S_LG_2020A 01/28/2020 02:02:03 PM Committee Summary

The committee was called to order. A quorum was present. Ms. Meghan Dollar, representing the Colorado Municipal League (CML), presented an overview of her organization and discussed CML's policy priorities for 2020. Committee members received a fact sheet detailing these priorities (Attachment A). Ms. Dollar responded to questions regarding specific CML legislative priorities, and the organization's legislative caucus. Ms. Dollar responded to further questions regarding the position of CML on mineral lease severance taxes. Ms. Gini Pingenot, representing Colorado Counties, Inc. (CCI), introduced CCI's personnel and provided an overview of the types of issues addressed by the organization.  Ms. Pingenot responded to questions.

Mr. Michael Valdez, representing the Special District Association (SDA), introduced his team and discussed the association's 2020 legislative agenda. Mr. Valdez discussed the function of special districts, and SDA's priorities. Mr. Valdez responded to questions regarding special district elections.

Senator Gonzales, prime sponsor, presented Senate Bill 20-108, concerning a prohibition on a landlord engaging in certain activities related to a tenant's citizenship status.  Senator Gonzales explained the effect of the bill and discussed its need. The following persons testified regarding SB 20-108:

Ms. Ana Rodriguez, representing the Colorado Peoples' Alliance, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Antonio Tellez, representing himself, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Darren Hurflicher, representing himself, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Laura Wolf, representing the Law Office of Rathod Mohamedbai, testified in support of the bill. She discussed some provisions in SB 20-108. Ms. Wolf responded to questions regarding information requested by landlords when persons are renting apartments, and applicable penalties under the bill.

Ms. Wolf provided information on supplemental information required of certain applicants by landlords, and remedies available under SB 20-108. Discussion ensued regarding Colorado's universal renter's application form. Discussion followed regarding laws in other jurisdictions similar to SB 20-108. Discussion returned to the supplemental rental application form. Mr. Tellez responded to questions regarding the perceived basis for his receiving scrutiny when applying for an apartment. Ms. Wolf responded to questions regarding the effect of certain provisions in SB 20-108.

Ms. Raquel Lane-Arellano, representing the Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition, testified in support of SB 20-108. She read the testimony of someone in Colorado Springs.

Ms. Gladys Ibarra, representing the Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition, testified in support of the bill. Senator Gonzales responded to questions regarding the potential for creating a Colorado common rental application. Discussion ensued on this point.

Mr. Drew Hamrick, representing the Colorado Apartment Association, testified in opposition to SB 20-108.

Ms. Rachel Griffin, representing the Tschetter Sulzer Law Firm, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. Hamrick responded to questions regarding the use of a social security number for apartment rentals. Ms. Griffin responded to questions regarding protected classes in Colorado. Discussion ensued regarding these points. Discussion returned to the potential for creating a universal rental application form in Colorado.

Senator Gonzales explained amendment L.002 (Attachment B).

Senator Gonzales explained the effect of amendment L.004 (Attachment C).