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Bill

HB 1046

Regulate Earned-Wage Access Services

2026 Regular Session

Colorado HB 1046 regulates earned-wage access services with fee limits, disclosure requirements, and consumer protections to prevent predatory practices in this growing alternative lending market.

House Committee on Appropriations Lay Over Unamended - Amendment(s) Failed
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Bill Summary · HB 1046

Legislative bill overview

HB 1046 establishes regulatory requirements for earned-wage access (EWA) services in Colorado—financial products that allow workers to access a portion of earned wages before payday. The bill sets standards for fees, disclosures, data security, and consumer protections for these services, which have grown significantly as alternatives to traditional payday loans.

Why is this important

EWA services affect hundreds of thousands of workers, particularly those in lower-income brackets who use them to bridge cash flow gaps. The regulation addresses a largely unregulated market where fees and terms vary widely, potentially protecting workers from predatory practices while clarifying business requirements for providers operating in the state.

Potential points of contention

  • Fee structures and limits: Whether proposed fee caps are realistic for providers or genuinely protective for workers, and how they compare to payday lending alternatives
  • Financial inclusion concerns: Risk that strict regulations could reduce service availability to workers who currently rely on EWA, limiting their options rather than protecting them
  • Employer partnerships: Questions about how requirements affect employer participation and whether workers might face reduced access if employers resist program complications
  • Interstate commerce: Unclear how Colorado regulations affect companies operating across state lines and whether out-of-state providers will comply or exit the market

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

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