Things to Know
1. 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:
2. 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.
3. 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.
1 Thing to Do
1. Consider Making Your Colorado Share Investment of $38 in RPAC. CAR works around the clock to protect your business, keep the industry viable, and make your daily work schedule easier. Major legislative and electoral wins shared throughout the year are made possible in part through member investments in the REALTORS® Political Action Committee (RPAC). Click here to learn more about how your membership and investments make a difference in the lives of real estate professionals across Colorado and for the consumers you serve.
Please consider making a manageable Colorado Share investment of $38 in RPAC today to strengthen political advocacy efforts. That’s basically the cost of one Stanley Tumbler to help your business throughout the year. Thinking about taking another step and becoming an RPAC Major Investor? Scan the QR code below and select your level! For complete information, visit our website.
Contributions to RPAC are not deductible for federal income tax purposes. Contributions are voluntary and are used for political purposes. The amounts indicated are merely guidelines and you may contribute more or less than the suggested amounts. The National Association of REALTORS® and its state and local associations will not favor or disadvantage any member because of the amount contributed or a decision not to contribute. You may refuse to contribute without reprisal. Your contribution is split between National RPAC and the State PAC in your state. The National RPAC portion is used to support federal candidates and is charged against your limits under 52 U.S.C. 30116. Must be a U.S. Citizen to contribute.