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Shawna Ruetz

Shawna represents clients before administrative agencies and in all aspects of employment litigation in both federal and state courts. She regularly handles complex employment matters, including allegations of discrimination and retaliation, wage and hour disputes, issues involving restrictive covenants and trade secrets, class and collective actions, and disability accommodations.

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With the 2026 Colorado legislative session now complete, we have a clearer view of which labor and employment bills advanced, or stalled, and which developments deserve employers’ attention. As in recent sessions, workplace legislation remained a major focus, with proposals touching on everything from collective bargaining and worker safety to wage-setting and reporting obligations.

In this update, we revisit the bills previously identified for Colorado employers to watch, along with several additional measures introduced during the session, and explain what matters most for employers.

With the Colorado legislative session well underway, we have identified several bills of interest that Colorado employers should monitor. If enacted, these bills would expand worker protections and require certain employers to update their policies or procedures. While several of the bills authorize a private right of action, awareness and proactive compliance can help employers avoid costly litigation.

The 2025 Colorado legislative session concluded on May 7, 2025. This latest session has brought a series of significant updates that are poised to reshape the compliance landscape for employers across the state. Among the enacted bills, several are set to introduce new requirements and labor standards compelling employers to adapt swiftly. The vetoed bills, on the other hand, highlight ongoing debates that may signal future changes.

Below we summarize the major bills affecting employers that were either passed or vetoed by Governor Jared Polis.