Very few bills become law without being amended.

Most often, the amendments reflect a compromise.

Last year, I introduced legislation to protect people who enter into Rent-to-own contracts, often on property with serious code violations.

The realtors opposed it, and I knew the bill was dead after they testified against it.

This time, I introduced a scaled down version, House Bill 1257; met with the realtors; and after the bill hearing, asked them to meet with the Attorney General’s Office.

I received their consensus amendments today.

As a subcommittee chair, I frequently ask the opposing parties to see if they can find common ground.

Sometimes, my presence in the room is needed to resolve the remaining differences.