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Arvada Chamber Position: Oppose

This bill expands consumer protection laws by making price gouging on necessities an unfair and unconscionable act, even outside of a declared disaster. It establishes a presumption that increasing the price of a necessity by 10% or more above the average price from the previous 90 days constitutes price gouging.

The bill defines “necessities” broadly as goods or services essential to health, safety, and welfare. This expansion increases regulatory oversight on pricing practices and could impact businesses selling essential goods and services.

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Arvada Chamber Position: Amend

House Bill 25-1090, titled “Protections Against Deceptive Pricing Practices,” aims to enhance transparency in pricing for consumers in Colorado. The bill mandates that businesses disclose the total price of goods, services, or property upfront, excluding government and shipping charges. It prohibits misrepresentation of pricing information and requires clear disclosure of any additional charges not included in the total price. Specific provisions address landlords, forbidding them from imposing certain undisclosed fees on tenants. Exemptions are provided for food and beverage establishments that transparently disclose mandatory service charges distributed exclusively to non-managerial staff, and for entities compliant with applicable federal pricing transparency laws.

Violations are considered deceptive trade practices, allowing aggrieved individuals to seek civil remedies, including treble damages or statutory damages ranging from $100 to $1,000 per violation. The bill was introduced in the 2025 Regular Session and has progressed through initial legislative stages.

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Arvada Chamber Position: Oppose

House Bill 25-1119 requires businesses operating in Colorado with annual revenues over $1 billion to publicly disclose their greenhouse gas emissions. Reporting for direct (Scope 1) and indirect (Scope 2) emissions begins on January 1, 2028, while reporting for value chain (Scope 3) emissions starts on January 1, 2029. Disclosures must be independently verified by third-party auditors. Noncompliance may result in civil penalties up to $100,000 per day, enforceable by district attorneys or the attorney general.

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Arvada Chamber Position: Support

House Bill 25-1157 proposes to extend the Advanced Industry Investment Tax Credit in Colorado through December 31, 2031. This credit, previously set to expire on December 31, 2026, offers tax incentives to qualified investors who invest in small businesses within advanced industries. Starting January 1, 2028, the bill expands eligibility to include investments in small manufacturing businesses that are scalable, capital-intensive, and contribute to the local economy by distributing products outside Colorado. Additionally, the bill revises the definitions of “qualified investment” and “qualified investor,” removing certain ownership restrictions and clarifying eligibility criteria. The Colorado Office of Economic Development will continue to administer the credit, with the authority to certify qualified small businesses until October 1, 2031.

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Arvada Chamber Position: Oppose

Senate Bill 25-005 proposes eliminating the requirement for a second election to negotiate a union security agreement clause during collective bargaining. Currently, after employees vote to unionize, a second vote with 75% approval is needed to include a union security clause, which mandates all employees contribute to union costs. This bill removes that second election, allowing union security clauses to be negotiated after the initial unionization vote. The bill also reduces the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment’s budget by $20,246 for fiscal year 2025-26, reflecting decreased administrative duties.

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Arvada Chamber Position: Support

Senate Bill 25-069 proposes the creation of a permit system managed by the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), allowing authorized individuals or entities to install or remove tire chains or alternative traction devices for a fee at designated locations. The bill aims to enhance safety and efficiency during winter conditions on Colorado highways. CDOT is tasked with establishing rules for permit issuance, including qualifications, safety protocols, and ensuring that no monopolies form at specific locations. Additionally, rental car companies would be required to inform renters about chain law requirements and associated penalties.

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Arvada Chamber Position: Monitor

Senate Bill 25-083, titled “Limitations on Restrictive Employment Agreements,” seeks to modify existing laws regarding non-compete and non-solicitation agreements in Colorado. The bill specifically excludes from the highly compensated worker exemption any non-compete agreements that restrict the practice of medicine, advanced practice registered nursing, or dentistry within the state. Additionally, it prohibits covenants that prevent healthcare providers from informing patients about their continued practice, new contact information, or the patients’ right to choose a medical provider. The bill was introduced in the 2025 Regular Session and is currently assigned to the Business, Labor, & Technology committee.