Construction Defects Bill Slated for Committee Hearing
We told you last week about the multitude of bills we’re tracking related to construction defects. We’ve continued to engage on this issue because of the onslaught of litigation that is suffocating development of entry-level housing.
This session we’ve voiced support for Senate Bill 156 because it would inform owners of any potential litigation over a defect with the building and require alternative dispute resolution (ADR) before bringing a case to court. We think these two items matter because they protect consumers and save them time and money in the long run, and our Homeownership Opportunity Alliance—comprised of a bipartisan, diverse group that includes housing advocates to developers—agrees.
“When a coalition as diverse as the one we’ve put together says we know these will work and be fair, I know that will work,” our President and CEO Kelly Brough told Denverite.
That’s why this week we opposed Senate Bill 157. While this bill makes some meaningful changes to construction defect laws, such as informing all owners of a potential lawsuit, we’re concerned that it would supersede municipal laws that have created important protections and filled a gap in this area. We feel that this is an important piece that we must preserve.
Senate Bill 156 will be in front of the Senate Business, Labor and Technology Committee on Monday and we urge Sens. Jack Tate, Tim Neville, Cheri Jahn, Andy Kerr, Kevin Priola, Jim Smallwood and Angela Williams to give it the opportunity to go before the full Senate and be discussed.
We’ll continue to update you as more bills focused on this issue are introduced and begin to move through the legislature.
Learn more about the bills that we’re tracking this legislative session.