3-2-1 Capitol Connection – February 24, 2026
3 Things to Know
Member comment at LPC meetings. CAR’s Legislative Policy Committee (LPC), comprised of more than 55 REALTORS® from 20 different local associations, meets every other Friday to discuss and take positions on state legislation. Of the 405 bills introduced so far, the LPC has 42 on it’s plate. While LPC meetings are closed to voting and non-voting LPC members only, we have created space during meetings to welcome member feedback and input. Only REALTORS® can sign up for the “Member comment” section during LPC meetings, which start at 1:00pm every other Friday, with the next meeting taking place on March 6th. To sign up, email govaffairs@coloradorealtors.com by 5:00 pm on the Wednesday (i.e., March 4th) before a Friday LPC meeting. Please share your name and what bill or legislative issue you want to comment on. Member comments are limited to 2 minutes, which is typically the time allowed for public testimony at legislative committee hearings. We will send you a Zoom link to join the Member comment section of the agenda.
Post-Closing Occupancy Agreement Clears the Senate! Momentum continues to build for “Security Deposits & Post-Closing Occupancy Agreements” (Senate Bill 54), which cleared its first committee hearing earlier this month with unanimous support. The bill advanced through the Senate without a single dissenting vote, reflecting bipartisan agreement that practical policy solutions matter.
During committee testimony, REALTOR® members highlighted the unintended but real-world complications caused by Colorado’s current security deposit law, including Colette King, who shared: “It unnecessarily entangles itself with non-sale transactions and…it misconstrues the intent of deposits and rent in disparate scenarios.”
With Senate approval secured, Senate Bill 54 was introduced in the House last week and is now moving to its next phase of consideration. CAR is proud to champion policies such as these that emerge from the discussions you are all having and the priorities you are elevating. We are also thankful to the Senate sponsors, Sen. Marc Catlin (R) and Sen. Marc Snyder (D), for their leadership in shepherding this bill towards passage.
Renewal of the Division of Real Estate. The Colorado Real Estate Commission and the Division of Real Estate (DRE) must be reauthorized by the Colorado Legislature before its sunset date of September 1, 2026, to continue operating. On February 17th, the House Transportation, Housing and Local Government Committee had its initial hearing on “DRE Sunset” with stakeholder testimony from CAR, the Director of DRE, and several non-governmental organizations.
While CAR supports the continuation of the DRE and most of the policy recommendations in its sunset review, CAR expressed grave concerns in testimony about the recommendation to institute Commission-directed restitution, which would expose real estate brokers to administrative monetary penalties not covered by E&O insurance. It is a form of double jeopardy that lowers the legal standard of due process to one set by Real Estate Commissioners who are not professionally trained for adjudication. However, multiple organizations testified in support of allowing DRE to order restitution.
2 Things to Share
A Bill to Tax Your Land. A new legislative proposal by Representative Steven Woodrow and Senator Nick Hinrichsen would authorize local governments and special districts to levy a tax on the assessed value of land and its improvements. “Authority for Different Mill Levy Rates” (House Bill 1119) shifts the market-based approach to property taxation to a land valuation-based approach, threatening to displace homeowners with steeper land tax bills and further disrupting the affordability of homes due to increased tax liability. Land taxes shift to “highest and best use,” which typically incentivizes denser housing. CAR strongly opposes this bill as it could penalize single-family homeowners. House Bill 1119 is tentatively scheduled to be heard in the House Finance Committee on March 16th at 1:30 p.m.
Tenant Transparency. CAR remains opposed to the provisions proposed in “Protections for Residential Tenants” (House Bill 1047), which heads to committee today (February 24th) for its first vote. The measure seeks to layer additional upfront documentation requirements into eviction filings while simultaneously keeping most eviction records permanently suppressed if they don’t involve a “substantial lease violation.” Routine matters such as nonpayment of rent would remain sealed, while the bill also expressly permits applicants to decline to disclose those details during screenings. Members are encouraged to sign up to testify on the consequences this bill presents to business, and should remember to register as representing “self” on the form when doing so!
1 Thing to Do
Attend Colorado Connections on April 26-28. Register to attend Colorado Connections at the stunning Hotel Polaris in Colorado Springs — where connection, inspiration, and professional momentum meet.
It’s an opportunity to recharge, connect, and level up your real estate business in a world-class setting. There will be an RPAC Reception with a live auction, where investments support the viability of the real estate profession and the bottom line – homeownership opportunity.
Colorado Connections is expected to sell out, so register today!