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On February 2, 2026, while HB26-1049 was being considered in the Colorado House State, Civic, Military, & Veterans Affairs Committee, Democratic legislators requested that Rep Scott Bottoms table the bill. This action paused formal legislative progress, but it was not a defeat or withdrawal. Instead, it was a strategic move to allow for bipartisan collaboration on updates and amendments. The request signaled a willingness to work together to address concerns and improve the bill’s language and scope.
The bill can be reintroduced to the committee for further debate, possible amendments, and a vote. influence the direction of the bill’s revisions. Specific concerns from Democratic legislators were not provided.
The bill prohibits unauthorized use of personally identifying features (fingerprints, voiceprints, retina/iris scans, facial maps) in advertisements, deepfakes, images, videos, voice recordings, or other digital depictions.
Violations would be classified as felonies. Individuals harmed by unauthorized use could pursue civil action for damages and attorney fees.
For Scott Bottoms, the decision to table the bill signals shifting sentiment in the House. Four years ago, when he was a freshman House Representative, Democrats allegedly made a pact or agreement that they would never vote in favor of any of his bills. That appears to be changing.
"This bill will protect citizens of Colorado, regardless of party affiliation, from the attacks that AI makes so prominent," Bottoms told Colorado Free Press. "People from both sides of the aisle are verbalizing their support of this bill."
Bottoms is a leading conservative candidate in the 2026 Colorado gubernatorial race, and the ability to collaborate with Colorado Democrats was seen as a barrier to his chances with the unaffiliated voters that comprise over 50% of the electorate.
Is this a breakthrough?
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