House approves narrower change to pet policies in affordable housing, sponsors say it protects families and pets

The Colorado House on March 31 passed House Bill 12‑07, a measure that establishes baseline pet‑friendly standards for housing providers participating in state affordable‑housing programs and certain tax‑credit projects.

The bill was amended in committee after negotiations with the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA); Representative Mabry, a sponsor, said the amendment removed a contested section (section 3) following “extensive negotiations with CHFA” and stress that the change was made because CHFA agreed to an administrative approach.

Supporters said the bill targets only housing that receives government tax credits or other public funding for affordable units and does not regulate private landlords who do not accept public funds. Representative Mabry said that the change is “not a blanket mandate” on all landlords and noted that restrictive pet policies push families to surrender pets or to become housing‑unstable.

Opponents raised concerns about property rights, insurance and allergy or accessibility impacts, warning that forcing pet allowance on property owners could reduce supply. Representative Richardson argued the bill shifts burdens to property owners and urged a no vote; Representative Johnson said a one‑size‑fits‑all approach could push some owners out of the market.

Sponsors responded that the measure is narrow and voluntary for providers that are not participating in state programs; Mabry emphasized that the bill’s scope was limited to entities receiving tax credits or government funding and that stakeholders from the Apartment Association and CHFA were engaged to resolve concerns.

The House recorded the committee report and adopted the bill in floor votes; the transcript segment records the bill as passed on the day with recorded committee votes and the committee amendment L4 adopted in committee.