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< Back February 24, 2022 LEGISLATION TO HELP PREVENT CATALYTIC CONVERTER THEFT MOVES FORWARD DENVER, CO – The House Judiciary Committee passed legislation today to help prevent catalytic converter theft. HB22-1217, sponsored by Representatives Adrienne Benavidez and Rod Bockenfeld, would create a grant program to award grants to increase public awareness around theft and provide assistance to victims of catalytic converter theft. “This session, we’re working to prevent crime before it happens and that starts by changing our current laws to reflect the realities of catalytic converter theft,” said Rep. Adrienne Benavidez D-Denver. “Catalytic converter theft is costing Coloradans a lot of money, which is why we’re working to pass legislation that will provide assistance to those who’ve experienced this misfortune. This bill would cut down on theft, save Coloradans money, and make our communities safer.” HB22-1217 , which passed committee by a vote of 8 to 3, would create the catalytic converter identification and theft prevention grant program to award grants to eligible recipients for public awareness campaigns regarding catalytic converter theft. This grant program would also provide assistance to victims of catalytic converter theft. Part of HB22-1217 works in conjunction with SB22-009 and only takes effect upon SB22-009’s passage. It would require the commodity metals theft task force to audit all dealers related to compliance with selling catalytic converters and report those findings by December 31, 2024. SB22-009 would require dealers to keep books and registrations of catalytic converter transactions in the same manner they already keep for commodity metals. Catalytic converters control the exhaust emissions from vehicles and play an important role in reducing harmful emissions. They have recently become a target for thieves because they contain precious metal alloys that have high resale values. If passed, HB22-1217 would award grants to eligible recipients for public awareness campaigns regarding catalytic converter theft, catalytic converter theft prevention parts as well as provide assistance to victims of catalytic converter theft. Previous Next

< Back January 28, 2022 JOINT RELEASE: ARPA TASK FORCES UNVEIL RECOMMENDATIONS TO IMPROVE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CARE AND SAVE PEOPLE MONEY ON HOUSING Recommendations aim to increase affordable housing stock and access to behavioral health and substance use disorder services. Denver, CO – The Behavioral Health and Affordable Housing Transformational Task Forces today released final reports on their recommendations for using $850 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) pandemic relief funds to improve access to mental health and substance use disorder treatment and make housing more affordable. “Far too many families like mine know firsthand how difficult getting treatment for behavioral health care can be here in Colorado,” said Sen. Brittany Pettersen, D-Lakewood, Chair of the Behavioral Health Transformational Task Force. “That’s why the Behavioral Health Transformational Task Force has been working tirelessly to improve access to vital services and create an accessible and equitable behavioral health care system that supports effective, data-driven and evidence-based treatment methods. I’m proud of the work this Task Force has done, and I look forward to helping more Coloradans get the care and support they deserve.” “Making housing more affordable will be a main focus of our work this year at the Capitol, and with these recommendations, Colorado has the opportunity to create transformational change on affordable housing,” said Rep. Dylan Roberts, D-Avon, Chair of the Affordable Housing Transformational Task Force. “From more affordable and attainable workforce housing across the state to new factory-built homes and the jobs that come with them, and much more, our investments will mean many more Coloradans have access to an affordable home to own or rent. I am immensely proud of the hundreds of hours of work our task force and subpanel members put in to craft these transformational recommendations that will drive down the cost of housing in our state and look forward to moving these proposals through the legislature so we can start helping Coloradans as soon as possible.” “The lack of affordable housing here in Colorado is nothing short of a crisis, and our Task Force has been working tirelessly to find solutions so that more Coloradans have a safe, affordable place to live,” said Sen. Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, Vice Chair of the Affordable Housing Transformational Task Force. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to address the root causes of our affordable housing issues. It’s going to take time, but I am proud of the work we are doing to forge a future where every Colorado family has a place to call home.” “Building healthier, safer communities through greater access to behavioral health services will give more Coloradans the supports they so desperately need right now,” said Rep. Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver, Vice Chair of the Behavioral Health Transformational Task Force. “We know the pressures of the pandemic have exacerbated the behavioral health crisis in Colorado. These task force recommendations and historic investments will significantly improve access to mental health and substance use treatment in every community across Colorado. Importantly, improving access to these services is a powerful step toward our goal of preventing crime before it happens and making our communities safer and healthier.” “I thank state lawmakers for their work to make transformational change and am glad they were able to find bipartisan consensus on how to reduce housing costs and improve mental health support across Colorado,” said Governor Jared Polis. “Our administration looks forward to working with state legislators to turn this hard work into action and help save people money.” To better provide vital care to Coloradans in crisis, the Behavioral Health Transformational Task Force recommended measures that will make transformational changes to the state’s behavioral health care system and improve access to services to ensure every Coloradan is able to get the help they need. Behavioral Health Transformational Task Force Recommendations include: Investing in increased adult residential care and improving access to residential care, community services and school-based care for children, youth and families; Addressing the behavioral health needs of Colorado’s Native American Tribes; Integrating primary care with behavioral health care and investing in better care coordination to help ensure people are connected to the services they need; Funding for emergency, life-saving interventions like purchasing bulk opioid antagonists and increasing support for survivors of domestic violence; Providing grants to local governments and community-based organizations to help fill regional gaps in the continuum of care; Diverting Coloradans with behavioral health needs away from the criminal justice system and into appropriate community treatment programs; and Expanding and supporting Colorado’s behavioral health care workforce. The Affordable Housing Transformational Task Force also delivered recommendations to the legislature, with measures aimed at addressing Colorado’s affordable housing crisis, reducing homelessness and making sure that every Colorado family has a safe, affordable place to call home. Affordable Housing Transformational Task Force Recommendations include: Establishing a revolving loan fund that will improve Colorado’s ability to build and develop new housing, help preserve and rehabilitate existing affordable housing, incentivize property conversion and increase non-traditional housing capacity such as supportive and transitional housing; Providing grant funding to nonprofits and local governments that are doing the work on the ground to add more units of affordable housing by changing zoning laws and developing supportive, rental and for-sale housing; Directing grants or low-interest loans to support and maintain affordable housing and future development opportunities through land-banking, land trusts and community-owned land opportunities. This would also make investments in resident-owned community infrastructure to help residents purchase property such as mobile home parks; and Directing funding to support construction of prefabricated, modular, manufactured and other sources of factory-built housing. Previous Next

Today Senate and House Leadership and Education Committee Chairs released statements following the Trump Administration’s decision to withhold up to $70 million in K-12 funding for Colorado schools – which had been previously appropriated by Congress for the 2025-2026 school year. < Back July 2, 2025 JOINT RELEASE: Democratic Leadership, Education Chairs Release Statements on Trump Withholding $70 Million from Colorado K-12 Schools DENVER, CO – Today Senate and House Leadership and Education Committee Chairs released statements following the Trump Administration’s decision to withhold up to $70 million in K-12 funding for Colorado schools – which had been previously appropriated by Congress for the 2025-2026 school year. In a letter to superintendents, Colorado Commissioner of Education Susana Cordova warned districts to “engage in contingency planning in the event that Colorado does not receive allocations by the close of the federal fiscal year on Sept. 30.” Earlier this year, Democrats passed legislation to create the Colorado Defense Fund and set aside $4 million to protect Colorado’s interests from federal efforts to freeze funding, halt contracts, or otherwise disrupt essential services for Coloradans. “This latest move by the Trump Administration is sending our school districts into financial panic. In Colorado, we worked together to sustainability and strategically increase public school funding,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “However, without these federal dollars, our schools, especially in rural and underserved areas, will be forced to lay off teachers and staff. The Department of Education isn’t just withholding competitive grants; they’re withholding dollars already set aside by Congress for the 2025-2026 school year. We cannot let this happen. I urge the Trump Administration to restore the funding so our school districts can continue to meet the needs of our students.” “Coloradans pay our share in federal taxes, and in return, our public schools rely on federal funding,” said President James Coleman, D-Denver. “The Trump Administration is withholding millions of already allocated dollars that have been budgeted for teacher training, afterschool and summer programs, and students learning English. Politics should never stand in the way of supporting our kids and their future.” “Public education is the cornerstone of a strong community, and we need these federal dollars working for our students in Colorado, not tied up in Washington D.C.,” said Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge. “In Colorado, we stand up for our students and teachers. This is just another attempt by the Trump Administration to dismantle our education systems and withhold federal funding from school districts and devoted educators, like my mom, who worked as a special education and bilingual teacher for years.” “The Trump Administration’s decision to withhold tens of millions of dollars of funding for students and teachers will devastate districts’ budgets that they just finalized,” said Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, D-Denver. “These programs – like after school care and English language learning programs – support some of our most vulnerable students and are critical to their future success and opportunity. This funding must be released and sent to schools as previously promised – it’s what Colorado students and teachers deserve.” “In Colorado, funding our schools is bipartisan, but this federal funding freeze will set our rural and underserved districts back,” said Chair of the House Education Committee Rep. Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs . “As a teacher, I know we are used to doing more with less, but this move jeopardizes funding for the upcoming school year for certain after-school programs and specialized support for students living with disabilities, and English Language Learners. Colorado needs this funding so our students can succeed in the classroom.” “This federal funding for K-12 schools was already appropriated and approved by Congress, but now Trump is withholding these critical dollars because we’re not kowtowing to his agenda,” said Chair of the Senate Education Committee Chris Kolker, D-Centennial. “We have worked hard to support our students, schools, and teachers by boosting per pupil funding and creating the Kids Matter Fund, but school districts need the federal funding that was promised to them to make ends meet for this coming school year. The US Department of Education must release these funds and make things right for Colorado kids.” Previous Next

HB24-1051 would prohibit towing companies from patrolling parking residential lots < Back February 6, 2024 Legislation to Combat Predatory Towing, Ramp Up Consumer Protections Clears Committee DENVER, CO – The House Transportation, Housing & Local Government Committee today passed legislation to crack down on predatory towing, improve industry transparency, and ramp up consumer protections. HB24-1051 passed by a vote of 7 to 3. “Imagine waking up to find, through no fault of your own, that your car has been towed – this is an expensive and devastating reality for thousands of Coloradans across our state,” said Andrew Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins. “While the Towing Bill of Rights laid a strong foundation to protect vehicle owners, we’re doing more to improve transparency within the towing industry and prohibiting predatory towing companies from patrolling parking lots to look for vehicles to profit on. This important legislation puts consumers first by requiring property owners to authorize residential non-consensual tows and gives the Public Utilities Commission new tools to hold bad actors accountable.” “Towing companies have a massive advantage over everyday Coloradans, and we need to do more to level the playing field,” said Rep. Tisha Mauro, D-Pueblo. “Our legislation works to dismantle financial incentives for predatory towing practices, specifically patrolling parking lots, and drastically improves consumer protections. Under this bill, if a vehicle is illegally towed, the towing company would have to make it right by returning the vehicle within 48 hours at no cost to the owner. This legislation also institutes new towing transparency and oversight measures so we can prioritize consumers.” HB24-1051 would improve oversight, transparency and fairness in the towing industry in Colorado. Specifically, this bill would direct the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to promulgate new rules for towing carriers, including requiring carriers to disclose additional information necessary for effective oversight and meaningful reporting. It would also end the practice of towing carriers patrolling, monitoring or policing properties to enforce parking restrictions on behalf of property owners. Importantly, HB24-1051 changes the incentive structure for towing companies and property owners by requiring the property owner, not the vehicle owner, to authorize and pay for non-consensual tows in certain circumstances. Unauthorized vehicles would still be towed at the expense of the vehicle owner. Another portion of the bill aims to ramp up consumer protections by requiring companies to return a wrongfully towed vehicle to the original location within 48 hours and at no charge, and improving parking lot signage to explain towing regulations clearly in both English and Spanish. In an effort to improve long-term transparency in the towing industry, HB24-1051 would allow the Public Utilities Commission to suspend or revoke a towing carrier permit in certain circumstances and the bill would address conflicts of interest for members of the Towing Task Force . Previous Next

< Back May 17, 2019 GOV SIGNS HOUSE DEM BILLS TO MAKE MAJOR INVESTMENTS IN AFFORDABLE HOUSING (May 17) – A package of bills that will make substantial investments in Colorado’s affordable housing challenge were signed into law today in Westminster. Together, these bills account for a historic investment in affordable housing in Colorado. Affordable housing is one of the state’s most pressing issues and finding common-sense solutions to addressing the housing crunch has long been a priority for Democratic lawmakers. The first bill signed by the Governor was HB19-1228, Rep. Shannon Bird and Rep. Brianna Titone’s bill to boost the supply of affordable housing in the state by increasing the Affordable Housing Tax Credit, which helps leverage private funding for affordable housing projects across the state. “The unique benefit of the tax credit is that it is part of a solution, rather than a band-aid, to concerns we have about keeping people out of poverty, breaking cycles of intergenerational poverty and giving a critical hand up – instead of a hand out,” said Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster. “ I feel honored to have sponsored this important piece of legislation that will help ensure that more working families will have a safe, quality, affordable place to call home.” “We need to help ease the housing crunch. This bill will help seniors and hardworking people across our state,” Rep. Titone, D-Arvada said when the bill passed the House. “Access to affordable housing can help grow the middle class and our economy which will give back to Colorado in a lot of different ways. This bill has no district boundaries. Affordable housing is needed everywhere across the state.” Affordable Housing Tax Credit raises private sector equity needed to support the development and preservation of affordable rental housing. It currently is authorized to allocate only $5 million; HB19-1228 will increase the available tax credits to $10 million in 2020-24. The Affordable Housing Tax Credit supports key affordable housing needs such as workforce housing, homeless housing, and senior housing across Colorado. It’s one of the state’s most effective tools for increasing available affordable housing across the state. Colorado’s Between 2015-2018, the program supported 4,796 affordable rental units. The development of these homes is estimated to have generated over $1.9 billion in economic impact in Colorado. The Governor also signed HB19-1245, sponsored by Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora, which will contribute more funding to the Housing Development Grant Fund within the Department of Local Affairs. The funding could then be used to improve, preserve, or expand the supply of affordable housing in Colorado. “This new law is a significant and meaningful approach to address the state’s affordable housing crisis,” said Rep. Weissman. “Housing can strengthen a person’s ability to support a family, maintain a job and live a healthy life. This law is a calibrated approach that will benefit all of Coloradans – especially our most vulnerable families and individuals.” Under current law, a business can keep 3.3 percent of sales tax that it collects for administration purposes. With this new bill, vendors can retain up to four percent of the vendor fees up to a $1,000 monthly cap. This minor statutory change will result in roughly $23 million in revenue in the first year and $45-50 million per year afterwards. A third of these funds would be used to provide affordable housing to low income families. Next on the docket was HB19-1322, sponsored by Rep. Dylan Roberts, D-Avon, and Rep Perry Will, R-New Castle. This important new law will expand funding for affordable housing statewide. Under this bill, money will come from the State Treasurer from the Unclaimed Property Trust Fund and be deposited into the Housing Development Grant Fund to supplement existing money. “This new bipartisan law is a responsible way to support affordable housing. It will allow our local communities to decide what is best for them and land support for important projects from the state,” said Rep. Roberts. “Housing is one of the most important issues across the state and this law focuses our rural communities who need help and ensures the state is a strong partner in the effort to support affordable housing projects.” The Governor also signed HB19-1319 sponsored by Rep. Bird. This new law creates incentives to assist land developers in providing affordable housing statewide, and also identify undeveloped land owned by the state that could be developed for affordable housing purposes. ### Previous Next

< Back June 19, 2019 JOINT RELEASE: JBC DEMS TOUT STRONG ECONOMIC GROWTH AFTER NEWLY RELEASED BUDGET FORECAST (June 19) – This morning, the members of the Joint Budget Committee heard the June quarterly budget forecasts which showed a strong economy in the state of Colorado, an increase in expected revenue, and high wage growth. While the state economy was projected to continue growing, the forecasts also showed uncertainty and potential negative impacts due to federal tax policy changes and the potential for tariffs and trade wars. In response, members of the JBC released the following statements: “I am encouraged by the strong budget forecasts presented this morning; however, we will need to address the challenges resulting from prolonged TABOR refunds which mean fewer opportunities to invest in healthcare, education, and transportation. I am hopeful that we will be able to continue to protect our state’s finances while delivering for hardworking Colorado families in the coming year,” said JBC Chair Sen. Dominick Moreno, D-Commerce City. “Originally, we were only expecting a TABOR refund for the current fiscal year, but due to tight labor market and rising wages, this new forecast shows a refund for the foreseeable future ,” said JBC Vice-Chair Rep. Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo. “We have a great opportunity to strengthen our state’s resources for hardworking individuals and families, especially in Southern Colorado. These increases can strengthen our state’s K-12 education, transportation and help lower the cost of healthcare, leaving a state for our kids to thrive in.” “With more revenue predicted for the 2019-20 fiscal year, I believe that we will be able to build on the successes of this past legislative session and make much needed investments in our state’s education and transportation systems. As always, members of the JBC will continue to work in a bipartisan manner to balance competing priorities, make smart investments to address our state’s biggest financial needs, and prioritize fiscal responsibility,” said Sen. Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada. “While this new forecast shows an increase in revenue, it also shows a slight economic slowdown on the horizon,” said Rep. Chris Hansen, D-Denver. “Uncertainty at the federal level from rising trade tensions with the Chinese and tariffs with Mexico is dragging down our economy, hurting our agricultural sector and creating uncertainty for businesses across the board. If this uncertainty continues at the federal level with this administration, we will see a slowing rate of growth and less ability to invest in the key needs of our state.” A full copy of the Legislative Council forecast can be found here . A copy of the Office of State Planning and Budgeting forecast can be found here . Previous Next

The House today passed Representative Ruby Dickson’s bill on a preliminary vote to accelerate Colorado's clean energy transition. < Back April 21, 2023 Dickson Bill to Reduce Carbon Pollution Moves Forward DENVER, CO – The House today passed Representative Ruby Dickson’s bill on a preliminary vote to accelerate Colorado's clean energy transition. HB23-1210 is part of a broader package unveiled by Colorado Democrats to meet our state’s climate goals. “We need innovation and entrepreneurship to reach our climate goals, and this bill is a great step toward combating climate change and boosting our state’s economy," said Rep. Ruby Dickson, D-Centennial . “This legislation helps us develop a strategic plan surrounding the emerging technologies for carbon capture, removal, utilization, and storage. We are strategically positioning Colorado to be a national leader in carbon management, attracting new companies and innovative solutions to save consumers money and reduce carbon emissions and pollution.” HB23-1210 would direct the Colorado Energy Office to develop a carbon management roadmap and help Colorado companies successfully undertake carbon management projects. Using public input, the roadmap will also identify early investment opportunities to minimize community risks associated with projects that hold the promise of reducing emissions from sectors of the economy that are hardest to decarbonize. Previous Next

< Back May 17, 2019 JOINT PRESS RELEASE: BIPARTISAN HOUSE & SENATE LEADERSHIP ANNOUNCE SCHOOL SAFETY INTERIM COMMITTEE (May 17) – In the wake of recent violent incidents involving students, House and Senate Leadership at the state capitol announced the formation of a new interim committee focused on studying school safety in Colorado. The safety of Colorado students, school personnel, and volunteers is of paramount concern to the General Assembly. “As a parent, I am concerned about the toll incidents of violent and tragic school shootings have on our children and communities,” said Speaker KC Becker, D-Boulder. “We must do more to help examine and address this crisis, so this committee will study this critical issue over the interim and report back to the legislature on what they’ve learned and what solutions may be found.” “Sadly, Colorado is all too familiar with school shootings, and it is clear that we all have a responsibility to do more to prevent these horrible tragedies ,” said Senate President Leroy Garcia, D-Pueblo. “Legislators cannot make the necessary changes alone, which is why we will convene this interim study committee, with representation from law enforcement, educators, and other stakeholders, to develop the right policies for Colorado.” “There are 178 school districts in Colorado that operate under local control per our state constitution. We also have voluminous state statute already on the books regarding emergency response planning and armed security in our public schools,” said Senate Minority Leader Chris Holbert, R-Douglas County. “This interim committee will begin its work by reviewing those statutes, the division of constitutional authority between school districts and state government, and then they will move forward on proposing solutions to better protect students.” “Clearly we can do more to protect our children and our schools from these violent attacks ,” said House GOP Leader Patrick Neville. “We began the process last year by providing financial assistance to schools to secure their facilities and fund trained personnel to enhance physical protection. We’ve also provided funding to enable professionals to come alongside students to assist with their personal needs should tragedy strike. We will do more.” The committee will examine issues related to school safety, mental health, and the prevention of threats to the safety of students, teachers, administrators, employees, and volunteers across the state. The committee will have the opportunity to seek testimony from a wide range of experts to aid in their mission. Two members from each caucus in both chambers will serve on this bipartisan committee, which will meet three times during the interim and will have the ability to recommend legislation. Members of the committee will be appointed by June 1. Click here to read the resolution. ### Previous Next

< Back January 9, 2020 SPEAKER BECKER REACTS TO TRI-STATE CARBON EMISSIONS REDUCTION ANNOUNCEMENT DENVER, CO — Speaker KC Becker (D-Boulder) today issued the following statement reacting to an announcement from the Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association outlining the retirement of all coal generation in Colorado and New Mexico: “I applaud Tri-State’s commitment to Colorado’s clean energy future and am impressed by the bold carbon emissions reduction target they set. Meeting our state’s targets requires immediate collective action, and I’m happy to see Tri-State take their role seriously. As our state transitions toward a clean, renewable energy future, we must always keep in mind that this change will bring difficult transitions for Colorado’s energy workers, their families and communities. A commitment to a clean energy future also requires a commitment to a fair and just transition for Colorado’s workers. Protecting and supporting workers and communities through these shifting economic tides remains a top priority for the legislature. I look forward to continuing to work with a broad array of stakeholders to find ways to support and protect working families affected by a changing energy economy. The Just Transition Office created by the legislature last year will work with impacted communities and worker representatives across the state on a plan to support those impacted by the transition away from coal.” Previous Next

Governor Jared Polis today signed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Dylan Roberts and Representative Michael Carter into law. SB25-024 adds 15 judges across Colorado to decrease wait times for court cases. < Back March 24, 2025 Bill to Increase Judges and Boost Access to Justice Signed Into Law DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Dylan Roberts and Representative Michael Carter into law. SB25-024 adds 15 judges across Colorado to decrease wait times for court cases. “As a former deputy district attorney, I know how important it is to have an adequate number of judges serving our communities.,” said Sen. Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco. “Over and over again, we’ve heard from judges, attorneys, victims, and litigants who are hurting from an overburdened court system. Adding 15 new judges to Colorado’s judicial system is a major step forward that will help Colorado fulfill it’s fundamental duty to provide timely access to justice.” “The right to a speedy trial is guaranteed in our constitution, but the shortage of judges and other judicial staff makes it unrealistic to schedule cases in a reasonable timeframe,” said Rep. Michael Carter, D-Aurora. “When cases are continuously pushed back, victims and their families are delayed justice and innocent Coloradans sit in jail awaiting trial. Federal-level threats on our judges and courts only exacerbate workload and staffing issues. Our new law increases the number of judges, attorneys and other staff to cut down on wait times, protect the autonomy of judicial actors and improve access to justice.” SB25-024 , also sponsored by Sen. Lisa Frizell, R-Castle Rock, and Rep. Matt Soper, R-Delta, increases the number of district and county judges by 15 judges for criminal and civil court cases. The new law also allocates funds for courts to add public defenders, deputy district attorneys, sheriff deputies, behavioral health court professionals and support staff. Under the law, Judicial Districts 4, 7, 13, 17, 18, 19 and 23 and Larimer, Douglas, La Plata, Mesa and Eagle counties will see at least one additional judge. In early 2025, Colorado Supreme Court Chief Justice Monica Márquez made a plea to the Colorado General Assembly to add judges during the annual State of the Judiciary address. Previous Next

HB24-1175 gives local governments the right of first refusal to buy existing affordable housing when a building or complex is up for sale < Back May 30, 2024 New Law Will Preserve Housing Coloradans Can Afford HB24-1175 gives local governments the right of first refusal to buy existing affordable housing when a building or complex is up for sale BROOMFIELD, CO - Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation into law to give local governments the right of first refusal to purchase existing subsidized housing and preserve Colorado’s limited affordable housing stock. “With rising rents pricing Coloradans out of their communities, local governments need additional tools to help them preserve existing affordable housing options that work for everyday Coloradans,” said Rep. Andrew Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins. “Our new law will allow local governments to purchase and preserve affordable housing properties that were made possible by the investment of public dollars. With this legislation, we can maintain and expand affordable housing options in our communities and ease Colorado’s housing crisis.” “Whether it’s Broomfield or Berthoud, housing is a top concern for Coloradans,” said Senate Assistant Majority Leader Faith Winter, D-Broomfield. “This year, we’re tackling Colorado’s housing crisis from all angles. By giving local governments an additional tool to preserve affordable housing stock, Coloradans will be better positioned to find housing options that fit their budget.” “Our law is one of many steps that Colorado Democrats are taking to combat housing instability and displacement,” said Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver. “We need a multi-faceted approach to address our affordable housing shortage, which is why we passed legislation to create new tools for local governments that keep existing affordable housing properties in the rental market.” “Colorado is in the midst of a housing crisis and we must do everything we can to help renters and homeowners,” said Senator Sonya Jaquez Lewis, D-Longmont. “By giving local governments the chance to make the first offer and create new affordable housing stock, we can ensure more Coloradans – especially lower income families – have an affordable place they can call home.” Many affordable housing buildings are sold and converted to higher priced market-rate units once the affordability restrictions expire. The right of first refusal gives local governments the right to purchase an existing affordable multi-family residential or mixed-use rental property with at least five units if they match any offers that the seller receives and continue to use the property for long-term affordable housing. Under HB24-1175 , owners would be required to notify local governments two years before affordability restrictions expire to allow time for governments to plan in case that property hits the market. For non-subsidized multifamily properties, the law gives local governments the right of first offer before the property is listed for sale. This applies to buildings more than 30 years old with 15 to 100 units. If interested, the local government must respond within seven days and may request additional information, with the seller having five days to comply and the local government another 14 days to make an offer. Accepted offers would lead to a 30-day negotiation period and a 60-day closing period. Previous Next

< Back July 8, 2021 COLORADO STARTUP LOAN PROGRAM, UTILITY ASSISTANCE BILLS BECOME LAW DENVER, CO– Governor Polis signed two bills to create a startup loan program for small businesses and to significantly boost low-income utility bill payment assistance across Colorado. “Small businesses have been the key to Colorado’s economic recovery in the wake of COVID-19,” said Rep. Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge, sponsor of HB21-1288. “By providing entrepreneurs with access to small business loans, we’re making a direct investment in sustainable economic growth for our state. Lack of access to capital shouldn’t be what stops a promising entrepreneur from turning a great idea into a job-creating business.” “The startup loan program we created will ensure that Colorado’s entrepreneurs have the access to financial products they need to get businesses off the ground, grow sustainably or restructure their existing businesses,” said Rep. Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver, sponsor of HB21-1288. “I’m particularly proud that this program will prioritize entrepreneurs who have faced historic and systemic barriers to accessing capital. This new law will help us create jobs, grow our economy more equitably, and ensure local economies can build back stronger.” To help fill the need created by COVID-19 related business closures, HB21-1288 provides $30 million in ongoing lending capital to entrepreneurs who face barriers to accessing traditional sources of capital and businesses wishing to restart or reorganize after facing pandemic related financial challenges. People of color have historically faced barriers to accessing the capital necessary to start a new business and have also faced a higher rate of business closures. “Families across Colorado are struggling to keep the lights on, and our current utility assistance system is not funded well enough to help every family in need,” said Rep. Chris Kennedy, D-Lakewood, sponsor of HB21-1105. “After today, Colorado will have a sustainable funding source for our direct assistance programs that will ensure the needs of our communities are met. There was a dire need to address this issue well before the pandemic began, and I’m very pleased we were able to take care of it this year.” HB21-1105 creates a sustainable funding source and expands eligibility for low-income assistance programs. The existing funding mechanism for low-income utility assistance is volatile and is not keeping up with the need in Colorado communities for direct assistance. Dozens of counties receive less than 50 percent of their requested energy assistance funds. While exempting low-income customers, the bill directs utilities to collect a $1 fee on electricity customers and a $1 fee on gas customers, which will be used to finance direct utility bill payment assistance and weatherization retrofits to low-income households. The bill also creates a mechanism for cross enrollment with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program to maximize the number of eligible Colorado recipients. It also allows water utilities to voluntarily collect a charge to finance direct water utility assistance for low-income customers. Even before the pandemic hit, one in four Colorado households struggled to pay monthly utility bills. In the last year, Energy Outreach Colorado, which has received federal and state stimulus funding through recent legislation, paid $13 million in utility bills for 25,000 households, indicating the need for a sustainable funding source. Among the tens of thousands of recipients the energy assistance nonprofit serves are seniors, Coloradans with disabilities, and essential frontline workers. Previous Next