Colorado moves to fully decriminalize sex work in landmark bill

Colorado lawmakers are advancing a bill that could make the state a national leader in protecting sex workers’ rights—and strengthening the fight against trafficking. If passed, Colorado would become the first state to fully decriminalize sex work state-wide.

Senate Bill 26-097 would remove criminal penalties on both sides of consensual adult exchanges. This is not a small reform. It is a decisive shift away from criminalization and toward safety. When sex work is criminalized, it is forced underground, where abuse and exploitation can go unchecked for both consensual sex workers and those who are coerced or trafficked into sex work.

Decriminalization builds resilience against exploitation

In an article for Complex, journalist Bernadette Giacomazzo reports:

In the bill’s text, lawmakers state that “fear of criminal punishment… encourages physical, emotional, and structural violence against sex workers,” arguing that current laws can push activity into less safe conditions and discourage people from reporting crimes or seeking help.

Supporters of the bill argue that removing penalties for buyers will improve transparency and safety. Without fear of arrest, clients may be more willing to share identifying details. That gives sex workers greater control over who they meet and under what conditions.

Crucially, the bill draws a firm line between consensual sex work and exploitation. It keeps criminal penalties for coercion, intimidation, and trafficking-related crimes. Lawmakers make this distinction clear. According to Giacomazzo, the bill states:

 Decriminalizing consensual sex work for adults enables law enforcement to focus resources on cases involving force, fraud, or coercion.

This approach aligns with growing evidence. Research consistently shows that criminalization increases vulnerability to exploitation. Decriminalization improves access to justice and support services. When workers can report abuse without risking arrest, exploitation becomes harder to hide.

A state-wide shift with national impact

Colorado’s proposal would apply state-wide. Lawmakers argue that consistent rules are necessary because many transactions now begin online and cross jurisdictions.

If passed, the bill would repeal statutes related to solicitation and patronizing. It would also update outdated escort service regulations that currently require contracts to state that commercial sexual activity is illegal.

Backed by Sens. Nick Hinrichson and Lisa Cutter and Reps. Lorena Garcia and Rebekah Stewart, the bill could take effect as early as July 2026.

This is a major step forward. Lawmakers recognize that criminalization fuels stigma and isolation. Decriminalization protects rights and strengthens anti-trafficking efforts. Colorado now has the opportunity to set a national example.

Take action

Sex workers deserve safety, dignity, and access to justice. Decriminalization helps prevent abuse and allows law enforcement to focus on rooting out genuine cases of exploitation, and allow sex workers to come forward without fear.

That’s why we’re urging Illinois lawmakers to pass a similar bill that was introduced to protect the rights and safety of sex workers while strengthening efforts to combat human trafficking.

Together, we can help prevent abuse, stop trafficking, and ensure that every individual has the power to protect themselves from exploitation.