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DENVER – The Colorado Chamber of Commerce today applauded Gov. Jared Polis for issuing a veto of House Bill 1005, which would have overhauled Colorado’s longstanding labor laws and made it easier for unions to require mandatory dues deductions on all employee paychecks. Chamber President and CEO Loren Furman released the following statement:
“Gov. Polis’ veto of House Bill 1005 preserves the balance in Colorado’s labor laws that has helped make our state competitive while protecting employee choice.
“HB 1005 was nearly identical to Senate Bill 5 from the 2025 legislative session, which the governor vetoed after extensive discussions and negotiations. The concerns that led to that veto have not changed. This proposal would have made it easier for a small minority of employees to impose mandatory union fees on an entire workforce, removing an important safeguard that ensures workers have a voice in decisions affecting their paychecks.
“Colorado’s Labor Peace Act is unique and has helped foster a business climate that supports job creation and economic growth while respecting the autonomy of employees. At a time when employers are facing increasing economic uncertainty, this bill would have sent the wrong message to businesses looking to grow and invest in our state.
“We appreciate Gov. Polis for once again recognizing the importance of preserving the balance that has served Colorado well for decades and for standing with employees across Colorado who deserve a say in how their hard-earned money is spent.”
The Colorado Chamber opposed House Bill 1005 throughout the legislative session and submitted a veto request letter to Gov. Polis outlining its concerns with the legislation and urging him to preserve Colorado’s longstanding labor framework.
View the governor’s full veto letter here.
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The Colorado Chamber of Commerce champions free enterprise, a healthy business environment and economic prosperity for all Coloradans. It is the only business association that works to improve the business climate for all sizes of business from a statewide, multi-industry perspective. What the Colorado Chamber accomplishes is good for all businesses, and that’s good for the state’s economy. It was created in 1965 based on the merger with the Colorado Manufacturers’ Association.