Colorado Legislative Watch 2026: Employment & HR Trends to Follow - HR ALERTS

Colorado Legislative Watch 2026: Employment & HR Trends to Follow

Effective: N/A

Colorado continues to be an active state for employment-related legislation and rulemaking. While nothing below is law at this time, these are developments we are keeping an eye on due to their potential impact on employers.

Collective Bargaining Reform: HB26-1005 

Colorado lawmakers are considering changes to the state’s Labor Peace Act.

• What’s proposed: HB26-1005 would modify Colorado’s collective bargaining framework, potentially reducing barriers and altering union fee mandates.

• Why it matters: If passed, this could make union organizing and bargaining processes more impactful for employers and could shift labor relations dynamics in the state.

Workplace Safety Expansion: HB26-1054 

A new bill seeks to codify broader workplace safety duties:

• What’s proposed: HB26-1054 would require employers to ensure workplaces are largely free from recognized hazards, aligning state standards with the federal OSHA general duty clause. It also authorizes civil actions for violations.

• Why it matters: This could expand employer exposure and obligations around health and safety beyond existing OSHA compliance.

Workforce Development Initiatives: SB26-045 

While technical rather than strictly HR, this bill focuses on skills gaps:

• What’s proposed: SB26-045 would create a council to support workforce development in Colorado’s nuclear sector.

• Why it matters: Workforce planning and talent pipelines remain top concerns for employers amid tight labor markets

Older Worker Workforce Initiatives: HB26-1010  

• What’s proposed: HB26-1010 would direct state agencies and workforce boards to increase focus on participation, representation, and data related to workers age 60 and older.

• Why it matters: While this bill does not create direct employer obligations, it reflects a growing legislative focus on older worker engagement, retention, and workforce planning.

Earned-Wage Access Services: HB26-1046 

• What’s proposed: HB26-1046 would establish a regulatory framework for earned-wage access service providers, including licensing and consumer protection requirements.

• Why it matters: Although aimed at providers rather than employers, this bill could affect how earned-wage access tools (for example, platforms like DailyPay, Earnin, or Payactiv) are offered or integrated with employer payroll systems.

What This Means for Employers

At this time, no action is required. We are monitoring these developments and will continue to flag any changes that move forward or require employer attention.

As always, we will share updates if and when any proposals are enacted or advance in a way that impacts workplace policies or practices.

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