Capitol Update: Our eviction hearing bill flies through its first bipartisan hearing
Even with a short work week, the Children’s Campaign had a very productive few days at the State Capitol. One of our priority bills, which will allow folks to participate remotely in eviction proceedings, received overwhelming approval from the House Judiciary Committee. Our amazing Policy Analyst Hunter Nelson testified in support of House Bill 23-1186. Her testimony, along with several other partners, led to a bipartisan 11-1 vote! With just a few more votes needed to get through the House, this bill is one step closer to becoming law. Thank you to Reps. Lindsay and Jodeh for championing HB23-1186.
Hunter was also able to support our partners at Elephant Circle and Soul 2 Soul Sisters on a bill they have been working on to support pregnant and postpartum individuals going through the criminal justice system. House Bill 23-1187 allows our court system to consider alternative sentences for a pregnant or postpartum defendant. Allowing alternative sentencing options for pregnant and postpartum defendants supports the healthy development of the pregnant or postpartum person and their baby, while also promoting equity in care since birthing people of color are disproportionately represented in carceral settings. That bill also passed out of the House Judiciary Committee.
Our dedicated policy and advocacy team tracks hundreds of bills that impact Colorado kids and families every legislative session. To view the bills we are tracking so far in this legislative session, click here.
Here are this week’s Capitol Highlights:
HB23-1115 (Mabrey & Velasco/Rodriguez): Repeal Prohibition Local Residential Rent Control
The Children’s Campaign supports this bill because it allows local governments to increase housing stability for their communities. To learn more about this bill and its journey through the legislature, visit our Capitol Updates page.
HB23-1171 (Mabrey & Gonzales-Gutierrez/ Gonzales): Just Cause Requirement Eviction of Residential Tenant
The Children’s Campaign supports this bill because evictions have significant negative impacts on the health, well-being, and financial security of children and families. Due to a history of policies and practices that have disadvantaged families of color, Black and Latinx renters are more likely to face eviction, as are families with children. To learn more about this bill and its journey through the legislature, visit our Capitol Updates page.
The Children’s Campaign in the news
- Access to maternal health in the U.S. presents challenges for immigrant women, but advocates are pushing for policies to remedy that, Palabra: National Association of Hispanic Journalists, Feb. 17
- Many kids in universal preschool will likely end up in school districts. Will that shutter community providers?, Colorado Sun, Feb. 20
- A ‘virtual court bill’ could allow people in Colorado to attend their eviction hearings remotely, Colorado Public Radio, Feb. 23
