Colorado REALTOR Digital Magazine July 2011 : Page 6
By Jack Beuse Chair, 2011 Legislative Policy Committee L be licensed as a mortgage loan originator, and played a key role in banning the enforcement of certain private transfer fees; two measures which will improve and protect real estate transactions during these tough economic times. Overall, CAR’s goals of maintaining an environment that ensures our economic vitality remains healthy were accomplished. CAR’s 2011 Legislative Policy Committee (LPC) sought to adhere to the goals set forth by its Legislative Policy Statements. The 2011 Policy Statements, approved by the Board of Directors, establishes guidelines to support legislation which ensures economic vitality, provides jobs and housing opportunities, preserves the environment, protects property owners, and builds better communities. Members of the LPC actively participate in various subcommittees to review and recommend action on specific bills that fall within these guidelines. There were 42 active and committed volunteer REALTOR® members on the LPC this year – representing local boards and associations across the state. Both Commercial and Residential REALTORS® were well represented. As the gavel went down in each chamber of the General Assembly on May page 6 | www.ColoradoREALTORS.com CAR actively reviewed 41 bills and took a position on 28 of them. he 2011 legislative session required both major political parties to cooperatively govern as the Democrats controlled the Senate, and Republicans the House. This split enhanced the Colorado Association of REALTORS®’ (CAR) ability to defeat some well-intentioned yet potentially harmful legislation for the real estate industry. The session was also marked, again, by deep cuts in an effort to balance the budget. Highlights of the session include the redefining of agricultural land for property tax purposes, a series of bills designed to create on-bill financing for energy improvements, an attempt to label and rate the energy efficiency of commercial buildings, and most importantly, the passage of two CAR priority bills. CAR successfully advocated against efforts to create on-bill financing programs which lacked accountability and mandated the assumption of liens by future homebuyers, attempts to mandate energy ratings on commercial buildings and residential rental properties, and negative impacts on the real estate market in general. This session, CAR successfully ran legislation to permit property owners to seller finance up to three properties in any 12-month period without having to T 11, 2011, CAR had actively reviewed 41 bills and took a position on 28 of them. We accomplished much but there are still issues requiring our attention between now and the 2012 session. REALTORS® will most likely endure continued attempts to meddle with real estate transactions and contracts, a renewed fight to redefine agricultural property further, and have an opportunity to participate in the formation of a prudent regulatory framework for Appraisal Management Companies (AMCs). It is absolutely crucial that we strive to take proactive stances on these and any other issues that are important to us, while continuing to be the voice for real estate in Colorado. Lastly, CAR would like to extend our deepest gratitude to Representative Ray Scott and Senator John Morse for sponsoring HB-1022. We are also extremely grateful to Senator Cheri Jahn and Representative Tom Massey for sponsoring SB-234. There are also many other legislators that deserve our heartfelt appreciation for their dedication to Colorado and REALTOR® interests. On behalf of REALTORS® across Colorado – Thank you!
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