A6B676390BE03FD6872583AD0066AD83 Hearing Summary

Representative Melton introduced House Bill 19-1096 concerning the creation of the Colorado Right to Rest Act.  The bill creates rights for homeless people, including the right to rest in public spaces, to shelter themselves from elements, to eat or accept food in a public space where food is not prohibited, to occupy a legally parked vehicle, and to have privacy of their property.  Discrimination based on housng status is prohibited.  Homeless persons in local government areas may be exempted from the basic right if a local government's waiting list for public housing contains fewer than 50 people for 3 consecutive months. The bill allows an appropriation from the marijuana tax cash fund to the Department of Local Affairs for local governments to reduce housing waiting lists.  A person whose rights have been violated may pursue a civil action for enforcement.  He noted that there may be a local government ballot initiative to deal with this issue.