HB20-1089 Summary

• Clarifies that Colorado employers cannot terminate employees for lawful off-duty activities that are legal under state law, even if those activities are illegal under federal law.

• Amends Colorado Revised Statutes 24-34-402.5 to explicitly state activities must be "lawful under state law" and adds language clarifying protection applies "regardless of whether the activity is lawful under federal law."

• Legislative findings note that marijuana must be regulated similarly to alcohol under the Colorado Constitution, yet employers currently can terminate employees for off-duty marijuana consumption despite state legalization.

• Takes effect at 12:01 a.m. on the day following the 90-day period after final adjournment of the general assembly (August 5, 2020), or upon voter approval if a referendum petition is filed.

• Applies to conduct occurring on or after the effective date of the act.