CAR opposes HB 1014, Deceptive Trade Practice Significant Impact Statement. According to Capitol Connection, the bill aims to reduce the level of evidence necessary to establish a sufficient impact to the public to any amount and would leave businesses vulnerable to deceptive trade claims under the Colorado Consumer Protection Act. Unintentional, mistaken, or errors of omission could be elevated as deceptive trade practices if this bill moves forward. Additionally, E&O insurance does not cover deceptive trade practices, which is why the Colorado Association of REALTORS® is opposing the bill. CAR advocated to amend a similar bill last year, HB23-1192, successfully removing section 1 that attempted to do the same. The bill is also opposed by Colorado Competitive Council and the Colorado Chamber of Commerce.
Other bills we are watching include:
Energy & Environment
- SB 159 – Mod to Energy & Carbon Management Processes. Bill requires the energy and carbon management commission to adopt rules to cease issuing new oil and gas permits before January 1, 2030. Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee hearing March 28th. CO Chamber of Commerce Opposes, Durango Chamber Opposes. Colorado Competitive Council (C3) Opposes.
- SB 081 – Perfluoroalkyl & Polyfluoroalkyl Chemicals. Senate Second Reading Passed with Amendments – Floor. C3 wants to amend.
- HB 1330 – Air Quality Permitting. The bill concerns modifications of processes to obtain permits for activities that impact air quality. House Committee on Energy & Environment Refer Amended to Finance. C3 Opposes.
Business Affairs/Labor
- HB 1245 – Fair Labor Practice Requirements for Broadband Projects. The bill requires that projects for broadband deployment receiving money distributed by the Colorado broadband office comply with certain fair labor practices. House Committee on Business Affairs & Labor Witness Testimony and/or Committee Discussion Only. C3 Opposes. Durango Chamber Opposes.
- HB 1364 – Education-Based Workforce Readiness – The bill authorizes the department of education to commission a financial study with an independent contractor to analyze the costs to provide students the opportunity to obtain college credits, industry credentials, and work-based learning experiences. To House Appropriations Committee. CO Chamber Supports.
- HB 1365 – Opportunity Now Grants & Tax Credit – The bill creates the regional talent summit grant program and an income tax credit for facility improvement and equipment acquisition costs associated with training programs designed to alleviate workforce shortages. To House Finance Committee. CO Chamber Supports.
Taxation
- HB 1299 – Short-Term Rental Unit Property Tax Classification – Under the bill, a commercial short-term rental unit is classified as lodging property, which is a subclass of nonresidential property for purposes of valuation for assessment. A short-term rental unit that is the owner’s primary or secondary residence will continue to be classified as residential property. To House Finance Committee. CAR Supports.
Housing
- HB 1098 – Cause Required for Eviction of Residential Tenant – Concerning protections for residential tenants, and, in connection therewith, requiring cause for the eviction of a residential tenant. House Second Reading Special Order – Passed with Amendments – Committee, Floor. CAR is monitoring. C3 wants to amend.
Regulatory
- HB 1230 – Protections for Real Property Owners. The bill would increase the period during which homeowners can sue over shoddy workmanship and not start that clock until the alleged defect is noticed. House Second Reading Special Order – Passed – No Amendments. C3 Opposes. Durango Chamber Opposes. CAR is monitoring.
- HB 1300 – Home Sale Wildfire Mitigation Requirements. The bill mandates every existing home sale in certain counties to require a “wildfire mitigation certification” at point-of-sale. To House Transportation, Housing & Local Government Committee. Durango Chamber Opposes. CAR Opposes.
- SB 106 – Right to Remedy Construction Defects. The bill aims to create a middle ground between lawsuit and remedy, with the hopes of easing insurance costs and nudging builders toward more condo development. To Senate of the Whole Committee. C3 Supports, CO Chamber Supports, CAR Supports.
FAILED
- HB 1065 – Reduction of State Income Tax Rate.
- HB 1144 – Income Tax Credit for Mortgage Rate Buy Downs.
- SB 92 – Cost Effective Energy Codes.
- SB 97 – Property Tax Distraint Sale Mobile Home.
PASSED – Gov signed