Capitol Connection – March 10, 2017
Senate Bill 17-156: Homeowner’s Association Construction Defect Lawsuit Approval Timeline.
This week the Homeownership Opportunity Alliance initiated SB17-156, Homeowner’s Association Construction Defect Lawsuit Approval Timelines sponsored by Senator Owen Hill (R-Colorado Springs) and Representative Cole Wist (R-Centennial), and Representative Lori Saine (R-Firestone) received bipartisan approval as it passed the Senate. The bill will next go to the House for their consideration.
Thank you to all our members who responded to the Call For Action (CFA) and helped CAR make our presence known at the Capitol on this important issue. CAR will soon be asking our members to again weigh in on this legislation. It will be even more vital to convey to our elected representatives in the House the importance of passing SB-156. Please stay alert for another all-House CFA.
SB 156 is a comprehensive construction litigation reform bill that:
- Provides a common sense and balanced solution that protects consumers from faulty construction whiles also increasing diverse and more affordable options for home ownership.
- Encourages construction of housing options that are within reach of many first time homeowners, seniors, young professionals and others who have effectively been blocked from home ownership at a time when the state’s rental market has skyrocketed
- Defines a quick resolution process for homeowner associations who are trying to correct construction defects, while also protecting homeowners who are trying to re-sell or finance their homes from actions taken by their boards without their consent or knowledge.
- Does not preclude a single homeowner from pursing legal action for allegations of construction defects against a builder.
- Encourages new multi-family development near light rail and transit stations that provide easy access to commuting, shopping and urban-living options
- Provides a more stable environment for many Coloradans have been precluded from putting down strong roots, and for cities and towns are finding it more difficult to build established and less transient communities.
South Metro Denver Chamber of Commerce Construction Litigation Reform Event
Join the South Metro Denver Chamber of Commerce and their Business Leaders for Responsible Government members for a discussion on Construction Litigation Reform Affordable/Attainable Housing on March 15th from 7:30am to 9:00am. It will be a roomful of business, political, and community leaders very concerned and interested in attainable/affordable housing solutions for companies and people living here now and those coming to Colorado in the future to grow our economy. People of all ages and income brackets that want to invest in our communities and need more choices are invited.
If you are interested in attending please register for the event by clicking here
House Bill 17-1220: Prevent Marijuana Diversion to Illegal Market
Today HB17-1220, Prevent Marijuana Diversion to Illegal Market sponsored by Majority Leader KC Becker (D-Boulder), Assistant Minority Leader Cole Wist (R-Centennial), and Senators Bob Gardner (R-Colorado Springs) and Senator Rhonda Fields (D-Aurora) passed second reading on the House Floor. The bill will next have its final hearing in the House.
This bill, as amended, limits the total number of medical or recreational use marijuana plants that can be possessed or grown on a residential property to 16 plants. What this bill does not do is limit the amount of plants that have been prescribed for medicinal marijuana patients. It only limits the amount of plants one may grow in residences.
Unless authorized by local law, and a waiver is granted by a local authority, a medical marijuana patient or primary caregiver is prohibited from possessing or cultivating more than 16 plants on a residential property and must locate his or her cultivation operation on a property other than a residential property and comply with any applicable local law requiring disclosure of the cultivation operation.
Moreover, medical marijuana patients and caregivers who cultivate marijuana plants are required to comply with all local laws, regulation, and zoning and use restrictions. A person who violates the provisions of the bill is subject to a petty offense for a first violation and a felony for subsequent offenses.
CAR supports this bill and testified in committee about the depreciated quality of residential home values because large marijuana grows interfere with the enjoyment of the use of private property. Large home grows of this type often require dangerous property modifications and excessive water and electricity use that can be hazardous to occupants of the home, neighbors, and first responders. Among 28 other states that have legalized marijuana for adult or medicinal use, 12 states ban home cultivation altogether, and no other state permits home grows of more than 16 plants. Large scale home grows of more than 16 plants more appropriately belong in an agricultural or commercial zone than a residential neighborhood.
Invest in RPAC
The purpose of RPAC is to support candidates that support REALTORS®. Our goal is to get pro-REALTOR® candidates elected at the local, state, and federal levels – candidates that share our support for homeownership, protect property rights, and who will listen to our concerns. Investing in RPAC is one of the easiest things you can do to protect your business. Our goal in 2017 is to raise $600,000 to continue to support our REALTOR ® champions and ensure we achieve the policy outcomes necessary to protect property rights. Click here to invest today!
CALLING ALL RPAC MAJOR INVESTORS! Enter to win a $500 Southwest Airlines Gift Card!
If you invest at least $300 of your 2017 Major Investment by April 10th with a pledge to complete your 2017 Major Investment by CAR Fall Conference, you will be entered in a drawing for a $500 Southwest Airlines Gift Card!! The winner will be announced during RPAC Drinking for Diamonds at CAR Spring Conference on April 26th! They do not have to be present to win. The Major Investor levels start at $1,000 a year! Investing in RPAC is one of the easiest things you can do to protect your business! Reminder: To be entered, you must invest at least $300 with a pledge to complete your Major Investment before CAR Fall Conference by April 10, 2017! To make a one-time investment, click here! To set up a recurring payment plan, click here! Please share this drawing with any potential RPAC Major Investors! If you have already made your 2017 Major Investment, thank you! You are already entered in the drawing! Please contact Madeline ([email protected]) if you have any questions.
Sign up for REALTOR® Party Mobile Alerts
More than 50,000 REALTORS® from across the country have already signed up for REALTOR® Party Mobile Alerts – have you? Text CO REALTORS to 30644 to stay up to date on REALTOR® issues! You’ll be among the first to know about NAR Calls for Action and more! Click here for more information.
Colorado Project Wildfire
Developed by the Colorado Association of REALTORS®, Project Wildfire is designed to help reduce the destruction of land, property, and lives. Working in partnership with other like-minded fire prevention organizations across the state, local REALTOR® associations are bringing education and awareness, as well as access to resources, directly to residents in their local communities. To learn more about Colorado Project Wildfire, click here.
Colorado Wildland Fire Conference
Attend the Wildland Fire Conference this April 19-21st at the Pueblo Convention Center, 320 Central Main Street, Pueblo Colorado. This year’s conference will expand on the Fire Adapted Communities concept, providing the framework for moving from awareness to action. Anyone wishing to learn more about how they can reduce their community’s vulnerability to wildfire is welcome to attend. CE opportunities for Realtors will be available. For more information on this event click here
NAR Midyear Meetings in Washington, DC: May 15-20, 2017
The REALTORS® Legislative Meetings & Trade Expo is where NAR members take an active role to advance the real estate industry, public policy, and the association. REALTORS® come to Washington, DC, for special issues forums, committee meetings, legislative activities, and the industry trade show. Registration opens on February 15, 2017. Click here for more information.
Transit Alliance Spring 2017 Citizen’s Academy
The Transit Alliance is hosting their annual spring 2017 Citizen’s Academy from April 5, 2017 – May 17, 2017. This is a great opportunity to discuss transportation, community development, and sustainability in Colorado. The class is limited, so please get your applications in soon. More information and the application can be found here. The deadline to apply is March 17, 2017.
Sign up for REALTOR® Party Mobile Alerts
More than 50,000 REALTORS® from across the country have already signed up for REALTOR® Party Mobile Alerts – have you? Text CO REALTORS to 30644 to stay up to date on REALTOR® issues! You’ll be among the first to know about NAR Calls for Action and more! Click here for more information.