Legislation that would have allowed local governments to implement rent control for the first time in decades died a quiet death in the Colorado Senate on Tuesday.
Senate Majority Leader Steve Fenberg, a Boulder Democrat, asked late Tuesday morning that Senate Bill 225 be laid over until late this week, effectively killing the bill’s chances of passage this year. Lawmakers are on a tight deadline to approve all remaining legislation by Friday.
The bill would have repealed a 1981 law that prevents cities and counties from controlling rent on private houses and housing units, such as apartments. It narrowly passed out of a Senate committee earlier this month on a 3-2 vote. Only Democrats sponsored the bill and voted for it.
Related Articles
-
Bill that would lift ban on rent control measures in Colorado moves to Senate
-
Letters: Open the door for rent control; Time to act on climate change; Bill St. John; A Denver hero (4/22/19)
-
Guest Commentary: Hancock’s dangerous march to rent control
-
Potential ballot measures target rent control, energy-efficiency mandate
Supporters said the legislation allowed for local control, giving governments a tool to rein in skyrocketing rents. The bill’s only amendment stated it “does not create, and is not intended … to create a statewide rent control policy.” It would not have required rent control, only allowed for it.
“I’m committed to bringing this legislation back next year so our local governments have every tool at their disposal to address the housing crisis,” said Sen. Julie Gonzales, a Denver Democrat and a sponsor of the bill, in a statement Tuesday.
Opponents argued the bill would not accomplish its goal. By limiting the supply of properties, it would push up housing costs, they told the Senate State, Veterans & Military Affairs Committee. Several landlords said they would sell their properties rather than deal with controlled rents.
“The demise of Senate Bill 225 is a tremendous victory for hardworking Coloradans who deserve an abundance of affordable housing options,” said Mark Windhager, president of the Colorado Apartment Association, which represents landlords. “Rent control policies have failed Americans from coast to coast.”
