Capitol Connection: March 22, 2019
House Bill 19-1050: Encourage Use of Xeriscape in Common Areas
HB19-1050, sponsored by Rep. Brianna Titone (D-Arvada), extends current statute to allow property owners and a community’s governing board or homeowners association (HOA) to provide xeriscape or drought-tolerant landscaping to common areas. However, the bill does not exempt special districts from water conservation law regarding xeriscape landscaping.
###
Xeriscaping is a method of landscaping that can be used to reduce water consumption. REALTORS® recognize water is one of the most valuable and critical elements of our natural environment and quality of life-a natural resource that at times can be scarce and therefore, protected. CAR’s Legislative Committee (LPC) monitored this legislation throughout the legislative process and can announce that the bill has successfully made to the Governor’s desk where it was signed into law on March 4th.
House Bill 19-1078: Landowner Consent Listing National Register
HB19-1078, sponsored by Rep. Kimmi Lewis (R-Kim), Senate President Leroy Garcia (D-Pueblo) and Sen. Vicki Marble (R-Fort Collins), requires an applicant seeking to place a property on the national register of historic places to receive the consent of the property owner before the state historical society can take any action toward approving the request. The national register of historic places is a list of historically significant buildings, districts, sites, structures, and objects worthy of preservation.
###
CAR’s Legislative Policy Committee (LPC) supports this legislation because we understand the importance of protecting private property rights. HB19-1078 allows private property owners to fully enjoy the use of their property, whether to raise a family or start a business, by giving them a seat at the table and a choice in the process, and this bill allows community neighborhoods to maintain the vitality of their character.
Update: House Bill 19-1228: Increase Tax Credit Allocation Affordable Housing
HB19-1228, sponsored by Rep. Shannon Bird (D-Westminster), Rep. Brianna Titone (D-Arvada), Sen. Jack Tate (R-Centennial) and Sen. Rachel Zenzinger (D-Aurora), increases the annual allocation of the state’s Affordable Housing Tax Credit program (AHTC), administered by the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA), to $10 million from 2019 through 2024. CHFA is currently authorized to allocate $5 million annually in state AHTCs through 2024.
###
CAR’s Legislative Policy Committee (LPC) supports this legislation. Colorado is in dire need of more diverse, affordable housing options. Many Coloradans face housing costs that eat up larger and larger portions of their family budgets. CHFA, through the implementation of the AHTC program, plays a critical role in the solution for low-income individuals and families, critical civil servants and senior citizen populations. We are happy to share that the bill was heard yesterday, March 21st, in the House Finance Committee and passed out. The bill now moves to House Appropriations Committee in the coming weeks.
###
Click here to view CHFA’s fact sheet.
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 in Vail is the place to be April 23-25, 2019. Also, during Spring Summit, join us to celebrate 50 years of RPAC at our annual Spring RPAC Reception, A Diamond is Forever. Join us in your best James Bond attire to support 50 years of RPAC and even enter a raffle to win a diamond. Registration for Spring Summit is available online. 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.
###
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.