Bill to Watch: SB 185
No matter how you slice it, a bad idea is simply a bad idea.

Last year, legislators (some say unwittingly) approved HB 1390 in the final, frantic days of the legislative session. Supported by lobbyists from the financial industry, the bill purported to help low- to mid-income Coloradans with poor credit ratings by offering credit options that would ease their financial pressures. In fact, the legislation benefitted financial institutions more than consumers. Amid encouragement from CCLP and its partners after the session, Gov. John Hickenlooper ultimately vetoed HB 1390.

Fast forwarding one year later, lawmakers introduced Senate Bill 185, similar legislation with disastrous implications for Colorado consumers and hard-working families.

In a session that’s supposed to be about protecting the middle class, SB 185 would do exactly the opposite by raising the interest rates on what are called “supervised consumer loans” – leading to more unaffordable credit products that will hurt Coloradans who are already in dire financial straits.

Once again, CCLP will join its partners, notably The Bell Policy Center, in strongly opposing this harmful legislation that puts the interests of the financial industry before the public good.

On the radar
HB 1371 would let Coloradans directly deposit portions of their state income tax refunds into multiple accounts, helping families build wealth. CCLP supports the legislation, which was approved by the House Finance Committee earlier this week and will be considered by the House Appropriations Committee.

‘Ban the box’ bill moves forward
You probably heard that HB 1388 cleared its first hurdle in the House Judiciary Committee. Developed by CCLP and sponsored by Rep. Beth McCann, D-Denver, the bill prohibits private-sector employers from inquiring about criminal history in preliminary application forms. News coverage of this important bill appeared in CBS4, the Denver Business Journal and The Denver Post.

Next, HB 1388 goes to the House Appropriations Committee and will hopefully build more support on the way to the House and Senate floors.

Mark Your Calendar
Join CCLP’s staff and Sen. Pat Steadman for coffee, food, networking and analysis during our annual Legislative Wrap-Up Breakfast.

Our special guest, Sen. Steadman, will share his wisdom as a departing legislator and as a member of the Joint Budget Committee. We’ll also reflect upon the 2016 legislative session and look ahead at Colorado’s long-term challenges in health care and family economic security.

Space is limited, so please RSVP soon.