Lifetime Citizen Portal Access — AI Briefings, Alerts & Unlimited Follows
Aurora staff say three construction‑defect bills are advancing; city backs a narrower approach
Loading...
Summary
City legislative staff told the Visor Committee that three separate construction‑defect bills are pending at the statehouse, with one viewed as the most viable vehicle for compromise; the city opposes language it says would increase litigation and hinder affordable housing.
City legislative staff reported Wednesday that three separate construction‑defect bills are active at the state Legislature and that Aurora is watching which vehicle will carry reforms.
"There are actually 3 bills on construction defects," legislative staff member Liz said. She told the Visor Committee that Senate Bill 131 (a broadly framed reform), House Bill 1261 (sponsored by Representative Bacon and described by staff as drafted with trial‑lawyer input), and House Bill 1272 (Representative Byrd’s bill) are each taking different approaches and are currently calendared for hearings on March 18.
The staff briefing said HB1261 “really goes in the opposite direction of what our priorities have been in terms of trying to reduce mitigation and increase affordable housing stock.” By contrast, staff said HB1272 represents an attempt to craft a compromise by involving affordable‑housing organizations and realtors alongside builders; staff described amendments as likely.
City officials told the committee they are prioritizing the bill they judge most likely to advance with amendments that could limit litigation and ease permitting constraints. Liz said the city hopes local witnesses — including Councilmembers Hancock and Lawson — can testify in support of amendments if schedules permit.
City representatives said they continue to coordinate with the Colorado Municipal League on the legislation and will monitor last‑minute calendar changes. No formal council action was taken at the meeting.
For background, committee members noted that last year Aurora successfully opposed a bill they described as harmful to housing supply; staff said they are aiming to prevent a repeat by pursuing the narrower vehicle and supporting targeted amendments.
The committee asked staff to keep councilmembers apprised of scheduling and amendment language so local officials can testify if needed.
The city did not report any formal votes or final positions changed during the meeting; staff said work will continue with stakeholders and that March 18 hearings are the next major milestone.
