Bill Prohibiting HOAs from Restricting Energy Efficiency Measures Passes House

Today, the House passed House Bill 1270 by a bi-partisan vote of 45 to 20.  That bill, sponsored by State Representative Andy Kerr (D-Lakewood), prohibits HOAs from restricting energy efficiency measures.  In so doing, the bill encourages homeowners to invest in technologies to go green, help lower their utility bills and encourage small businesses that produce renewable and efficiency technologies.

“This bill empowers thousands of Coloradans to maintain energy efficient homes,” said Rep. Kerr.  “I’m proud to be helping homeowners do the patriotic thing and ‘go green.’” 

The bill extends an existing law that bars HOAs from limiting the use of solar devices.  The bill includes other energy efficiency measures, including wind-electric generators, shade structures such as awnings, shutters, attic fans and swamp coolers, and retractable clotheslines. 

“I’ve talked to citizen after citizen and many have told me their HOAs resist their efforts to make their homes more efficient,” continued Kerr.  “We know that even taking simple measures – like installing shutters to block the sun in the summer and storm windows to keep out the cold during winter – can pay huge dividends.  This bill will help Coloradans do just that without bureaucracy getting in the way.”

HB 1270 now moves to the Senate for further debate.

-- Posted by staff