52A1952ADFE77E898725895600835CBB Hearing Summary

Representative Joseph and Ortiz, prime sponsors, presented House Bill 23-1120, concerning eviction protections for residential tenants who receive public assistance. Representatives Joseph and Ortiz explained the effect of the bill and discussed its need.

Adam Burg, representing Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, testified in opposition to HB 23-1120.

Mr. Andrew Hamrick, representing Colorado Apartment Association, testified in opposition to the bill. Discussion ensued regarding mediation delays under the bill, and the timeline for eviction under the bill. Mr. Hamrick responded to questions regarding data on the length of time it takes to evict people from rental properties, and certain costs associated with his law practice. Discussion followed regarding the ramifications to landlords and tenants of passing the bill, and the ability of a landlord to be made whole financially during an eviction proceeding.

Ms. Jade Kelly, representing Communications Workers of America Local 7799, testified in support of the bill. Mr Jason Hopfer, representing Colorado Association of Realtors, testified on the bill from an "amend" perspective. Discussion ensued regarding the potential for landlords to decide to not rent properties as a result of policies such as those in HB 23-1120.

Ms. Sarah Windholz, representing Colorado Landlord Legislative Coalition, testified on the bill from an "amend' position.

Tawny Peyton, representing Rocky Mountain Home Association, testified on the bill from an "amend" position. Discussion ensued regarding the stability of the mobile home market.

Hillary Jorgensen, representing the Colorado Cross Disability Coalition, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Jessica Spangler, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Mr. Kip Kolkmeier, representing himself, testified in support of the bill.

Mr. Mike Maday, representing The Mediation Association of Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

Mrs. Morgan Tregenza, representing herself, testified in support of the bill. Discussion ensued regarding a potential amendment to HB 23-1120 that would require mediation over an eviction case within a 14-day time frame. Mr. Kolkmeier responded to questions regarding the impact of the COVID pandemic on landlord-tenant relations, and the number of evictions that might be impacted by the passage of HB 23-1120.

Ms. Carol Kennedy, representing the Colorado Poverty Law Project, testified in support of the bill. Mrs Samantha Hudson, representing herself, testified in support of the bill. Andrew West read the testimony of Aubrey Wilde, representing Colorado Coalition for the Homeless, in support of the bill. Mr. Jack Johnson, representing Disability Law Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

Anna Dogue, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Mrs. Martha Wilson, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Kayla Frawley, representing Progress Now Colorado, testified in support of HB 23-1120.

Mr. Jack Regenbogen, representing the Colorado Poverty Law Project, responded to questions regarding the scope of the bill in terms of number of people who would be affected, and the fiscal impact of the bill.

John Armstrong, representing Legislative Council Staff, provided input on the bill's fiscal impact.

Representative Ortiz explained the effect of amendment L.001 (Attachment E).

Representative Joseph explained the effect of amendment L.002 (Attachment F).

Representative Ortiz explained the effect of amendment L.003 (Attachment G). Representative Ortiz clarified the intent of the amendment.

Representative Joseph explained the effect of amendment L.004 (Attachment H).

Discussion ensued regarding the definition of "source of income discrimination."

Representatives Ortiz and Joseph provided closing remarks in support of HB 23-1120. Various committee members provided their positions on the bill.