New Bill Could Decriminalize Prostitution in Colorado
A proposal introduced at the Colorado State Capitol could bring major changes to how prostitution is handled under state law, with supporters saying reform is needed to improve safety and accountability in an industry that already exists.
Senate Bill 26-097, introduced February 11, would decriminalize commercial sexual activity between consenting adults and remove several existing state criminal penalties related to prostitution and solicitation. The bill would also allow local governments to decide whether to opt in and regulate businesses such as escort services and massage parlors, with the goal of creating clearer rules and better protections for workers and clients.
Federal law does not specifically outlaw prostitution, leaving regulation to the states. Nevada is currently the only state where prostitution is legal in certain counties, though many forms of related activity remain illegal there as well. If passed, Colorado would become one of the few states to significantly change its
