Capitol Connections – Feb. 21, 2020
HB20-1035: Programs to Develop Housing Support Services — LPC Position: Support
Rep. Singer (D-Longmont) and Sen. Fields (D-Aurora)
Summary: HB-1035 expands current programs and creates two additional grant programs in the Division of Housing in the Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) to provide supportive housing services to individuals with behavioral health disorders who have been involved in the criminal or juvenile justice systems and who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
Rationale: Stable housing is the foundation for upward mobility, but housing affordability is out of reach for Coloradans. The Colorado Association of REALTORS® is committed to working with policymakers and stakeholders to bring forward public policy solutions that will make a long-term impact and meaningfully address the lack of affordable housing across the state. HB-1035 passed the House Transportation and Local Government Committee on Jan. 29th and will next be heard in the House Appropriations Committee.
HB20-1159: State Engineer Confirm Existing Use Instream Flow — LPC Position: Support
Rep. Roberts (D-Avon), Rep. Catlin (R-Montrose), Sen. Donovan (D-Vail), and Sen. Coram (R-Montrose)
Summary: Currently, any instream flow appropriation is subject to uses and exchanges of water by other water users that existed prior to the appropriation, whether or not the preexisting use has been approved by a court order or decree. In conjunction with existing law, HB-1159 requires the State Engineer to approve a claim of an existing use or exchange if it has not already been approved by a court order or decree. A claim may also be approved by the water court judge.
Rationale: REALTORS® recognize that in order to maintain the quality of life Coloradans cherish, we must protect the state’s water sources. HB-1159 adds an additional layer of protection for water rights owners involved in a water transaction and creates a transparent, oversight system. HB-1159 has passed through the House and will next be heard in the Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee on Feb. 27th.
HB20-1214: Sunset Home Warranty Service Contracts — LPC Position: Support
Rep. Snyder (D-Colorado Springs) and Rep. Williams (R-Colorado Springs)
Summary: Home warranty service contracts may be purchased on new or existing homes and generally cover repair or replacement of major systems and appliances. The Department of Regulatory Affairs (DORA) recommends in their Sunset Report that these laws regulating home warranty service contracts continue for six years, until September 1, 2026 and clarifies that home warranty service contracts are not equivalent to insurance. HB-1214 is the legislation that enacts DORA’s recommendations. Click here to read DORA’s Sunset Review.
Rationale: Continuing the legal obligations for home service warranty contract companies to comply with and prohibit harmful sales practices will provide a layer of protection necessary to protect consumers in a real estate transaction. HB-1214 is scheduled for hearing in the House Business Affairs and Labor Committee on Feb. 25th.
SB20-025: Conservancy District Boards Art and Beautification — LPC Position: Support
Sen. Garcia (D-Pueblo), Rep. Buentello (D-Pueblo), and Rep. Esgar (D-Pueblo)
Summary: SB-025 allows flood control conservancy districts to improve aesthetic features of waterways, parks, and recreational facilities through artistic and beautification projects, and associates these costs as current expenses of the district that can be financed through a maintenance fund assessment.
Rationale: LPC supports empowering our local communities to enhance, preserve, and protect our state’s most precious natural resources. Investing in our waterways and recreational facilities is an investment in the well-being of our local economies. SB-025 passed through the Senate and will next be heard in the House Rural Affairs and Agriculture Committee on Feb. 24th.