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Bill

Bill

HB 1037

Ban Government Purchase of Personal Data from Third Party

2026 Regular Session

Colorado bill would prohibit state agencies from buying personal consumer data from third-party brokers, forcing reliance on warrants and direct collection instead.

House Committee on Judiciary Postpone Indefinitely
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Bill Summary · HB 1037

Legislative bill overview

HB 1037 would prohibit Colorado government agencies from purchasing personal data about individuals from third-party data brokers or commercial vendors. The bill aims to restrict government access to privately held consumer data without establishing direct collection or consent mechanisms.

Why is this important

Government agencies currently purchase consumer data for law enforcement investigations, welfare fraud detection, and other administrative purposes. This bill would eliminate that practice, forcing agencies to rely on traditional investigative methods, subpoenas, or direct data collection. The change affects how efficiently government operates while raising questions about public safety versus privacy rights.

Potential points of contention

  • Law enforcement effectiveness: Police and investigative agencies argue third-party data access enables faster crime-solving and fraud detection; restricting it may hamper investigations
  • Cost and administrative burden: Agencies may face increased expenses and slower operations if forced to use subpoenas, warrants, or direct collection instead of purchasing data
  • Scope ambiguity: The bill's definition of "personal data" and "third party" may be unclear—does it cover all private information or specific categories? Does it apply to publicly available data?
  • Data privacy advocates' concerns: Some privacy groups may view this as insufficient if agencies can still obtain data through other means or if exceptions exist for certain purposes

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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