FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: HB26-1012 Threatens Colorado’s Small Businesses, Cultural Events, and Consumer Choice

Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce

A Risk to Choice, Culture, and Community

DENVER, CO — February 3, 2026 — As lawmakers consider HB26-1012, members of Colorado’s business community are raising serious concerns that the bill, as introduced, would reduce consumer choice, undermine local events, and threaten the small, artisan businesses that define Colorado’s economy and way of life. The bill overly regulates how businesses price goods and services in places where customers might buy ancillary products, using broad and undefined standards to determine what constitutes “unreasonably excessive” pricing.

While proponents describe HB26-1012 as a “fair pricing” measure, businesses across multiple industries warn the bill’s broad and vague language would have unintended consequences for consumers, cultural, community and entertainment events, cafeterias and gift shops and sports fans, throughout the state.

“Colorado’s economy and identity are built around choice, local entrepreneurship, and unique experiences,” said Leslie Oliver, Vice President of External Affairs for the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce. “HB26-1012 moves in the opposite direction by imposing sweeping pricing restrictions that are unclear, unworkable, and ultimately harmful to the very consumers and communities it aims to protect.”

Fewer Choices for Consumers HB26-1012 would limit how businesses can price goods and services in settings where customers have limited alternatives. Business leaders caution these restrictions would reduce options for consumers, limit product variety, and drive up costs elsewhere as businesses struggle to comply with subjective standards.

Threat to Festivals, Events, and Local Culture Colorado is nationally recognized for its festivals, sporting events, arts showcases, and cultural gatherings that bring communities together and support small, local vendors. Events like the National Western Stock Show and Pueblo’s Chile & Frijole Festival rely on flexible pricing models to support small artisan vendors, food producers, musicians, and performers.

HB26-1012 risks making these events less viable by restricting revenue models that help cover essential costs like permits, staffing, security, and infrastructure. For many small vendors, participation in these events is a critical opportunity to showcase their products, reach new customers, and sustain their businesses.

Impact on Colorado’s Way of Life From live music venues and art galleries to sporting events and cultural institutions, Colorado businesses create experiences reflecting the state’s unique character. Many venues intentionally partner with local restaurants, brewers, artists, and concessionaires to offer visitors authentic, Colorado-made options.

By limiting pricing flexibility, HB26-1012 would reduce venues’ ability to feature local food, beverages, and goods, weakening the cultural and economic fabric that makes Colorado distinct.

Disproportionate Impact on Small Businesses Small and medium-sized businesses—who make up 85% of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce’s membership—would bear the brunt of the bill’s compliance and enforcement burdens. Unlike large corporations, these businesses lack the resources to navigate vague regulatory standards and increased legal risk.

Business leaders emphasize no amount of amendments can fix the bill’s structural flaws. The language is so broad it sweeps in industries with vastly different cost structures, operating models, and regulatory environments.

Colorado lawmakers face a clear choice: protect consumer choice, local culture, and small businesses, or advance a bill that risks overregulation, reduced options, and unintended economic harm.

“Given the bill’s broad scope and the significant unintended consequences raised by businesses across Colorado,” Oliver said. “The Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce and broader business community are calling on lawmakers to reject HB26-1012 because it could take away consumer choice and economic opportunity, and it risks undermining the small businesses, cultural experiences, and community and sports events that define Colorado’s way of life.”

About the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce The Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce (DMCC) is the architect of tomorrow, igniting change and driving progress to build dynamic economies and communities. We champion innovation, forge powerful partnerships, and relentlessly advocate for our members and all Coloradans. With more than 150 years of trust and impact, we help business flourish.

The DMCC’s vision is Economic Empowerment for Every Coloradan and is achieved by advocating for effective public policy, developing civic leaders, and driving a sustainable economy. We promote a vibrant economy by fostering a business-friendly environment, supporting a skilled workforce and facilitating connections. Dedicated to boosting business and employee opportunities, the Chamber drives sustainable growth and prosperity across Colorado.