. Previous Next

< Back June 3, 2020 PASSED! DEMOCRATS STRENGTHEN PROTECTIONS FOR ENERGY CONSUMERS DENVER, CO — The House today passed Representative Daneya Esgar’s bill to increase and improve protections for energy consumers by a vote of 55-12. The bill includes specific protections for low-income Coloradans and those who have an increased electricity use due to a medical condition. “Far too many Coloradans are feeling the economic strain of this pandemic and even struggling to keep the lights on,” said Rep. Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo. “This bill will go a long way towards guaranteeing protections for low-income Coloradans who may face having their power disconnected. It will also provide more support to those who use a considerable amount of power due to a health condition. This bill is the result of years of work and advocacy in Southern Colorado, and I’m proud to see it swiftly pass the House.” SB20-030 imposes various requirements on public utilities and the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) related to information reporting, billing, and customer interactions. Specifically, the bill would require utilities under the PUC’s authority to report data related to customers who receive the medical exemption from tiered electricity rates, including information related to efforts the utilities have undertaken to enroll qualified individuals into the medical exemption program. SB20-030 also nearly doubles the level of income that the PUC may use to means test the medical exemption, allowing more Coloradans with medical needs to take advantage of the program. Among several other protections, SB20-030 includes a provision that directs the PUC to standardize practices for electric and gas utilities to use when disconnecting service due to nonpayment. This process must include providing the consumer with information regarding energy-assistance programs, prohibiting disconnection during extreme weather periods, allowing customers the opportunity to have their service reconnected on the same day, among other protections. Finally, SB20-030 puts in place guardrails to ensure that the PUC does not approve rate change mechanisms that disproportionately impact low-income residential communities, deeming these changes to be contrary to the public interest. Previous Next