Colorado lawmakers voted Tuesday to push back implementation of the state’s landmark artificial intelligence law to five months after the law was supposed to go into effect, citing concerns from businesses and local governments over compliance costs.
The vote, which occurred during a six-day special session, moves the start date of the Colorado Artificial Intelligence Act (CAIA) from February to June 30, 2026. The bill now awaits Gov. Jared Polis’ signature.
First signed into law in May 2024, CAIA is one of the nation’s most sweeping attempts to regulate predictive AI systems. It requires developers and deployers of so-called “high-risk” AI – used in areas like housing, hiring, and healthcare – to guard against algorithmic discrimination and disclose how the systems are used in consequential decision-making.
But the legislation has drawn sharp debate. Critics from the tech industry argue a patchwork of state laws could stifle innovation, while consumer advocates say urgent protections are needed to prevent harm from unregulated AI.
Gov. Polis called for the special session this summer, in part to address what his office described as “the impending and costly implementation” of the law.
Officials also noted that the state’s budget – already impacted by uncertainty around the federal government’s fiscal year 2026 spending plan – may not be able to support new mandates tied to the AI act.
“Unfortunately, it has become increasingly clear that the application of [the CAIA] inadvertently imposes high costs on the State, local governments, and covered businesses,” a memo from the governor’s office read.
The delay gives lawmakers an opportunity to revisit the law during their regular 120-day session starting in January.
