summary
Introduced
02/11/2025
02/11/2025
In Committee
03/04/2025
03/04/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
05/07/2025
05/07/2025
Introduced Session
Potential new amendment
2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
The bill prohibits a developer that has trained a foundation artificial intelligence model (foundation model) from preventing a worker from, or retaliating against a worker for, disclosing or threatening to disclose information to the developer, the attorney general, or appropriate state or federal authorities if the worker has reasonable cause to believe the information indicates one of the following: ! The developer is out of compliance with law applicable to public safety or security; ! The developer's activities pose a substantial risk to public safety or security, even if the developer is not out of compliance with any law; or ! The developer has made false or misleading statements concerning public safety or security or concerning the developer's management of risks to public safety or security. A developer must provide notice to all workers working on a foundation model of the workers' rights and responsibilities under the bill. The bill requires a developer to create and provide an internal process through which a worker may anonymously disclose information to the developer regarding a risk to public safety or security enabled by the developer's foundation model. The developer shall provide a monthly update to the worker who made the disclosure regarding the status of the developer's investigation of the disclosure and the actions taken by the developer in response to the disclosure. An aggrieved worker may commence a civil action in district court against a developer for a violation of the bill. A court may order relief against a developer that is found to have violated the bill, including: ! Reinstatement or rehiring of a worker, with or without back pay; ! The greater of either $10,000 or any lost pay resulting from the violation; ! Punitive damages; and ! Reasonable attorney fees to an aggrieved worker.
AI Summary
This bill establishes whistleblower protections for workers in the artificial intelligence (AI) industry by creating new legal safeguards for employees and contractors who report potential risks to public safety. The bill defines a "developer" as an employer or entity that contracts with at least five independent contractors and has trained a foundation AI model at a cost of $100 million or more. It prohibits developers from retaliating against workers who disclose information about potential public safety risks, compliance violations, or false statements regarding safety, even if those disclosures are made to external authorities like the attorney general. Developers must provide clear written notice to workers about their rights, establish an anonymous internal reporting process with monthly updates on investigations, and cannot require workers to sign agreements that would prevent such disclosures. If a worker is retaliated against, they can file a civil lawsuit seeking remedies including reinstatement, back pay (up to $10,000), and potentially punitive damages. The bill aims to create a transparent and accountable environment in AI development by protecting workers who raise legitimate concerns about potential risks to public safety. The law will take effect after the standard 90-day legislative period, with a potential referendum allowing voter approval in November 2026.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (3)
Last Action
House Second Reading Calendar (09:00:00 5/5/2025 House Floor) (on 05/05/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
Document Type | Source Location |
---|---|
State Bill Page | https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb25-1212 |
House Judiciary Amendment L.007 | https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/leg.colorado.gov/2025A/amendments/484EADDBF72C999E87258C44000CEEA2/HB1212_L.007.pdf |
House Judiciary Amendment L.002 | https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/leg.colorado.gov/2025A/amendments/07FA7E2F038462CE87258C4300578CEA/HB1212_L.002.pdf |
Fiscal Note FN1 | https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/documents/2025A/bills/fn/2025a_hb1212_00.pdf |
BillText | https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/documents/2025A/bills/2025a_1212_01.pdf |
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