3-2-1 Capitol Connection – April 21, 2026

3 Things to Know

CAR Defeats the Tax on Land! CAR successfully defeated “Authority for Different Mill Levy Rates” (HB 1119) last week. CAR’s Government Affairs Division testified before lawmakers on April 16, outlining the unintended consequences this proposal would have created, including disproportionate impacts on single-family homeowners, individuals on fixed incomes, and the broader real estate market. The bill risked creating a complex patchwork of property taxation on land values while encouraging rent-generating density at the expense of established homeowner communities. CAR supports increasing housing supply across the continuum—but not in a way that jeopardizes homeowners’ stability or their largest investment.

Thank you to all REALTORS® who responded to the Call for Action, your engagement was critical in protecting Colorado homeowners and future buyers! In just under a week, 2,177 messages were delivered, and every state Representative (65 total) received at least 1 message. These are the top 10 recipients of messages to vote “no” on House Bill 1119:

Financing Energy Upgrades Through the Meter. CAR advanced amendments to “Financing Utility On-Bill Repayment Program“ (SB 148), which would allow homeowners to finance energy-efficient upgrades through their utility meter. This approach enables property owners to pay for improvements—such as insulation, heat pumps, and battery storage—via an added charge on their monthly utility bill. CAR’s proposed changes ensure that only the property owner can authorize these upgrades, reinforcing clear consent and control over any financing tied to the home.

Additional revisions focus on protecting future buyers and maintaining transparency. CAR is advocating for a requirement that any remaining balance for these upgrades be fully paid off at or before the transfer of the property, preventing new owners from inheriting extra utility costs. The proposal also requires that notice of the on-bill repayment obligation be recorded with the property title, ensuring it appears in a title search. These updates aim to both safeguard consumers and give homeowners more opportunities to improve their homes’ comfort and efficiency. The bill has passed its first committee hearing and will be scheduled for the Senate Appropriations Committee soon.

Artificial Intelligence Legislation Redux? While only 22 days remain in the 2026 legislative session, new bills continue to be introduced. Three days is the fastest a bill can pass the legislature, and there are recent examples. One bill that many interests – including CAR – are awaiting is a reform of consumer protections in artificial intelligence that passed in 2024 but hasn’t yet taken effect. Our law has even attracted federal attention, as the Justice Department created a task force to challenge state AI regulations, with Colorado mentioned. Recently, an AI work group convened by Gov. Polis released unanimous recommendations to reform our AI laws before they take effect on June 30th. For us, better definitions are needed on what constitutes an artificial intelligence system and how AI impacts “consequential decisions” in “housing.” Our concern remains that definitions in current law would affect the use of identity verification or fraud-prevention applications, such as Forewarn. Current law requires onerous reporting and disclosures, with a steep penalty of an unfair or deceptive trade practice claim if not in compliance. Stay tuned as the politics of AI play out in Colorado over the next 22 days.

2 Things to Share

Attention RPAC Major Investors. Colorado Connections kicks-off next week and the RPAC Reception will be in the main ballroom on Tuesday, April 28th at 4:30 pm. Come ready to bid on a curated selection of goodies and experiences, including trips to France, Napa Valley, and ways to enjoy our home country. Admission to the RPAC Reception is $38 as a nod to Colorado’s history as the 38th state in the union. One admission ticket includes a drink ticket and RPAC Major Investors can expect another drink ticket free of charge. Have a great time and support the engine that advocates for homeownership like no other–RPAC.

Serve on the Legislative Policy Committee (LPC). Behind every position CAR takes at the Capitol is a group of engaged REALTORS® helping guide the way. The Legislative Policy Committee (LPC) is where those decisions happen—bringing together members from across the state to evaluate legislation, weigh its impact on the industry, and set the policy direction that drives CAR’s advocacy efforts.

This session alone, the LPC has already reviewed and taken positions on nearly 70 bills, with more still expected as the legislature continues its work through May 13th. That work directly shapes how CAR shows up under the Gold Dome—ensuring the REALTOR® voice is informed, credible, and grounded in real-world experience.

With more than 55 members representing over 20 local associations, the committee reflects a wide range of perspectives—and there’s always room for more. If you’re looking to play a more active role in shaping policy and advocating for a strong real estate market in Colorado and want to share your expertise in buying and selling homes, consider applying to join the LPC. If you are currently serving on the LPC and plan to continue to serve in 2027, please don’t forget to submit your application as well.

Applications for the 2027 Legislative Policy Committee are now open—apply by June 24.

1 Thing to Do

Lot Splitting Bill Heads to Its Next Committee Hearing. This Thursday, April 23 at 1:30 PM, the Senate Local Government and Housing Committee will take up “Lot Splitting Approval by Subject Jurisdictions” (House Bill 1308), a proposal aimed at creating new pathways for homeownership by allowing qualifying residential lots to be split into two through an administrative approval process. Under the bill, property owners could divide eligible lots—subject to clear criteria around size, access, utilities, and lender consent—helping create opportunities for additional housing, particularly at the starter home level.

Importantly, the measure maintains local governments’ authority to apply and enforce critical infrastructure, building, safety, and environmental standards, assuring that growth can occur responsibly while still meeting community needs. By expanding what property owners can do with their land, the bill aligns with core REALTOR® principles around private property rights and increasing housing supply. CAR has taken a Support position on the bill in recognition of its potential to bring more homes to market.

Members are encouraged to provide testimony on behalf of themselves and share their perspective on why this proposal is important to support, whether remotely or in person. Brief, two- to three-minute testimonies from REALTORS® can make a meaningful difference as the bill moves forward. Please contact Carla Blanc at cblanc@coloradorealtors.com with any questions or if you want to testify on the lot splitting bill.

NAR

NAR Supports Property Owners in Renewed Challenge to Unconstitutional Exactions

In 2016, George Sheetz applied for a permit to build a modest single‑family home on his property in El Dorado County, California. As a condition of approval, the County imposed a Traffic Impact Mitigation (TIM) Fee of $23,420, which is set legislatively and calculated based on the property’s location and its classification as a residential project.

NAR Joins Brief in Massachusetts Rent Control Ballot Lawsuit

The court challenge explains that the proposal would bring down property values across the state and would give no latitude to cities and towns wanting to opt out of rent caps.

NAR’s Legal Streak: Three Antitrust Cases Dismissed, Protections Secured in Proposed Settlement

In the past few days, NAR’s legal team secured three big wins—including a new case dismissal in Pennsylvania—and secured legal protections for members, associations and more in an impactful proposed settlement.