DENVER (June 5, 2025) – Following Governor Polis’ signature of HB 1300 into law, a bill which upends the state’s current effective workers’ compensation program, NFIB State Director Michael Smith issued the following statement:

“The Governor’s signature of HB 1300 is disappointing. By all measures, the current workers’ compensation program works for Colorado’s small business owners and their employees. Lawmakers’ decision to upend the current system in exchange for the provisions of HB 1300 will introduce unnecessary complexity for employees injured at work and drive-up costs for Main Street.

“We appreciate Governor Polis’ intention to create a working group to address his and the business community’s concerns with HB 1300 before it takes effect in 2028. NFIB Colorado will continue working with the Governor’s office and the Legislature to advance reforms that benefit both employers and the hardworking Coloradans they employ.”

Background:

In a letter to Governor Polis, Smith outlined small business owners’ objections to HB 1300, which included:

• Significantly increasing the number of doctors for a patient to choose from for their care to more than 1,000, up from four.
• Extending the current timeline to designate a physician which could unnecessarily disrupt the patient’s treatment and ability to effectively recover.
• Driving up costs on small businesses by roughly 2.5%, with the elimination of the insurance premium discount.

CLICK HERE to read the full letter.