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House lays over contractor‑theft bill after divided debate over criminal penalties
Summary
Sponsors framed House Bill 12‑45 as consumer protection against fraudulent contractors; members expressed concern it could criminalize routine contract disputes. The majority leader laid the bill over to the next day for further consideration.
House Bill 12‑45, aimed at defining and strengthening enforcement against "theft by contractor," was presented April 15 and drew substantial debate about whether its provisions criminalize breaches of contract or provide necessary tools to protect vulnerable homeowners.
Sponsor Representative Kelty described the bill as a consumer protection measure aimed at senior citizens and low‑income homeowners targeted by fraudulent contractors who take deposits and disappear. Law enforcement testimony cited gaps in existing statutes that can leave victims without consistent remedies.
Opponents, including members of the judiciary and several Republican and Democratic representatives, warned the bill could inappropriately criminalize civil breaches of contract or create collateral effects for small contractors and immigrant workers. Representative Cacio and Representative Mabry argued for clearer elements and judicial review and expressed concern about unintended consequences such as deportation risks for immigrant workers.
After extended debate and requests for additional review and fiscal notes, Majority Leader Duran moved to lay the bill over until the next day; the motion carried.
