Panel narrows security‑deposit bill with amendment, advances measure to Committee of the Whole

The House Business Affairs and Labor Committee adopted an amendment and advanced House Bill 12‑49, a measure intended to strengthen transparency and return standards for tenant security deposits.

Representative Ricks, the bill sponsor, presented the measure as a set of clarifications and protections to help renters recover security deposits after move‑out. “This is a bill to strengthen transparency and fairness in how security deposits are handled in Colorado,” she said, explaining the proposal would clarify allowable deductions, require supporting documentation and offer tenants an opportunity to request a joint move‑out inspection.

The hearing drew many supporters — community foundations and civil‑rights groups who described security deposits as a barrier to housing stability — and a much larger number of opponents, including…