Legislation to Support First Responders Through Affordable Housing Opportunities Clears Senate

DENVER, CO – Today the Senate approved Senator Kyle Mullica’s, D-Thornton, bipartisan legislation to support first responders and help them afford to live in the communities where they serve.

SB26-053, cosponsored by Senator Barbara Kirkmeyer, R-Weld County, would expand eligibility for mortgage loans through the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) to include peace officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, correctional officers, 911 operators, and their families who qualify as low- or moderate-income. 

“This bill is about taking care of those who take care of us,” said Mullica. “By expanding eligibility for Colorado Housing and Finance Authority’s mortgage loans to first responders, we can help ensure that the folks who protect our communities can actually afford to live in the communities where they serve. When we have an opportunity to take care of our first responders, we should jump at that opportunity.”

The bill would implement an income cap of 110 percent of the CHFA cap on other programs. CHFA’s home mortgage program offers access to fixed-rate mortgage loans for low- and moderate-income Coloradans. They also provide homeowner education and down payment assistance to support working families as they live, work, and thrive in their communities.

SB26-053 now moves to the House for further consideration. Track its progress here.