Committee backs consolidating small homelessness‑prevention grant into DOLA’s larger rental assistance programs
March 18, 2026 | 2026 Legislature CO, Colorado
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The Senate Local Government & Housing Committee voted 6–1 to advance House Bill 1192 to the Committee of the Whole. The bill removes a statutory requirement that the Homelessness Prevention Activities Program (HPAP) operate with a separate three‑member advisory committee and allows the Department of Local Affairs’ Division of Housing (DOLA) to integrate HPAP funds into its larger rental‑assistance and eviction‑prevention programs.
Why it matters: HPAP was created in 2016 and is funded in part by a voluntary income‑tax checkoff that typically provides $200,000–$300,000 annually. Testimony from DOLA staff said those sums now represent roughly 1% of DOLA’s prevention budget (which DOLA said totals more than $26 million annually), and that maintaining a standalone advisory committee and separate application process for a program that serves fewer than 100 households per year is administratively inefficient.
“Consolidating this program ensures that donor dollars reach families in need as quickly as possible,” said Neli Stagg, associate office director for DOLA’s Office of Homeless Initiatives. Stagg told the committee the tax checkoff box on state income tax returns will remain and that DOLA will continue to provide channels for citizen input through existing state housing boards and local partners.
Concerns and responses: Senator Bazely asked whether removing the advisory committee would reduce public‑at‑large participation in decisions about the small prevention fund. Stagg replied DOLA will continue to use its state housing board, review committees and local service providers to preserve public input and maintain oversight. Senator Rich asked specifically whether the tax checkoff would be eliminated; Stagg answered the checkoff would remain and funds would continue to support homelessness prevention.
Committee action: Senator Exum moved HB 1192 to the Committee of the Whole with a favorable recommendation; the clerk polled the committee and the motion passed 6–1, with one recorded dissent. The committee did not adopt any amendments.
Next steps: HB 1192 proceeds to the Committee of the Whole for further consideration. Sponsors described the bill as budget neutral and intended to reduce administrative duplication so assistance can be delivered more promptly to households at risk of homelessness.
Why it matters: HPAP was created in 2016 and is funded in part by a voluntary income‑tax checkoff that typically provides $200,000–$300,000 annually. Testimony from DOLA staff said those sums now represent roughly 1% of DOLA’s prevention budget (which DOLA said totals more than $26 million annually), and that maintaining a standalone advisory committee and separate application process for a program that serves fewer than 100 households per year is administratively inefficient.
“Consolidating this program ensures that donor dollars reach families in need as quickly as possible,” said Neli Stagg, associate office director for DOLA’s Office of Homeless Initiatives. Stagg told the committee the tax checkoff box on state income tax returns will remain and that DOLA will continue to provide channels for citizen input through existing state housing boards and local partners.
Concerns and responses: Senator Bazely asked whether removing the advisory committee would reduce public‑at‑large participation in decisions about the small prevention fund. Stagg replied DOLA will continue to use its state housing board, review committees and local service providers to preserve public input and maintain oversight. Senator Rich asked specifically whether the tax checkoff would be eliminated; Stagg answered the checkoff would remain and funds would continue to support homelessness prevention.
Committee action: Senator Exum moved HB 1192 to the Committee of the Whole with a favorable recommendation; the clerk polled the committee and the motion passed 6–1, with one recorded dissent. The committee did not adopt any amendments.
Next steps: HB 1192 proceeds to the Committee of the Whole for further consideration. Sponsors described the bill as budget neutral and intended to reduce administrative duplication so assistance can be delivered more promptly to households at risk of homelessness.
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