3-2-1 Capitol Connection – February 6, 2025
3 Things to Know
2025 REALTOR® Day Under the Dome. Sixty members from more than 25 legislative districts advocated for REALTOR® safety and starter homes at our state Capitol on February 4th. Due to space limitations, this was an invite-only event where association members from the Leadership Council, Legislative Policy Committee (LPC), the Political Action Committee (CARPAC), Federal Political Coordinators (FPCs) and local association leaders volunteered their time to have impactful discussions with state policymakers. While dozens of conversations took place at the Capitol, please connect with your legislators when they are back home on issues impacting REALTORS® and the clients you serve.
What’s New for Seniors: Updates on Housing Assessments & Tax Credits. The legislature continues to take important steps towards providing financial relief and stability for seniors’ housing this session. Senate Bill 013 seeks to extend the existing senior housing tax credit into the 2025 and 2026 tax years. The bill passed out of its first committee and is heading for a second discussion in coming weeks. Meanwhile, sponsors of House Bill 1156 hope to ensure that the current property tax reduction for a senior’s primary residence will no longer have an expiration date, by making it a permanent benefit that is adjusted annually for inflation.
HOA Updates: New Bills Could Change How Disputes & Collections Are Handled. HOA bills were a key focus in housing policy last year, and they’re continuing to make waves in the 2025 session. House Bill 1123 encourages HOAs and unit owners to first attempt internal dispute resolution, and if need be, mediation with a third party, before filing a complaint with a court. House Bill 1043, however, states that prior to starting a foreclosure process, HOAs would have to send unit owners a notice informing them of the consequences of foreclosure and credit counseling options. It would also require a minimum bid for units that have been foreclosed on to be no less than 80% of its fair market value.
2 Things to Share
Landowner Immunity in Emergencies. The Colorado Association of REALTORS® (CAR) testified in support of a bill that protects landowners from being sued if they allow access through their property during an emergency. House Bill 1053 does not require that a landowner must provide access during an emergency. It is a “good samaritan” law providing immunity to a landowner from civil liability if there is damage or injury to persons or property as a result of allowing access to the landowner’s property during a defined emergency. The exception is if a landowner intentionally causes injury or damage to a person or property. HB 1053 passed out of committee and is headed to the House floor for a voice vote on Thursday, February 6th.
Be the First to Know. Subscribers to our mobile alerts (texts) are the first to know about actions they can take to make a difference on a political issue. These alerts are used sparingly, and subscribers do not receive any 3rd-party or outside texts (i.e., never a candidate campaign asking you for something). Be the first to hear next week about a “Call for Action” to help ensure REALTORS® can work safely by allowing the use of identity verification systems such as Forewarn. Open your messaging app, type in the number 30644 to send a message to, type “REALTORS” (not case sensitive) in the subject area of text, then send it. That’s how easy it is to subscribe.
1 Thing to Do
Vegetative Fuel Mitigation Bill and Other Wildfire-related Proposals.
CAR is working around the clock to fix HB 1009 “Vegetative Fuel Mitigation” because it would allow fire protection or metropolitan districts to fine homeowners up to $300 and place liens on real property for not removing dry or dead plant material. The bill does not consider other factors such as how burdensome the out-of-pocket costs could be on homeowners. Do you or your clients have stories to share about the costs or time it takes to remove vegetation (i.e., trees) from a property? Share your story here: https://tinyurl.com/9wh7zby9.
CAR is tracking a slate of bills related to wildfire. Policy proposals include a bill that adds county-level data to the Wildfire Information and Resource Center’s website, a fund to reimburse property owners for damages associated with prescribed burn areas, and a bill that provides landowners with immunity from civil liability when allowing ingress and egress on their land in emergency events.
CAR in the News
“We understand the intent, and we want to do everything we can to protect our communities against wildfire,” says Brian Tanner, Vice President of Public Policy for CAR. “At the same time, when you have cameras…how are those property owners — that could have cameras on their property or even on their homes — how are they being protected?”
CAR advocates for clear legal protections, including state-mandated pixelation of homes, homeowner notifications, and public transparency on who accesses wildfire detection camera footage.
Westword “Aspen Fire Chief Swears by AI Detection Cameras. Colorado Lawmakers Are Listening.” 2/4/25
NAR
REALTORS® Relief Foundation Announces $1 Million Grant for Victims of California Wildfires
“Agents who are REALTORS® deeply understand that in times of crisis, we step up to help our communities remain resilient and united, even in the face of devastation like what we’re witnessing in Southern California,” said RRF President Greg Hrabcak.
The REALTOR® to REALTOR® Series: Use Your NAR Membership as a Selling Point to Clients
Host Marki Lemons Ryhal talks with industry leaders Matt Difanis and Christina Pappas about the value of emphasizing your status as an NAR member to buyers and sellers.
New Homes Are Getting Smaller. Are Buyers Looking for Less Square Footage?
In 2023, home buyers had a median of 1,802 square feet in their current home and wanted a median of 2,067 square feet.