summary
Introduced
02/20/2026
02/20/2026
In Committee
02/20/2026
02/20/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
With certain exceptions, the bill prohibits an employer or an employer's agent from demanding, confiscating, retaining, or otherwise requiring an individual to surrender the individual's government-issued identification card. The bill states that an individual commits criminal confiscation of a government-issued identification card if the individual knowingly takes into possession or control, or attempts to take into possession or control, another individual's government-issued identification card without lawful authority. Criminal confiscation of a government-issued identification card is a class 2 misdemeanor. An individual commits a bias-motivated crime if, with the intent to intimidate or harass another individual, in whole or in part, because of that individual's actual or perceived race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, or transgender identity, the individual: ! Violates the bill's prohibitions; or ! Provides, or threatens to provide, an individual's government-issued identification or personal documents to federal immigration authorities. Such a bias-motivated crime is a class 1 misdemeanor, and a victim may seek additional remedies available under law.
AI Summary
This bill prohibits employers or their agents from demanding, confiscating, retaining, or otherwise requiring individuals to surrender their government-issued identification cards, with specific exceptions for verifying employment eligibility using the I-9 form, during which the card can be temporarily held for no more than twenty-four hours for copying. It also makes it a criminal offense, classified as a class 2 misdemeanor, for any person to knowingly take possession of another individual's government-issued identification card without lawful authority, referred to as "criminal confiscation." Furthermore, the bill establishes that committing these prohibited actions, or providing or threatening to provide someone's identification to federal immigration authorities, with the intent to intimidate or harass based on protected characteristics like race, religion, or sexual orientation, constitutes a "bias-motivated crime," which is a more serious class 1 misdemeanor, and allows victims to seek additional legal remedies. The bill emphasizes the importance of identification for accessing essential services and participating in economic life, and aims to prevent exploitation and vulnerability.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (3)
Last Action
Introduced In House - Assigned to Judiciary (on 02/20/2026)
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/HB26-1283 |
| BillText | https://leg.colorado.gov/bill_files/112477/download |
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