Colorado Gov. Jared Polis vetoes bills to regulate tech industry
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Gov. Jared Polis wielded his veto pen more aggressively than ever after his final legislative session, rejecting 12 bills — the most in his eight-year tenure.
Why it matters: The tally reflects the hands-on role the term-limited governor played in the 2026 session and the friction it created with the Democratic-led Legislature.
By the numbers: Polis signed 436 bills into law this year and 3,713 in his two terms as governor. He exceeded his previous record from 2025 of 11 vetoes.
The intrigue: In at least five vetoes, Polis once again aligned with the tech industry, blocking efforts by progressive lawmakers to impose new regulations, even those designed to alleviate the state's affordability crisis.
Vetoes included:
- Restrictions on automated driving systems in commercial vehicles and trucks. Polis said it would have prevented Colorado from "being on the cutting edge of innovation."
- Requirements that social media companies respond to law enforcement warrants within 24 hours. Polis called it too onerous.
- Limits on the use of artificial intelligence and other data to set prices for consumers and wages for employees. Polis said the bill was too broad and would "capture innocuous uses of technology that in no way harm … consumers and workers."
- New 5% fees on purchases within a video game to fund mental health and education programs. Polis — a gamer himself — said it would disrupt gaming.
- Prohibit credit card companies from charging a fee that includes a purchase's tax. Polis said lawmakers should "facilitate new financial technologies," not impose new rules with legal risks.
Between the lines: Other major vetoes included a measure to allow people to sue federal immigration authorities who violate their constitutional rights and another that would have made it easier to form labor unions.
- State Sen. Mike Weissman (D-Aurora) told the Colorado Sun that the immigration bill veto is "a green light to the Trump administration to come in and commit abuses in Colorado."
What we're watching: Polis has until Friday to sign or veto any legislation from the recent legislative session.