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Senate adopts bill expanding CHFA eligibility to include more first responders
Summary
The Colorado Senate adopted SB53 on Feb. 25, 2026, after floor amendments broadened the pool of eligible CHFA borrowers to include emergency dispatchers and correctional officers and added an income cap tied to CHFA limits. Sponsors said the program helps first responders live in the communities they serve.
The Colorado State Senate adopted Senate Bill 53 on Feb. 25, expanding who may qualify for low-interest housing assistance through the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority.
Sponsor Senator Kirkmeyer said the bill is intended to help first responders—who often cannot afford to live where they work—by allowing them to access a "silent second mortgage" at 0% interest and tailored CHFA products. The adopted amendment L006 adds emergency dispatchers and correctional officers to the eligible groups and includes an income qualifier that caps qualifying income at 110% of CHFA board-established limits.
"This bill came up when...the idea for this bill came up when I was sitting in the joint budget committee...it's about ensuring that our first responders...are able to live in the community that they serve," Kirkmeyer said on the floor. He and others framed the change as a way to support law enforcement, firefighters and emergency medical personnel who face high housing costs in many parts of the state.
Senator Malika, a co-prime sponsor, said CHFA supports the bill and that the program would help "the folks who take care of us." "We should take that opportunity," she said, urging colleagues to vote yes.
Opponents and skeptics raised concerns about targeting one group versus broader affordability solutions and about potential program misuse. Senator Liston urged caution, saying the measure could be used to finance additional, higher-value purchases if guardrails are not sufficiently strict. "If I understand it correctly...they could be buying their third or fourth home," Liston warned. Senator Sullivan, a U.S. Postal Service retiree, questioned whether postal workers should also be considered for similar assistance; he said that concern informed his intention to vote no.
Senator Kirk Meyer clarified the program structure on the floor, noting that CHFA is a special-purpose authority that originates loans and is separate from direct state lending. He also outlined that the amendment includes income and eligibility limits to reduce the risk of inappropriate use.
Senators adopted amendment L006 and then adopted the bill on the floor. The bill was placed on the calendar for third reading and final passage consistent with the committee-of-the-whole report; the chamber recorded voice votes for the amendment and for final passage.
Next steps: SB53 was advanced by the Senate on Feb. 25; implementation details, including final program rules, funding and timelines, will depend on CHFA and any implementing regulations or administrative actions following enrollment.
