Bill To Protect Families From Unfair Filings Passes Committee

HB20-1009 prevents eviction filings from hindering housing opportunities

Denver, CO – Today the Senate Judiciary passed HB20-1009: Suppressing Court Records Of Eviction Proceedings, which protects Coloradans from unfair reports being listed on their records. 

The word "eviction" strikes immediate fear in renters and tenants, who are already struggling to keep up with skyrocketing housing costs. From 2014 to 2017, Denver rents increased more than 22%, and surrounding cities weren't immune to these steep increases. The bill requires a court to suppress court records and filings related to any eviction proceedings unless the case results in an eviction.

"An eviction filing is not an eviction, and for these filings to come up and prevent people from accessing housing is unfair," said Sen. Faith Winter."Let's not have a filing, in which people are found innocent, hinder them from future housing options and success."

Filings like these — that never result in an eviction — leave families susceptible to housing discrimination. Four Colorado municipalities, Aurora, Colorado Springs, Westminster and Lakewood, have the unfortunate distinction of being listed in the top 100 cities in eviction rates and saw rates higher than the national average. This bill ensures that tenants and families aren't forced to contend with unnecessary hurdles.

The bill passed Senate Judiciary unanimously and now moves to the committee of the whole. Learn more here.