Four bills addressing worker rights, data privacy, and housing access were killed during Week 15 while nine budget package conference committees opened with authority to reshape state spending beyond the scope of differences the two chambers had already negotiated.
HB26-1319, the Right to Be Out at Work Act, was postponed indefinitely April 24 — the bill’s final day eligible for a hearing. It would have prohibited employers from penalizing employees for being open about their sexual orientation or gender identity in the workplace. No floor vote was recorded; the bill died in committee without reaching third reading.
HB26-1037, which would have barred state agencies from purchasing personal data about Colorado residents from third-party data brokers, was killed April 23 in House Judiciary. The bill’s death leaves Colorado without a statutory prohibition on the practice.
HB26-1300, which would have authorized health service districts to provide affordable housing services, was postponed indefinitely in Senate Local Government and Housing April 22.
HB26-1241, which would have required health insurance carriers to notify contracted providers of material changes to their contracts before those changes take effect, was postponed indefinitely in Senate Health and Human Services April 23.
On the House floor, HB26-1245 — which would have created civil and criminal remedies for contractors who steal from clients — failed third reading April 21 on a 27-37 vote, the week’s only floor defeat.
Nine Long Bill conference committees formed April 20 after the House voted not to concur in Senate amendments. Each was granted permission to go beyond the scope of differences between the chambers — a procedural move that gives conferees broad latitude before the April 28 deadline. The package includes the Long Bill itself, HB26-1410, along with eight companion measures covering cash fund transfers, capital construction, Medicaid, and other budget mechanisms.
SB26-140, which would have exempted certain specialty drugs from Prescription Drug Affordability Board review, was killed in House Health and Human Services April 23.
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