Colorado 2025 Bills

Local Ordinances & State Employees

Senate Bill 26-193 clarifies that the state of Colorado is not subject to local minimum wage laws or licensing regulations meant for businesses. This means that when cities set their own rules about wages and business licenses, these don't apply to state employees or operations. The bill also requires a budget report by January 4, 2027, regarding state employee compensation for the next fiscal year. Since it has been signed into law, its provisions are now in effect.

Last action: 2026-05-06 · Senate

Update Workers' Compensation Statutes Allow Electronic Filing

Senate Bill 26-186 updates Colorado’s Workers' Compensation Act to allow for electronic filing and mailing of documents instead of just physical mail. This change helps modernize the process for workers and employers who need to file claims or other paperwork with the Division of Workers’ Compensation in the Department of Labor and Employment. The bill has been signed into law, meaning that it is now official and will be implemented as part of Colorado’s updated workers' compensation procedures.

Last action: 2026-05-01 · Senate

Automated Decision-Making Technology

Senate Bill 26-189 updates Colorado's laws on how automated decision-making technology (ADMT) is used in important areas like education and employment. It requires companies that develop or use this technology to provide clear information about how it works and its limitations when it affects people’s access to essential services. Starting January 1, 2027, consumers will have the right to request a human review if an ADMT decision negatively impacts them. The bill is now signed into law, meaning these requirements will be enforced starting from that date.

Last action: 2026-05-01 · Senate

Firefighter Cancer Benefits & Workers' Compensation

Senate Bill 26-184 updates Colorado’s Workers' Compensation Act to provide stronger benefits for firefighters who develop cancer or neurological conditions related to their work. The bill expands the types of cancers that are presumed to be job-related and makes it harder for employers to dispute these presumptions by requiring them to prove otherwise with clear and convincing evidence. However, state-employed firefighters are not covered under this new law. Since the bill has been signed into law, it is now official and will affect firefighter benefits going forward.

Last action: 2026-04-29 · Senate

Transportation Network Company Consumer Protection

HB 26-1424 is a Colorado bill that aims to protect consumers by requiring larger transportation network companies (TNCs) with over 1,500 drivers and at least 20,000 monthly rides to pay for criminal background checks for their drivers every six months. It also mandates these TNCs to create safety policies, provide regular training, and share information about deactivated drivers. The bill ensures that riders can opt into audio and video recordings of rides without being charged extra, and it prohibits TNCs from altering ratings or collecting biometric data without consent. This bill is now signed into law, meaning its provisions are enforceable and will impact how large-scale TNCs operate in Colorado.

Last action: 2026-04-27 · House

Adjust Experience Modification Factor in Workers' Compensation

Senate Bill 26-175 adjusts how employers' workers' compensation insurance costs are calculated based on past claims. If an insurance company reports a higher claim amount for an open case than previously stated and this change would lower the employer's experience modification factor by at least .05 or bring it below 1.0, the bill requires the employer to notify their insurer within 31 days of the rating effective date. The insurer must then adjust the premium costs accordingly. This affects employers who have workers' compensation insurance and could lead to lower premiums if claims are reassessed. Since the bill has been signed, it is now law and its provisions will be implemented as described.

Last action: 2026-04-21 · Senate

Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act Testing Entities

HB 26-1417, also known as the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act Testing Entities bill, expands the definition of "testing entity" to include any person, business, or government agency that offers exams or courses related to education, professional, or trade purposes. This means these entities must provide accommodations for individuals with disabilities, such as offering accessible testing locations or alternative arrangements, if those individuals meet the requirements for accommodation. The bill has been signed into law, meaning it is now enforceable and will affect anyone involved in administering exams or courses that lead to educational credentials, professional licenses, certifications, or trade qualifications in Colorado.

Last action: 2026-04-20 · House

Personal Protective Equipment & Meatpackers

Senate Bill 26-160, which has been signed into law, stops employers from deducting money from workers' pay for personal protective equipment (PPE). Additionally, it requires large meatpacking companies with at least 500 employees to provide their staff with easy access to restrooms. This means that if these big meatpacking firms don't comply, they can be fined by the state labor department. The law aims to protect workers' wages and improve workplace conditions for those in the meat industry.

Last action: 2026-04-10 · Senate

Optional Residential Construction Contractor Certification

House Bill 26-1415, which has been signed into law, introduces a voluntary certification program for residential construction contractors in Colorado. This program, managed by the Department of Law, allows contractors to apply for a certificate that costs up to $100 annually and aims to protect homeowners from incomplete or abandoned projects by ensuring contractors meet certain standards. The program is funded through fees collected from participating contractors and overseen by a board appointed by the attorney general. This means that residential construction contractors can now opt to get certified, which could enhance their credibility with clients while helping to safeguard homeowner interests against subpar work.

Last action: 2026-04-09 · House

Repeal Employment Support Job Retention Program

House Bill 26-1383 is a Colorado state bill that speeds up the end date for an employment support program by three years. The program, which helps people find and keep jobs through training and other services, was originally set to end in September 2029 but will now conclude on July 1, 2026. This means that any leftover funds from the program will be moved back into the general state budget by the end of June 2026. The bill has been signed and is now law, which means the changes it outlines are set to take effect as planned.

Last action: 2026-04-02 · House

Large Employer Worker Health-Care Support

HB 26-1327 is a Colorado bill that introduces a new fee for large employers (those with 500 or more employees) who do not provide affordable health coverage to their workers. The fee amounts to $2,300 per worker who qualifies for state medical assistance but isn't covered by employer-sponsored insurance. This money will be used to help cover the costs of healthcare benefits for these workers and to offer grants to employers that allow workers to buy into their health plans. Employers can avoid this fee if they provide affordable health coverage or meet certain exemption criteria like being a nonprofit, public entity, or having a collective bargaining agreement with health-care coverage. The bill has been signed into law, meaning it is now active and enforceable in Colorado. This means large employers will need to start preparing for the new requirements and fees as outlined by the legislation.

Last action: 2026-03-09 · House

Right to Be Out at Work

HB 26-1319, also known as the "Right to Be Out at Work" bill in Colorado, protects employees from discrimination based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. It stops employers from taking negative actions against workers who disclose this information and supports those advocating for others facing similar issues. The law requires businesses to respect an employee's chosen name and pronouns, ensures access to appropriate restrooms and changing facilities, and mandates training for all public employees on LGBTQ+ inclusivity. Signed into law, it will take effect on June 1, 2028, providing protections and support for LGBTQ+ individuals in the workplace.

Last action: 2026-03-04 · House

Retainage Surety Bond Construction Contracts

HB 26-1311 is a Colorado law that allows contractors to provide a bond instead of having money withheld from their construction contract payments as retainage. This applies if the contract is worth at least $150,000 and the contractor offers a bond meeting specific standards set by the law. The property owner must accept this bond in place of withholding funds. Subcontractors can also require contractors to provide similar bonds for their portion of the work. Since the bill has been signed into law, it is now enforceable and will affect construction contracts and workers involved in projects over $150,000.

Last action: 2026-03-02 · House

Family Medical Leave Insurance Duration Extensions

Senate Bill 26-127, also known as the Family Medical Leave Insurance Duration Extensions, updates Colorado’s family and medical leave insurance program. It extends paid leave by up to two additional weeks for those who lose a family member they were caring for while on leave, and it clarifies definitions related to newborn care in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). This bill affects individuals using the FAMLI program when their claims start from January 1, 2027. Since the status is "signed," this means the bill has been approved by both houses of the Colorado legislature and signed into law by the governor, making these changes effective in the future as specified.

Last action: 2026-02-25 · Senate

Overtime Threshold for Agricultural Employees

Senate Bill 26-121, which has been signed into law, requires agricultural employers in Colorado to pay overtime for any hours worked over 56 hours per week starting January 1, 2027. The bill also increases penalties for wage theft by agricultural employers and removes the state’s labor division's ability to create rules about overtime pay for these workers. This affects agricultural employees who work long hours and their employers. Since it has been signed, the law will go into effect as scheduled in 2027.

Last action: 2026-02-24 · Senate

Fuel Standards & Liability of Petroleum Storage Tank Fund

Senate Bill 26-122, which has been signed into law, changes the rules around how much money can be covered by a fund that deals with leaks and spills from underground storage tanks. Previously, this fund could cover up to $2 million for any single incident, but now it allows owners or operators of these tanks to get permission to have higher coverage limits if they need it. The bill also gives the director of oil and public safety more flexibility to make exceptions to certain fuel standards when necessary. This affects businesses that own underground or aboveground storage tanks for petroleum products and those involved in setting and enforcing fuel quality standards. Since the bill has been signed, these changes are now law and will impact how incidents involving leaks from storage tanks are handled financially and how fuel standards can be adjusted under specific circumstances.

Last action: 2026-02-24 · Senate

Transportation Network Company Maximum Percent Fare Retention

HB 26-1273 is a Colorado bill that limits how much ride-sharing companies like Uber and Lyft can take from each trip's earnings. They are not allowed to keep more than 20% of what passengers pay for the ride, excluding any extra charges like tolls or airport fees. This means drivers get to keep at least 80% of their earnings after these limits are applied. The bill also requires these companies to report annually on how they handle fees and payments, making it easier for drivers to understand where their money goes. Since the bill has been signed into law, ride-sharing drivers in Colorado will now have clearer guidelines about what portion of each fare is theirs to keep.

Last action: 2026-02-19 · House

Extreme Temperatures Worker Protections

HB 26-1272, also known as Extreme Temperatures Worker Protections, is a Colorado bill that aims to safeguard workers from extreme hot and cold temperatures. It requires employers to develop safety plans for their employees who work in such conditions by September 1, 2028, and mandates the Department of Labor and Employment to create guidelines and collect data on temperature-related injuries or illnesses starting January 15, 2027. The bill also calls for regular updates to these safety measures every five years. Since it has been signed into law, employers in Colorado will now need to implement these protections for their workers exposed to extreme temperatures.

Last action: 2026-02-19 · House

Prohibit Surveillance Price & Wage Setting

HB 26-1210, which has been signed into law in Colorado, prohibits businesses from using surveillance data to set prices for consumers or wages for workers through automated decision systems. This means companies can't use information like your online behavior or personal characteristics to determine how much you pay for a product or what wage you are offered. The law applies to private sector employees and consumers but not federal or state government workers. If a company violates this rule, the state attorney general or affected individuals can take legal action against them.

Last action: 2026-02-13 · House

Disclosure of Demographic Workforce Data

House Bill 26-1207 requires large private companies doing business in Colorado that employ at least 100 workers to report demographic workforce data, similar to the federal EEO-1 form, to the state's Secretary of State. This means these employers must provide information about their employees' race, gender, and other demographics, even if the federal government stops requiring it. The bill has been signed into law, so companies affected by this will now need to comply with these reporting requirements in Colorado.

Last action: 2026-02-12 · House

Exclusion of Newspaper Deliverers as Employees

Senate Bill 26-91 updates Colorado’s labor laws by excluding newspaper deliverers from being classified as employees under several key acts, including workers' compensation and paid family leave. This means that individuals who deliver newspapers will not be entitled to benefits like workers’ compensation or paid family leave insurance. The bill also clarifies how these deliverers should be treated as independent contractors rather than employees when it comes to wage laws. Since the bill has been signed into law, newspaper deliverers are now officially excluded from employee status under these acts in Colorado.

Last action: 2026-02-10 · Senate

Workers' Compensation Insurance Coverage Verification

Senate Bill 26-93, known as Workers' Compensation Insurance Coverage Verification, requires government entities like cities and counties to check that construction companies and their subcontractors have valid workers' compensation insurance before issuing permits or licenses. This means contractors must prove they either have insurance for their workers or have officially declined it. If a violation is found, the permit or license can be revoked. The bill has been signed into law, so now these checks are mandatory for construction projects over $1 million in Colorado.

Last action: 2026-02-10 · Senate

Create Legislative Leave Job Protection for General Assembly Members

Senate Bill 26-87 creates job protection for Colorado lawmakers who have jobs outside their legislative duties. Starting January 1, 2027 (or January 1, 2029 for those currently serving a four-year term), these lawmakers can take leave from their other jobs during legislative sessions without fear of losing their positions or facing termination. Their employers can choose whether the leave is paid, unpaid, or partially paid, and when they return, they must be reinstated to the same or an equivalent job. This bill has been signed into law, meaning it will go into effect as planned.

Last action: 2026-02-10 · Senate

Increase Agricultural Employee Overtime Protections

Senate Bill 26-81 increases overtime protections for agricultural workers in Colorado by ensuring they receive extra pay for working more than 40 hours a week, over 12 hours in one day, or working 12 consecutive hours without a break. This bill benefits farmworkers who often face long and demanding work schedules. Since the bill has been signed into law, it is now enforceable and will provide better compensation and protections for agricultural employees.

Last action: 2026-02-06 · Senate

Non-Employment Educational Opportunities Background Check Information

HB 26-1143, a Colorado bill that has been signed into law, stops organizations from asking individuals for their Social Security numbers when conducting background checks for educational programs that aren’t tied to employment. Instead, these organizations must accept an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number or a fingerprint-based background check if the program involves working with vulnerable populations like children or elderly people. This affects anyone applying for non-employment educational opportunities in fields such as healthcare. The law is now active and enforceable by the state's attorney general.

Last action: 2026-02-04 · House

Colorado Firefighter Safety Act Petition Elections

Senate Bill 26-47, also known as the Colorado Firefighter Safety Act Petition Elections bill, allows voters in local areas to petition for a ballot question that would require their city government to engage in collective bargaining with firefighters and extend safety protections under the Colorado Firefighter Safety Act. This means that if enough residents sign a petition, it can be put on any general or coordinated election ballot, giving voters the chance to decide whether these changes should happen. Since the bill has been signed into law, local governments now have to follow this new process for firefighter-related petitions.

Last action: 2026-01-27 · Senate

Coal Transition Community Investment

Senate Bill 26-52, known as the Coal Transition Community Investment Act, aims to help workers affected by the closure of coal mines and power plants. It requires businesses in these communities that are building or operating railroads, utilities, energy facilities, or advanced manufacturing plants to give hiring preference to former coal workers who meet job qualifications. The bill also allows public entities to invest money received from settlements related to coal closures into various financial instruments to support the affected communities. Since it has been signed into law, these provisions are now in effect and businesses must follow them when hiring and operating in designated areas.

Last action: 2026-01-27 · Senate

Nuclear Workforce Development & Education Program

Senate Bill 26-45 establishes a council at the Colorado School of Mines aimed at developing and expanding nuclear engineering education programs. The bill sets up a grant program for colleges and universities to create or enhance degree or certificate programs in nuclear engineering. It requires the council to work with various stakeholders, manage grants, and seek funding from donations and grants. However, the council can start awarding grants only once it has at least $500,000 in its fund. If this amount isn't reached by September 1, 2027, the council will be dissolved. The bill is now signed into law, meaning these provisions are officially enacted and will begin to take effect as specified.

Last action: 2026-01-27 · Senate

Availability of Emergency Medical Services

HB 26-1069, which has been signed into law, expands the definition of emergency medical services in Colorado. It now includes transportation to places other than hospitals and crisis stabilization units when clinically appropriate, as well as telemedicine options for emergencies. The bill also clarifies that first responders include mental health professionals and requires certain entities to be reimbursed by the state for providing these services starting January 1, 2027. This means more flexible and potentially less costly emergency care options will be available to patients who need them.

Last action: 2026-01-27 · House

Consumer Protections Medical Care Entities

Senate Bill 26-41 in Colorado updates rules for health care mergers and acquisitions. It allows the state attorney general to charge a fee of up to $5,000 when reviewing these transactions and requires hospitals involved in such deals to disclose information about their charitable missions and services. The bill also mandates that healthcare providers inform patients if they have financial ties with entities to which they refer patients for care. This bill is now signed into law, meaning its provisions are enforceable and will affect health-care entities and consumers in Colorado.

Last action: 2026-01-27 · Senate

Protections for Minors Featured in Digital Content

HB 26-1058, which has been signed into law and will take effect on June 1, 2027, aims to protect minors who are featured in compensated online content. It requires content creators earning at least $40,000 from such content over a year to set aside a portion of their earnings for the minor's trust fund until they turn 18 or become emancipated. Additionally, it allows adults and emancipated minors to request removal of their uniquely identifiable information within 72 hours if featured in online posts after the bill’s effective date. The law also prohibits profiting from producing or distributing sexually exploitative content involving minors and mandates online platforms to develop strategies to mitigate risks related to such content.

Last action: 2026-01-14 · House

Older Adult Support & Representation in Workforce

HB 26-1010, titled "Older Adult Support & Representation in Workforce," aims to boost participation and support for workers aged 55 years or older in Colorado. The bill requires various state entities like the workforce development council and departments of labor and human services to meet regularly, gather data, and work together on issues affecting older adults in the job market. It also mandates that these organizations include at least one member over 55 who advocates for older workers' interests. Since it has been signed into law, this bill is now active and its provisions are being implemented to help older Coloradans stay engaged in the workforce.

Last action: 2026-01-14 · House

Protections for Worker Safety

HB 26-1054, also known as Protections for Worker Safety, is a Colorado bill that requires employers to ensure their workplaces are safe and free from hazards. It allows the state's attorney general or labor department to take action if there are safety concerns and lets workers sue employers if these protections aren't met. Employers who violate this law can be fined and forced to pay damages. The bill has been signed into law, meaning it is now enforceable and will impact all employers in Colorado by setting stricter standards for workplace health and safety.

Last action: 2026-01-14 · House

Worker Protection Collective Bargaining

HB 26-1005, also known as the Worker Protection Collective Bargaining bill, updates Colorado’s Labor Peace Act. It ensures that workers have the right to negotiate collectively on all important issues and removes a requirement for a second vote when discussing union security agreements. The law also clarifies that it's not considered unfair if an employer or employee representative doesn't agree to a proposal as long as they've been negotiating in good faith. This bill has been signed into law, meaning its changes are now official and enforceable in Colorado.

Last action: 2026-01-14 · House