Colorado Legislature Kills SB 20-138 – A Bill to Extend Colorado’s Statute of Repose

As previously reported, SB 20-138, “Concerning Increased Consumer Protection for Homeowners Seeking Relief for Construction Defects,” would have extended the Colorado statute of repose applicable to construction defect claims.  Senate Bill 20-138, if enacted, would have:

1. Extended Colorado’s statute of repose for construction defects from 6+2 years to 10+2 years;
2. Required tolling of the statute of repose until the claimant discovers not only the physical manifestation of a construction defect, but also its cause; and
3. Permitted statutory and equitable tolling of the statute of repose.

Now that the legislature is back in session, it will be a shortened session because of Covid-19 and, other than dealing with budget shortfalls, it seems like any bills that are not free, fast, and easy to pass will likely die in this year’s session.  Perhaps in line with this thinking, Senator Robert Rodriguez, opted to kill Senate Bill 20-138.  On second reading in the Senate on May 28^th, the bill was laid over until December 31^st, effectively killing the bill.  While the battle may be over for this year, rest assured it will be back in the future as plaintiffs’ attorneys seek to attach recent construction defect reforms. 

For additional information regarding SB 138, or construction litigation in Colorado, you can reach out to Dave McLain by telephone at (303) 987-9813 or by e-mail at mclain@hhmrlaw.com.