Bad Colorado Bill To Change Consumer Protection Law Revives Pushback From Business Groups
In yet another display of extreme radicalism, the liberal legislators of Colorado are once again pushing their agenda to loosen consumer protection laws under the guise of helping the average citizen.
Rep. Mike Weissman, Rep. Javier Mabrey, and Sen. Julie Gonzales, the tip of the liberal spear of the radical Democrat Colorado Left, have proposed a bill that would weaken the standard consumers must meet to successfully bring a Colorado Consumer Protection Act claim. It seems that under the current Democrat leadership, the Colorado nanny state is in full control.
The proposed bill, House Bill 24-1014, has earned praise from supporters who claim it strengthens the state's weak consumer protection law. However, it has raised alarm bells among business groups who warn of the costly consequences it would bring. The bill passed the House Judiciary Committee in a 7-4 vote on Wednesday.
Sponsors of the bill argue that a 25-year-old state supreme court decision has greatly limited the use of the Colorado Consumer Protection Act by requiring consumers to demonstrate that a deceptive trade practice harmed a significant number of consumers or had a significant public impact.
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HB 24-1014 seeks to eliminate this requirement and considers evidence of deceptive practices as evidence of a significant public impact.
Rep. Weissman defended the bill, claiming that Colorado is lagging behind other states in terms of consumer protection laws. He argued that the bill is a simple change that would align Colorado with the majority of states that do not have the same standard in their consumer protection acts.
Supporters of the bill argue that the significant public impact standard is nearly impossible for individual consumers to meet and hinders the original intent of the law. They claim that removing this requirement would benefit both individuals and businesses that have been deceived by other businesses. Additionally, proponents argue that deceptive trade practices disproportionately target marginalized communities and people of color, and the bill would provide better protection for these vulnerable groups.
However, numerous business groups have voiced their opposition to HB 24-1014, citing concerns raised during similar bills brought in the previous legislative session. They warn that adopting this bill would result in a flood of new claims and increase the cost of defending against lawsuits for businesses in multiple industries.
Opponents argue that comparing different state consumer protection laws is not a fair comparison, as states without a public impact test have other safeguards in place. They also point out that there are already remedies available for private claims from individuals and that an increase in claims would burden small businesses.
Furthermore, opponents of the bill argue that it could worsen the state's housing crisis by creating more vulnerability for builders and developers, particularly those who are already hesitant to build condos. They claim that the bill would have a negative impact on the housing market and lead to fewer homes for sale and more for rent.
Rep. Gabe Evans, a Republican, stated that Coloradans are seeking relief from the high cost of living and that HB 24-1014 would only exacerbate the problem. He emphasized the need to empower producers and provide more affordable housing, food, and daily goods, rather than burdening the economy with costly liability and litigation.
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While some lawmakers who voted in favor of moving the bill forward argue that it would not result in a surge of lawsuits, others believe that consumers should have a fair opportunity to bring claims and that a robust consumer protection law would strengthen the free market.
Despite the divided opinions, it is clear that the proposed bill is causing significant controversy and is yet another example of the radical left's attempt to impose their agenda on Colorado citizens. The potential consequences and costs associated with this bill cannot be ignored, and it is essential to consider the impact on businesses and the economy as a whole.
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