JAvier's legislative accomplishments
HB 24-1098: Cause for Eviction
- This legislation is one of the biggest wins for renter's rights in Colorado history. It requires landlords who are continuing in the business of being landlords to have cause for any lease non renewals.
- This law will create crucial stability for renters by preventing their eviction so long as they are caught up on their rent and following the terms of their lease.
- This is a critical anti discrimination protection that will empower tenants to make complaints about needed repairs without having to face fear of retaliation.
HB 24-1355 Creating a Wraparound Care Program for those on the Competency Waitlist
- This legislation will create a wraparound care program for criminal defendants not competent to stand trial to access treatment as an alternative to incarceration.
- Colorado's competency system is broken, those who are found to not be competent to stand trial often wait for treatment in jail for longer than they would serve if they were convicted of what they are accused of. This law seeks to create a smooth path for those on that waitlist to access the treatment that they need thus reducing recidivism and making our communities safer.
HB 24-1380: Protecting Consumers from Debt Collectors
- This legislation requires debt collectors to be transparent about what debts they are attempting to collect and prevents them from attempting to use the judicial process to criminalize poverty by seeking arrest warrants for people who are too poor to pay off their debts.
HB 24-1129: Protections for Delivery Network Company Drivers
- This legislation requires delivery network companies to give drivers at least 60 seconds to decide whether they will accept a task.
- The legislation also creates an appeal process for deactivated drivers and requires that all tips go to the drivers.
HB 23-1002: Capping the price of EpiPens
- This legislation caps the price of EpiPens for Colorado consumers, addressing the issue of corporate price gouging.
- Advocates, including parents, children with life-threatening allergies, and leaders in the medical community, highlighted the devastating impact of price hikes.
- Through our efforts, we secured a $60 price cap on this life-saving medication.
SB 23-168: Jessi Redfield Ghawi’s Act for Gun Violence Victims Access to Justice and Firearms Indust
- This groundbreaking legislation grants Colorado gun violence victims access to justice by creating a civil cause of action against irresponsible gun manufacturers or dealers.
- We presented one of the pens used by Governor Polis to sign the bill to Sandy and Lonny Phillips, who tragically lost their daughter in the 2012 Aurora theater shooting.
- The bill seeks to repeal PLCAA and Colorado Law, enabling victims like the Phillips to have their day in court, rather than facing dismissals and undue legal fees.
HB 23-1229: Protecting Consumers from Predatory Lending
- This bill curbs the ability of payday lenders to exploit Colorado consumers by imposing caps on lending rates.
- It ensures that out-of-state banks must adhere to Colorado's consumer protection laws when providing loans to Colorado consumers.
SB 23-160: Community Crime Victims Grant Program
- This legislation continues the community crime victims grant program, which benefits communities, particularly communities of color, most impacted by crime.
- The program addresses the root causes of crime by ensuring that victims have access to community support, therapy, and more.
SB 23-144: Protecting Chronic Pain Patients
- This bill removes barriers to access needed medication for individuals suffering from chronic pain.
HB 23-1254: Protecting Renters
- This legislation enhances protections for renters affected by natural disasters.
- It also expands protections for renters seeking claims under Colorado's warranty of habitability law.
HB 23-1171: Just Cause for Eviction Protections
- Unfortunately, this bill did not pass and will die on the calendar.
- The legislation aimed to prevent landlords from evicting tenants without cause, offering crucial protections during the housing crisis.
- Supported by teachers, housing advocates, and climate justice organizations, it was a community-driven effort.
- Disappointingly, the bill did not receive the necessary prioritization despite the Democrats' historic majorities.
- Strong opposition came from the corporate landlord lobby, while even the White House supports Just Cause for Eviction.
HB 23-1115: Ending the ban on local Rent Stabilization Ordinances
- Although this bill made significant progress by passing the House, it died in the Senate.
- The legislation aimed to address the issue of rising rents and displacement in communities.
- It sought to give renters a fighting chance and allow teachers to afford living in the communities they serve.
- While this bill did not become law, it marked the furthest advancement for such legislation, promising future efforts to address the problem of displacement.
- Despite the setbacks faced by HB 1115 and HB 1171, we remain committed to championing the needs and priorities of our communities. The fight for equitable legislation continues, and we will persist in our pursuit of meaningful change.