Capitol Connection: February 22, 2019
Next Stop, Governor’s Desk: House Bill 19-1098: Deeds to Convey Real Property
CAR is thrilled to announce that HB19-1098, Deeds to Convey Real Property, is headed to the Governor’s desk for his consideration. CAR worked with multiple industry stakeholders to develop and champion this legislation as a common-sense public policy solution that fixes a longstanding problem in real estate transactions.
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Under current law, only a licensed real estate broker is authorized to prepare a deed; however, the broker could delegate this limited authority to prepare the form to a title company which then completed the deed under the direction and review of the broker. This legislation will reduce confusion and lessen disputes by authorizing a title company to prepare a deed using the statutory deed. If the Governor signs this legislation into law, CAR will prepare information to share with members about the changes in statutory deed forms and the contract to buy and sell property in a later publication.
House Bill 19-1108: Nonresident Electors and Special Districts
Under current law, a person may only vote in a special district election if they are a registered Colorado voter and are either a resident of the special district or the person or their spouse owns property within the district. HB19-1108 would allow residents who live outside of the district, but own property in the district, to vote in the special district’s election for certain types of elections. Non-resident voters who are eligible to vote and have properly registered within the designated time limits and manner requirements in special district elections would only be permitted to vote for board of director members, but cannot vote for any other candidates, ballot issues or ballot questions in the special district.
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Homeownership and active participation from the residents who own taxable property interests within the community play an important role to the long-term prosperity and well-being of our communities. CAR’s Legislative Policy Committee (LPC) supports this legislation because it is important that property owners have the opportunity to participate and be active and contributing members of their communities. HB19-1108 has made it through the House and will be heard in the Senate State, Veterans and Military Affairs Committee on Mar. 6th.
CAR’s 50-State Research Aims to Identify Nation’s Most Innovative Housing Solutions
The Colorado Association of REALTORS® (CAR) completed a 50-state research analysis, designed to identify the most innovative and successful programs being implemented to address affordable housing across the United States. The research focused on the entire spectrum of housing needs including low-income populations, workforce housing, first-time homebuyers, and senior citizens.
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From affordability and product type to inventory needs, CAR’s research set out to help identify what state and local governments, public and private businesses, and individual communities are doing to tackle a housing supply and the nexus of surrounding issues impacting every state. The analysis revealed distinct common attributes of the most successful programs that included bold, innovative, out-of-the-box thinking to address housing shortages, as well as a clear cooperation and participation in program implementation from the public, private, and not-for-profit sectors to address the full spectrum of housing issues. Read full report here.
Denver Initiative 300: Right to Survive Analysis – Common Sense Policy Roundtable
On the May 2019 ballot, Denver voters will be asked to consider Denver Initiative 300, commonly referred to as the Right to Survive Initiative that is a proposed policy change to the city’s municipal code. If voters approve this initiative it could repeal Denver’s urban camping ban, allowing individuals to reside in any public space throughout the City and County of Denver for any duration of time. Earlier this week, the Common Sense Policy Roundtable (CSPR) released a detailed study analyzing how homelessness is currently being addressed in Denver, and the impacts and unintended consequences of granting unimpeded access to public space. CSPR is a partnership of public and private organizations that provides insightful, accurate and actionable information on the implications of public policy issues that face the state and surrounding regions. Read full report here.
CAR Spring Summit (April 23-25, 2019)
The 2019 CAR Spring Summit is almost here. Spring Summit is packed with business meetings, new ideas, vendors, networking and fun. The Four Seasons Resort in Vail is the place to be Apr. 23-25, 2019. Also, during Spring Summit, join us to celebrate 50 years of RPAC at our annual Spring RPAC Reception with a special theme to be announced very soon. Registration for Spring Summit opens on Monday, Feb. 25th at 12 p.m. Click here for more information and the link to register.
NAR Midyear Legislative Meetings (May 13-18, 2019)
The REALTORS® Legislative Meetings and Trade Expo allows NAR members an opportunity to take an active role in advancing the real estate industry, and public policy directly. REALTORS® come to Washington, DC, for special issues forums, committee meetings, legislative activities, hill visits and the industry trade show. Registration is now open. Click here for more information.
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For Colorado, we have nine hill visits to complete and as we approach May, CAR Government Affairs staff will be in contact with attendees regarding the hill visits meeting schedule for their specific congressional district.
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.
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 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.