Summary of June 2025’s Labor Law Cases in Denver, CO
Welcome to HKM Employment Attorneys’ monthly legal roundup for Colorado labor law. This post provides a clear overview of June 2025 developments, tailored for employees, HR professionals, and compliance leaders. Brought to you by our Denver team, ensuring you stay current with the latest employment law changes.June 2025 saw significant legal shifts in Colorado employment law—from wage reforms and discrimination expansions to court protection of state employees. Employers should act now to update policies and prepare for pending changes before August. Workers and HR professionals may wish to monitor ongoing litigation and prepare for broader inclusion measures.
If you have questions or need guidance, contact HKM Employment Attorneys at hkm.com. We’re here to help with compliance, policy review, and workplace strategy.
Preliminary Injunction on ICE Subpoena for State Employees — Court Ruling
Date: June 26, 2025
Summary:
A Denver district judge issued a preliminary injunction halting Governor Jared Polis’s attempt to compel certain state employees to comply with an ICE subpoena. The subpoena sought personal data (names, addresses, wages) of sponsors of unaccompanied immigrant minors. Judge A. Bruce Jones called it “overbroad” and not court‑ordered.
Implications:
This ruling safeguards state workers and labor union advocates by upholding Colorado’s limits on state collaboration with federal civil immigration enforcement. Pending a hearing for a permanent injunction, this remains a developing labor–government conflict with potential workplace implications for state agencies.
HB 25‑1001: Enhanced Wage & Hour Enforcement — Legislation
Date: June 30, 2025 (enacted May session, effective August 6, 2025)
Summary:
HB 25‑1001, amending the Colorado Wage Claim Act, targets wage and hour violations. Key changes include:
- Narrowing the definition of “employer” to individuals owning or controlling at least 25% of business interests
- Disallowing payroll deductions that reduce wages below state/local minimums
- Instituting a safe‑harbor allowing employers to avoid penalties if owed wages are paid within 14 days of a formal CDLE complaint.
The bill also strengthens penalties for misclassification of workers and expands CDLE’s authority to investigate wage claims—though formal provisions take effect Jan 1, 2028.
Implications:
Employers should update pay practices, classification policies, and payroll systems quickly to avoid penalties. Workers gain stronger recourse and transparency regarding employer wage practices.
Expansion of Anti‑Discrimination & Retaliation Protections — Regulation
Date: June 2025
Summary:
In June, Colorado expanded its Anti‑Discrimination and Wage & Hour laws by:
- Broader definitions of gender expression under the Colorado Anti‑Discrimination Act
- Increased remedies for discrimination
- Enhanced retaliation protections
- Added protections for employees engaging in legally protected health care
These amendments coincide with broader policy trends covering biometric data privacy and reproductive rights.
Implications:
Employers must reassess equal opportunity policies, training programs, and retaliation safeguards. Employees benefit from increased legal protections and broader protection of personal identity and medical leave decisions.
Senate Bill 25‑83: Prohibiting Non‑Competes for Medical Workers — Legislation
Date: Passed May, awaiting governor’s action as of June 2025
Summary:
SB 25‑83 would extend Colorado’s ban on non‑compete and non‑solicitation clauses to physicians, dentists, and advanced practice nurses by removing them from the “highly compensated worker” exemption.
Implications:
If signed, employers in medical fields need to revise restrictive covenants. Workers may gain greater flexibility to practice, negotiate, or transition employers.
Labor Peace Act Reform (SB 5) — Legislative Proposal
Date: Senate debate May; veto expected June
Summary:
SB 5 sought to repeal Colorado’s Labor Peace Act requiring two-stage union elections for mandatory dues. It passed the legislature but was anticipated to be vetoed by Gov. Polis.
Implications:
Should the veto hold, unionization in Colorado remains restricted. Labor advocates may press for alternative reforms to improve collective bargaining access.
Conclusion: Looking back on Denver, CO Labor Law Updates in June 2025
Colorado’s shifting landscape in employment law—from wrongful termination and wage-and-hour violations to reasonable accommodations and ethics investigations—underscores the importance of having local counsel. At HKM Employment Attorneys in Denver, our Colorado-based advocates have delivered comprehensive support, fighting for compensation under the Wage Act, negotiating employment contracts, and conducting employer investigations when needed . Our team’s depth of experience and no-win, no-fee commitment ensure you’re not navigating this alone. When court decisions resonate with your experience, contact our Denver office to learn how we can help protect your rights and pursue justice in your case.
