CO HB1235

Both plaintiffs and defendants gain the right to a jury trial in unlawful detainer (eviction) actions, with defendants who are tenants of public housing excluded from this right and tried by the court instead.

Personal service must be attempted at least once on two separate days before alternative service by posting is permitted, and detailed affidavits of service including date-and-time-stamped photographs must be filed with the court.

Trial dates must be set no sooner than 10 days after the answer is filed, and courts may continue trials when a party demands a jury trial.

Courts may require either party requesting a delay longer than 14 days to post bond or security upon showing of substantial likelihood of serious economic harm to the opposing party, with indigent parties entitled to waivers, reductions, or payment plans.

Appropriates $75,545 from the general fund to the judicial department for FY 2025-26, including 0.5 FTE for trial court programs; effective January 1, 2026.