Colorado Bill to Decriminalize Prostitution Pulled Before First Vote
Sponsors withdrew the proposal after determining it lacked committee support, citing concerns about hostile testimony toward sex‑worker advocates.
Overview
- The Senate Judiciary Committee hearing was removed from the agenda, with the bill delayed until after the 2026 session and its return next year uncertain.
- Lead sponsor Sen. Nick Hinrichsen said sex‑worker advocates urged avoiding a hearing they feared could involve surveillance, doxxing or intimidation.
- Republican leaders celebrated the withdrawal and criticized Hinrichsen’s rationale as dismissive of public testimony from law enforcement and faith leaders.
- SB 97 sought to repeal state offenses for prostitution, soliciting and patronizing, preempt local bans, and preserve penalties for pimping and all human‑trafficking laws.
- Positions were split, with the ACLU of Colorado in support and the Colorado District Attorneys’ Council and several victim‑service and faith‑based groups opposed.