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

May 8, 2026 - 01:18

DENVER, CO - The Colorado Senate voted today to approve a bill that would create the state's first regulatory framework for automated decision-making technology, or ADMT, specifically when those systems are used to make high-stakes decisions about people's lives.

Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez and Senate President James Coleman, both Denver Democrats, sponsored the legislation. The measure aims to bring transparency and accountability to algorithms and artificial intelligence tools that determine things like employment, housing, credit, and access to public benefits.

Under the bill, companies and government agencies that deploy these systems would need to conduct impact assessments and notify individuals when an automated decision has a significant effect on them. Supporters argue the rules are necessary to prevent bias and discrimination that can be baked into software and data models.

Opponents raised concerns about the burden on businesses and the challenge of regulating a fast-moving technology. Some argued the definitions in the bill were too broad and could create confusion.

The legislation now moves to the House for further debate. If it passes there and is signed into law, Colorado would join a small but growing number of states attempting to regulate AI and automated decision-making at the state level.