WATCH: What to Expect from the Colorado Legislature in 2026

February 3, 2026

Protecting the Labor Peace Act, Right to Repair, and working to eliminate credit card swipe fees on sales tax are among Colorado small business owners’ top priorities

The Colorado General Assembly convened on January 14, 2026. NFIB State Director Michael Smith held a virtual event to preview what small business owners can expect from this legislative session and NFIB’s top priorities.

“I would love to get your feedback on any of these issues and how they impact your businesses,” Smith said. “When I’m talking to legislators and testifying at committees, it’s great to have personal stories from our members on how these legislative proposals would impact you and your operations. That’s very powerful.”

The full event may be viewed HERE and below.

Colorado Small Business Priorities

Eliminating Credit Card Swipe Fees on Sales Tax

Last year, NFIB strongly supported a bipartisan bill to exclude sales tax and tips from costly credit card swipe fees (also known as interchange fees). Credit card processing fees – which can cost between 1.5% and 3.5% of each transaction – exacerbate the financial strain of Main Street.

This year, NFIB will be supporting a similar bill to provide financial relief to Colorado’s small businesses.

Safeguarding the Right to Repair Law

On January 1, 2026, Colorado’s Right to Repair law went into effect. Passed a couple of years ago with the support of NFIB, the law would allow people to bring their electronics to anyone they choose to get repaired, as opposed to having to go to the authorized dealer or manufacturer.

Opponents want to introduce a bill this year that would eliminate ‘critical infrastructure’ from the Right to Repair law. NFIB will monitor that proposal and work with lawmakers to defend the existing Right to Repair legislation.

Protecting the Labor Peace Act

A bill has already been introduced to amend the Labor Peace Act and eliminate a second election requirement to form a union. Under current law, two elections are required to form a union. The first requires a simple majority, and the second requires a 75% threshold. The second election enables unions to establish dues for non-members. Last year, NFIB opposed this effort, and the Governor vetoed the bill.

NFIB will once again defend the Labor Peace Act and urge the Governor to veto any proposal that disrupts the balance between employers, employees, and labor union bosses.

Opposing Red Tape and Mandates

There are several anti-small business bills that we expect to be filed and re-filed from last year. One example is a proposal to essentially establish a state-level Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The Department of Labor would create and enforce rules with fines and penalties on businesses that fail to comply. NFIB will oppose, along with other industry groups.

Make your voice heard! Direct advocacy in Denver, along with the help of our members who actively reach out and voice their concerns with lawmakers, makes a big difference! Have questions or want to get more involved? Reach out to your Grassroots Manager, Kylie Barber.

Topics:

Competition

Economy

Labor

Regulations

Taxes

State:

Colorado

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