Legislation to Establish Colorado’s Regulatory Framework on Automated Decision-Making Technology Introduced in Senate

May 2, 2026 - 09:19

DENVER, CO - State Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez and Senate President James Coleman, both Democrats from Denver, have introduced a new bill designed to create a formal regulatory framework for automated decision-making technology. The legislation specifically targets the use of algorithms and artificial intelligence when they are used to make what the lawmakers call "consequential decisions" about people.

The proposed law would set rules for how companies and government agencies can use these systems to determine things like loan approvals, housing eligibility, employment opportunities, and access to essential services. Supporters argue that without clear guidelines, automated systems can produce biased outcomes or operate as a "black box" where the reasons for a decision are hidden from the person affected.

The bill would require those deploying high-risk automated systems to conduct impact assessments and provide clear disclosures to consumers. It aims to balance innovation in the tech sector with the need to protect Coloradans from potential harm caused by flawed or opaque algorithms. The sponsors say the goal is to build public trust in technology that is becoming more common in everyday life. The legislation now heads to committee for initial hearings.