Senate passes bill removing Colorado's second-election labor safeguard

Senate Bill 5, which removes Colorado's requirement for a second election before mandatory union dues can be imposed, passed the Colorado Senate on Feb. 18, 2025, by a roll-call vote of 22 ayes, 12 no, 0 absent, 0 excused and 1 vacant.

The measure repealS the state's second-election step in the Colorado Labor Peace Act, a procedure supporters and some lawmakers described as an historic obstacle that made it harder for workers to complete union organizing. "Senate Bill 5 simply removes this second election," sponsor Senator Danielson said on the floor, arguing the second vote was unnecessary and functioned as a union-blocking mechanism.

Supporters: why they pushed the change Supporters, including Senator Danielson, said the second election requirement was unique, outdated and often served as a de facto barrier to workers who had already expressed support for union representation in a federally supervised first election. "This bill just removes that second election, which was put in place 81 years ago as a union-busting tactic," Danielson said, urging colleagues to approve the measure. Proponents said removing the second vote would let workers complete a single, federally supervised process and begin bargaining without further delay.

Opposition: concerns about compulsion and economic impact Opponents delivered extended floor speeches warning that SB5 would allow a simple majority to impose dues or maintenance fees on an entire workforce. Minority party members and several Republicans said the change would reduce worker protections and could increase costs for employers. "This bill does nothing more than put handcuffs on workers and businesses alike," Senator Frizzell said, arguing it would compel workers to fund representation they might oppose.

Several senators from rural and small-business districts said they had heard concerns from employers and employees in their communities. Senator Kirk Meyer noted the bill removes long-standing thresholds and questioned the timing, while Senator Catlin and others raised concerns about the potential effect on small restaurants and rural employers with few employees.

What the law changes and clarifying details - Current process: Under the Colorado Labor Peace Act, after a federal election establishing union support, some workplaces have had to clear a second state-level vote with a 75% threshold before certain dues or agency fees apply. - Effect of SB5: Eliminates the second, 75%-threshold election and relies on the initial federally supervised vote to begin certain collective-bargaining processes. (Clarified by Senator Danielson on the floor.) - Sponsor's stated intent: Speed and completion of the organizing process for workers who already won a federal election.

Formal action - Motion: Senator Danielson moved Senate Bill 5 on third reading and final passage. - Vote: 22 ayes, 12 no, 0 absent, 0 excused, 1 vacant; outcome: passed. - Named no votes recorded in the transcript where read aloud included: Senator Simpson, Senator Frizzell, Senator Catlin, Senator Kirk Meyer, Senator Carson, Senator Pelton R, and Senator Lisonbee. (Transcript shows the roll call names read aloud; the official roll contains 12 no votes.)

Why this matters Lawmakers framed the vote as a choice about whether Colorado should maintain a unique, state-level hurdle in organizing or align the process with the federal election outcome. Supporters said the change advances worker access to collective bargaining; opponents warned it creates financial compulsion for nonmembers and risks economic harm for small employers.

What happens next The bill was passed by the Senate on final reading and, per the legislative process, will proceed to the next steps required for enactment. The text and any implementing guidance will determine how the change is applied in specific sectors and workplaces.

Speakers quoted in this report are identified in the official Senate transcript.