Colorado

Colorado lawmakers revive renter and eviction protections while adapting to political realities

Published

10 months ago

February 12, 2024

Colorado lawmakers revive renter and eviction protections while adapting to political realities

As the clock neared midnight on the penultimate day of last year’s legislative session, a core piece of progressive housing policy sputtered toward a bitter, procedural end.

The bill would have granted “just-cause” eviction protections to Colorado renters, essentially giving them the ability to renew an expiring lease even if their landlord wanted to move them out. The measure had cleared the House but then languished in the Senate amid opposition from moderate Democrats.

As the bill’s House sponsors watched through the glass in the Senate lobby, the clock ran out, and the measure died.

Nine months and more than 35,000 Colorado eviction filings later, the bill is back — albeit in a more limited form. Now dubbed “for-cause” eviction after undergoing changes, the revamped measure joins a half-dozen other proposals that seek to preserve affordable housing and keep renters in place. They also aim to realign the relationship between tenants and landlords in an era of record evictions.

The bill’s new version is sponsors’ acknowledgment of the complicated politics of housing policy, even in a legislature largely under one-party control.

“We are trying to make sure there’s a critical mass of us here in both chambers who are trying to make sure that renters aren’t left out of the conversation,” said Rep. Javier Mabrey, a Denver Democrat and eviction defense attorney who’s sponsoring the for-cause eviction bill. “When we hear the conversation about housing, a lot of it is about property tax cuts. A lot of it is about building more. But people who are renting right now need relief.”

The for-cause bill generally would require that landlords have cause, such as failure to pay rent, before evicting a tenant. As with last year’s version, the bill still would require that tenants be given first choice to renew their leases, but it no longer would require landlords to offer a new lease that’s substantially similar to the expiring one.

The revised bill also would give landlords a handful of exemptions — for instance, if a landlord was trying to move into the property or significantly renovate it. Last year’s bill was more restrictive on landlords, prompting concern it could protect “problem” tenants. The Colorado Apartment Association opposed it.

Other bills seek to limit eviction court fees, to ban software that uses algorithms to set rents and to improve local governments’ ability to retain affordable housing.

The package comes amid a parallel and similarly renewed push by Gov. Jared Polis to reform the state’s approach to land use.

The death of several housing bills last year sparked criticism that the legislature hadn’t done enough to help tenants, despite sizable Democratic majorities. Several legislators note that the crisis has only worsened: Eviction filings continue to surge in Colorado, hitting record levels in Denver last year.

Seeking help for rent-burdened residents

Nationally, a record high 22.4 million renter households — half of renters nationwide — spent more than 30% of their income on rent in 2022, according to new research from the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University.

State lawmakers’ scramble to blunt the impact of this year’s property tax increases helped fuel the desire by Democrats to direct relief to tenants, too.

After Proposition HH’s defeat by voters in November, a special session saw the passage not only of property tax relief bills but also of a measure to flatten the state’s tax refunds, providing $800 to each income-tax filer. That move predominantly helps lower- and middle-income earners.

The legislature also passed a special session bill that directed $30 million to the state’s rental assistance program for tenants facing eviction. That money, which must be spent by June 30, has still not begun to flow but state officials expect that to happen this week.

Another bill that had been discussed ahead of the special session was introduced this week. It would give tax credits to single renters who make up to $75,000 and to couples who file taxes jointly and make up to $150,000.

The credits — up to $1,000 for singles and $2,000 for couples — would decrease as income rises toward those limits.

State Rep. Monica Duran talks during a press conference calling for the passage of a for-cause eviction bill, which would offer more protections to tenants, at the Colorado State Capitol in Denver on Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)

Legislators said they learned lessons from last year’s losses and from the broader debate about how to address Colorado’s housing crisis.

They didn’t revive another defunct bill that would have allowed local governments to enact rent-control policies. Instead advocates and legislators are aiming to consolidate their efforts, increasing the odds of achieving a win on another landmark policy that’s closer in reach.

Limiting the for-cause measure was “a hard pill to swallow for our members,” said Carmen Medrano, the executive director of United for a New Economy. But “it was something we decided to do because the substance of the rest of the bill can be life-changing for our grassroots members.”

The new for-cause bill largely nixes a contentious requirement that would have forced landlords to pay relocation fees to tenants who are displaced. That change may help smooth some moderates’ ruffled feathers.

Another lesson? Some policies take years to achieve, legislators said, and require shifts in strategy and scope.

“The eviction crisis and the housing crisis continue to plague us, so we have to act,” said Sen. Julie Gonzales, a Denver Democrat who’s sponsoring the for-cause bill, plus a second measure to bolster regulations around the habitability of apartments.

“For-cause is a different bill than it was last year because we listened to feedback from stakeholders,” she said. “I still think it will be a meaningful policy, should the governor sign that bill into law.”

Asked about his position on the for-cause bill in January, Polis didn’t directly respond. He said only that he would support bills that lower the cost of housing while being skeptical of anything that does the opposite.

Some bills likely to be more contentious than others

Other bills are less controversial or have support from both Democrats and Republicans. Those include a bipartisan measure to eliminate the fee that tenants pay when they respond to an eviction filing.

But some legislation is still likely to be contentious. The revamped for-cause bill remains a top concern for Republicans, not to mention the Apartment Association and its allies. Another bill, which would prohibit rent-setting software that tenants’ groups have argued is used to fix prices in the market, also will likely trigger opposition.

Republicans and property owners alike have accused Democrats of over-meddling in the rental market, arguing increased regulation risks driving up costs and pushing landlords out. Democrats argue that renters, whipsawed by rent increases and dwindling units available to lower-income people, need direct help.

“I’m still going to ask the question that I think we were asking last year: What problem are we trying to solve?” said Rep. Lisa Frizell, a Castle Rock Republican. “Are we trying to legislate a few bad actors in this space when it comes to landlords, or are we trying to create a labyrinth of rules that landlords and tenants are going to have to navigate?”

Last year, it was infighting among Democrats that hampered both progressive and moderate bills. Those dynamics appear to have softened this time around: House Majority Leader Monica Duran has joined Mabrey as a co-sponsor on the for-cause bill, and Speaker Julie McCluskie — who voted against the bill last year — called it “a significant priority for our caucus” at a news conference last month.

Across the aisle, Frizell called out another bill that’s back for a redo this year: a measure that would grant local governments a right of first refusal to buy for-sale apartment buildings. The bill squeaked out of the legislature in May, only to be vetoed by Polis a few weeks later.

The bill, now revised, would limit local governments’ first-refusal purchase right to only subsidized housing units. Local officials would be able to step in and buy an apartment building that was funded with specific federal tax credits, for instance, before it was sold to a private buyer.

But for regular market-rate units, the bill would give local governments only the right to submit a first offer.

“Sometimes you take a big swing and try to get the policy through that you want, and then you adapt to make sure it passes,” said Rep. Andy Boesenecker, the Fort Collins Democrat sponsoring the bill. “That’s our goal this year.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Colorado

Big 12 madness: No. 14 BYU and No. 16 Colorado both lose to create potential four-way tie for first

Published

3 hours ago

November 23, 2024

Press Room

Big 12 madness: No. 14 BYU and No. 16 Colorado both lose to create potential four-way tie for first

Deion Sanders and Colorado lost their third game of the season on Saturday. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images)

We could be headed for a four-way tie atop the Big 12 entering the final week of the regular season.

No. 16 Colorado lost 37-21 at Kansas on Saturday while No. 14 BYU lost 28-23 at No. 21 Arizona State in an absolutely chaotic finish.

The Buffaloes’ defense was gashed by Kansas RB Devin Neal. The senior who grew up not far from the University of Kansas campus had 287 total yards and four touchdowns as Colorado’s defense gave up big play after big play.

BYU scored 20 points in the second half but its comeback attempt was foiled with 1:04 to go when Jake Retzlaff’s overthrown pass was intercepted by Javan Robinson. The defensive back returned the ball 64 yards before he was tackled inside the BYU 10-yard line to seal the game. Or so we thought.

Instead of trying to score the TD and get a two-score lead, Arizona State inexplicably tried to run the clock out. Sam Leavitt’s pass to try to end the game landed in the stands with one second to go. That gave BYU a Hail Mary attempt from its own 44 yard-line because Leavitt ran backward on second down to burn time.

The final play was delayed over 10 minutes because of a replay review and because the field needed to be cleared of the students who rushed it thinking the game was over.

And BYU almost pulled off the miracle win once the field was clear. Chase Roberts caught Retzlaff’s pass, but he was tackled short of the end zone.

Colorado and BYU entered Week 13 tied atop the Big 12 at 6-1 in the conference while Arizona State and Iowa State were at 5-2. If the Cyclones win against Utah on Saturday night, all four teams will be tied at 6-2.

Kansas makes history

The Jayhawks improved to 5-6 overall (3-5 Big 12) with the win and set an FBS first. Thanks to wins over Iowa State and BYU over the previous two weeks, Kansas is the first school to ever beat three consecutive ranked teams while having a losing record.

Neal had 37 carries for 207 yards as Kansas rushed the ball 57 times for 331 yards. Colorado can be vulnerable to opponents’ run games and the Buffs can’t run the ball themselves. Colorado rushed 13 times for 42 yards.

Kansas’ run game allowed it to control the ball against the Buffaloes. Kansas had the ball for over 40 minutes as Colorado ran just 42 plays to Kansas’ 58.

Travis Hunter didn’t do anything to ruin his great chances at the Heisman in the loss. Hunter had eight catches for 125 yards and two touchdowns while also playing on defense.

Who has the advantage to make the Big 12 title game?

Arizona State has the best chance of anyone to make the Big 12 title game. The Sun Devils are in with a win over Arizona in Week 14.

Colorado, meanwhile, needs help if there’s a four-way tie at 7-2 and Iowa State beats both Utah and Kansas State in its final two games.

If all four teams end up tied atop the conference, the first tiebreaker would be against their common opponents of UCF, Kansas, Kansas State and Utah. Colorado is cooked in that tiebreaker with losses to the Jayhawks and Wildcats. ASU is 4-0 against those teams and Iowa State and BYU would be 3-1.

After that tiebreaker, it would progress to the winning percentage of conference opponents. In that tiebreaker, Iowa State currently has the edge.

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Colorado

College football live scores, games, updates: Indiana at Ohio State, Colorado at Kansas and more

Published

11 hours ago

November 23, 2024

Press Room

College football live scores, games, updates: Indiana at Ohio State, Colorado at Kansas and more

The penultimate week of the 2024 regular season is here.

The weekend features three games between ranked teams, including two monster matchups that pit a traditional power program against a surprising contender. All eyes will be on these David vs. Goliath matchups and more.

Here’s what we’re following on Saturday. (All times are Eastern and all odds are from BetMGM.)

Time: Noon | TV: Fox | Line: Ohio State -13.5 | Total: 51.5

The College Football Playoff discussion has been unfairly dominated by Indiana’s weak strength of schedule, so here’s the Hoosiers’ chance to prove their 10-0 record is no fluke. Indiana is powered by an efficient passing offense led by fringe Heisman contender Kurtis Rourke and a defense that’s forcing nearly two turnovers per game. Indiana will have to contend with a Buckeyes team that’s giving up the fewest points per game of any team in college football.

Time: 3:30 p.m. | TV: Fox | Line: Colorado -3 | Total: 59.5

The Buffaloes are two wins from clinching a spot in the Big 12 title game, but the first test will be a Kansas team that just ended BYU’s perfect season. Colorado has scored at least 34 points in each of those wins as Shedeur Sanders is playing like one of the best quarterbacks in the country. Kansas (4-6) isn’t far from having a winning record as the team has lost five games by one possession.

Time: 3:30 p.m. | TV: ESPN | Line: Arizona State -3 | Total: 48.5

It’s time to start paying attention to Arizona State, which has fought its way into the Big 12 title picture thanks to an offense led by RB Cam Skattebo and his 1,500-plus all-purpose yards and 13 touchdowns. BYU can still make the conference title game with two more wins despite last week’s loss to Kansas. The loser of this game is on the outside looking in.

Time: 7 p.m. | TV: NBC | Line: Notre Dame -14.5 | Total: 44.5

How long can Army (9-0) keep its magical season going against Notre Dame at Yankee Stadium? The Black Knights’ triple-option offense is not built to post a quick comeback, but they’ve given up just 10 points per game this season, albeit against a manageable schedule. Notre Dame isn’t far behind, giving up 11.4 ppg. This game is likely a playoff eliminator, so the stakes are sky high.

Time: 7:30 p.m. | TV: ESPN | Line: Texas A&M -2.5 | Total: 46.5

The Tigers are 1-5 in the SEC this season and need to beat both Texas A&M and Alabama to make a bowl game. A&M is tied with Texas atop the SEC and needs the win to make next week’s rivalry game a semifinal for the SEC title game. Can Auburn play the spoiler?

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Children victimized in Northern Colorado after convicted sex offender allegedly commits disgusting act of food tampering

Published

19 hours ago

November 23, 2024

Press Room

Children victimized in Northern Colorado after convicted sex offender allegedly commits disgusting act of food tampering

A convicted sex offender who allegedly contaminated cupcakes for a child’s birthday party with his bodily fluids will remain behind bars through at least Dec. 20. Stephen Masalta is accused of masturbating in a Fort Collins Safeway grocery store, contaminating cupcakes, fruits, donuts and frosting at his former place of employment.

Masalta was first arrested by Fort Collins Police Services in early 2024 after the department spent months trying to find him. Police responded to dozens of reports of a short man exposing himself outside of coffee shops in Fort Collins and Loveland at early morning hours. The man was regularly described as being short, either White or Asian, wearing a mask and dark clothing.

After months of investigations, FCPS identified and arrested Masalta.

According to documents obtained by CBS News Colorado’s Dillon Thomas, police located many concerning pieces of evidence at Masalta’s property during a search warrant. That included clothing matching descriptions of the suspect at the coffee shops, several phones and hard drives with explicit content on them and a car that contained contents like binoculars. Police reported that they ran a black light through his vehicle and found the driver seat was covered in bodily fluid.

Police also reportedly found images on Masalta’s electronics that they believed to be both clothed and exposed photos of women who police did not believe were aware they were being photographed. Police said Masalta had taken notes about the sexual acts he wanted to do to the women and had even drawn sexual images over some of the photos.

However, potentially of greatest concern to some, police said they located videos of Masalta allegedly contaminating food items at Safeway off of Harmony Road in southern Fort Collins.

Police described videos of a man, who they presented as Masalta, touching pastries and other baked goods at Safeway with his genitals.

Police also said they saw videos of Masalta releasing bodily fluids onto fresh fruit, a bucket of pastry frosting and even onto a custom order of cupcakes. Fort Collins police said they were able to tell based from the video that the cupcakes were clearly decorated for a child’s birthday and even still had the customer’s order form taped to them.

Those cupcakes were then served at a child’s birthday party.

The parent of two of the children attending the party, ages 2 and 5, agreed to share their traumatic story exclusively with Thomas. However, because her children were victims of a sex crime, CBS News Colorado agreed to not share her identity.

“When police first come to your door, what goes through your head?” Thomas asked.

“I thought my husband was hurt,” she said.

While she was fortunate that her husband was okay, she would quickly learn her young children had been victimized.

“They asked me if my children, and or my husband and I, had eaten cupcakes that were served there,” she said.

“Could you have ever fathomed what they were about to tell you?” Thomas asked.

“No. I don’t think anybody could have ever imagined this,” she said.

Detectives then told her that they had confirmed the cupcakes her family consumed were the cupcakes seen in the videos allegedly found on Masalta’s devices.

Police said Masalta was employed at the Safeway at the time. Officers reportedly went to the bakery department and were able to confirm that the room the videos were recorded in was also in the Harmony Safeway.

“When you found out it wasn’t just you and your trust violated, but it was your children as well, what was that like?” Thomas asked.

CBS Colorado’s Dillon Thomas interviews the parent of children who attended the party.

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“Luckily, they are so young that we haven’t communicated any of this to them. But, we as a family had to go get HIV and STD testing,” she said. “All the joy that comes with a birthday and cupcakes and all the amazing celebrations that happen with that kind of thing is now, in my mind, always associated with that. And, watching them enjoy those things is not the same anymore.”

Masalta, a registered sex offender, was previously arrested in California for placing video recording devices inside church bathrooms to see girls and women using toilets.

The woman Thomas spoke with said Masalta’s alleged actions in Colorado have tarnished her ability to enjoy everyday life. She noted she has to drive by the Safeway in question twice daily. She also said, when she goes to grocery stores now, she can’t see the bakery section as normally as she once could.

“You should be able to go to a kid’s birthday party and not worry about eating cupcakes,” she said.

After being arrested by FCPS, Masalta’s defense attorney and the prosecution reached a plea agreement. In exchange for a guilty plea, Masalta would’ve been sentenced to 364 days in jail with credit for time served. He would also have to undergo 10 years of intensive sexual offender probation supervision. The deal also had other financial stipulations. However, due to spending most of 2024 in jail, Masalta was nearly released to community corrections after the agreement would have been processed through sentencing by a judge.

However, Masalta was not accepted into community corrections, also known as a halfway house. The plea agreement was then voided, as acceptance into community corrections was listed as a deal breaker for the agreement which Masalta had already signed.

The woman CBS News Colorado interviewed was one of just several victims of Masalta’s alleged actions that told Thomas they felt the initial plea was poorly constructed.

“According to the documents we obtained, he was convicted of sex crimes in California. He is accused of exposing himself at coffee shops. He is accused of contaminating food your children ate. What was you response when you saw the plea agreement he was offered?” Thomas asked.

“Disappointment,” she said. “I don’t think what they have done is enough in my opinion,” she said. “In our opinion the harsh end of the spectrum should be given with the pattern and reach of these crimes.”

A Larimer County judge rescheduled sentencing for Dec. 20, giving several weeks for Masalta and the prosecution to potentially iron out a new plea agreement. It is also possible that the case could now more forward toward trial.

District Attorney Gordon McLaughlin’s office said they were unable to conduct an interview for this report due to the case remaining open as of Friday. However, they issued the following statement.

“As we’ve stated in previous hearings of this case, the law is completely inadequate to account for the nature of these incidents. We are constrained by the law and the required concurrent sentencing of most of these counts, and our goal remains to piece together the greatest level of accountability possible for the community. We are committed to doing everything we can to deter this type of behavior and get justice for these victims who are rightfully traumatized.”

The woman CBS News Colorado spoke with said her family is hoping the plea agreement falling through will result in Masalta being convicted and sentenced to extended time in prison.

“Has this changed how you see and experience life forever?” Thomas asked.

“It does. It is so upsetting,” she said as she wiped away tears. “I hope someday I will be able to move forward and not have that happen. I feel very upset that that has been something that has been taken from us.”

Dillon Thomas

Dillon Thomas is multi-Emmy Award winning general assignment reporter/MSJ for CBS News Colorado. Read his latest reports or check out his bio and send him an email.

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