Vetoed by Governor Jared Polis

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that prohibits employers from disciplining workers who refuse to attend an employer-sponsored meeting that involves religious or political matters, with some exceptions in Colorado.

Highlights:

• Prohibits employers from disciplining or retaliating against workers who refuse to attend employer-sponsored captive audience meetings that involve religious or political matters (Sec. 1-3).

• Specifies nothing in this bill shall be construed or intended to (Sec. 1):

• Interfere with an employer’s right to free speech;

• Prohibit an employer's obligation to provide legally required trainings, such as sexual harassment training, or employer-initiated trainings related to diversity, equity, and inclusion;

• Extend to employees in schools or hospitals run by religious institutions when discussing religious matters; or

• Prohibit an employee from performing any aspects of required job duties.

• Defines “political matters” as matters relating to elections for political office, political parties, legislation, regulations, and the decision to join or support any political party or political, fraternal, or labor organization or any nonprofit organization established for charitable or community welfare purposes (Sec. 2).

• Defines “religious matters” as matters relating to religious affiliation and practice and the decision to join or support any religious organization or nonprofit organization established for charitable community welfare purposes (Sec. 2).

• Specifies that nothing in this bill shall be construed to prohibit the employer from communicating information or employee training material required under law (Sec. 2).

• Specifies the provisions of this bill shall take effect immediately upon passage and approval by the Governor (Sec. 4).

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that prohibits employers from disciplining workers who refuse to attend an employer-sponsored meeting that involves religious or political matters, with some exceptions in Colorado.

Highlights:

• Prohibits employers from disciplining or retaliating against workers who refuse to attend employer-sponsored captive audience meetings that involve religious or political matters (Sec. 1-3).

• Specifies nothing in this bill shall be construed or intended to (Sec. 1):

• Interfere with an employer’s right to free speech;

• Prohibit an employer's obligation to provide legally required trainings, such as sexual harassment training, or employer-initiated trainings related to diversity, equity, and inclusion;

• Extend to employees in schools or hospitals run by religious institutions when discussing religious matters; or

• Prohibit an employee from performing any aspects of required job duties.

• Defines “political matters” as matters relating to elections for political office, political parties, legislation, regulations, and the decision to join or support any political party or political, fraternal, or labor organization or any nonprofit organization established for charitable or community welfare purposes (Sec. 2).

• Defines “religious matters” as matters relating to religious affiliation and practice and the decision to join or support any religious organization or nonprofit organization established for charitable community welfare purposes (Sec. 2).

• Specifies that nothing in this bill shall be construed to prohibit the employer from communicating information or employee training material required under law (Sec. 2).

• Specifies the provisions of this bill shall take effect immediately upon passage and approval by the Governor (Sec. 4).

Full Bill Text