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Senate adopts Workers Protection Act after hours of debate and multiple failed amendments
Summary
After extended debate and a series of failed amendments focused on transparency, small‑business exemptions and reauthorization, the Colorado Senate passed House Bill 10‑05 — the Workers Protection Act — which removes a second, higher‑threshold union election and changes how union security provisions can be implemented.
The Colorado Senate adopted House Bill 10‑05, the Workers Protection Act, on April 30, 2026, after a prolonged debate and votes on several amendments. Senator Danielson moved the bill, saying it eliminates an 83‑year‑old barrier that forced workers to win a second election with a 75% threshold before unionization could proceed.
"This bill addresses that piece of the, 83 year old law and does away with that second unnecessary burdensome election when workers have chosen to form a union," Senator Danielson said, arguing the change will reduce lengthy periods when workers face harassment or retaliation.
Supporters, including Senator Judah, said the measure restores basic freedoms for workers and will help Coloradans gain better pay and workplace safety. "Colorado workers across industries are forced into a second union election that no other state requires," Senator Judah said, urging an aye vote.
Opponents raised concerns about potential costs for employers and effects on small businesses. Senator Carson, who said he was skeptical of repeat legislation, and Senator Liston, who argued rising labor costs strain small firms, both sponsored amendments intended to add transparency or carve out smaller employers. Senator Liston urged support for an amendment to exempt employers with fewer than 50 employees, saying small businesses are particularly vulnerable to rising labor costs.
Multiple amendments were offered and voted on during consideration of HB1005. Senator Rich moved amendment L009, which would have made it an unfair labor practice for an individual to seek employment with the intent to organize or to conceal union affiliation; that amendment failed. Additional amendments that would have required periodic reauthorization of union security agreements, exempted certain agricultural or small employers, or mandated expanded financial transparency for unions were debated and repeatedly defeated by recorded votes.
Senator Zamora Wilson and others proposed amendments tied to revenue thresholds or reapproval periods; those proposals did not pass. A separate amendment that would have allowed employees to opt out of representation and payment of union dues was also offered and lost.
Senators on both sides of the aisle pressed for safeguards and clarity. Senator Danielson cautioned that some amendments would reintroduce the very barriers the bill seeks to remove, while proponents of the amendments said they were narrow fixes to preserve choice or protect vulnerable sectors.
After the amendment sequence concluded, the Senate voted to adopt House Bill 10‑05. The final passage was announced from the floor; the bill was adopted and ordered enrolled.
The debate underscored the Senate's divisions over labor policy: supporters framed the bill as restoring straightforward rights for workers to organize, while opponents emphasized protecting small businesses, transparency and the need for safeguards against potential abuses. The Senate will transmit the enrolled bill per normal procedure.
