Colorado Considers Decriminalizing Consensual Sex Work

Proposed bill would remove criminal penalties for prostitution, soliciting, and patronizing among adults

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Colorado lawmakers are considering a bill, SB 97, that would decriminalize sex work among consenting adults in the state. The bill would repeal criminal offenses for prostitution, soliciting prostitution, keeping a place of prostitution, and patronizing a prostitute, while maintaining penalties for pimping and pandering that involves menacing or criminal intimidation. Supporters argue this would improve safety and protections for sex workers, while opponents say it fails to address the root causes of exploitation.

Why it matters

This proposed legislation is part of a growing movement to decriminalize sex work, with some arguing it can reduce violence and trafficking, while others contend it fails to address the underlying issues that drive people into the sex trade. The debate highlights the complex ethical and practical considerations around regulating the sex industry.

The details

SB 97 would remove criminal penalties for prostitution, soliciting prostitution, keeping a place of prostitution, and patronizing a prostitute in Colorado. It would maintain current criminal penalties for pandering that involves menacing or criminal intimidation, and for pimping, but would change the terminology in those offenses from "prostitution" to "commercial sexual activity". The bill also includes various conforming amendments related to reporting requirements, immunity, affirmative defenses, and criminal conviction records in human trafficking cases.

  • SB 97 has been assigned to the Senate Judiciary Committee and is expected to receive its first hearing in the coming weeks.

The players

Sen. Lisa Cutter

A Democratic state senator representing Jefferson County and a co-sponsor of SB 97.

Sen. Nick Hinrichsen

A Democratic state senator and co-sponsor of SB 97.

Rep. Lorena Garcia

A Democratic state representative and co-sponsor of SB 97.

Rep. Rebekah Stewart

A Democratic state representative and co-sponsor of SB 97.

Ked Frank

The founder of Safe Places for Women, a faith-based nonprofit in Englewood that provides transitional housing for victims of sexual trafficking, and an opponent of SB 97.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“These people that are involved in sex work need to have some protections.”

— Sen. Lisa Cutter, Co-sponsor of SB 97 (koaa.com)

“Over the years, we've encountered hundreds of women whose participation in commercial sex was driven not by choice but by survival — trying to keep food on the table and a roof over their children's heads. This is not about working conditions; it's about the harm inherent in the industry itself.”

— Ked Frank, Founder of Safe Places for Women (koaa.com)

What’s next

SB 97 is expected to receive its first hearing in the Senate Judiciary Committee in the coming weeks, where its fate will be determined.

The takeaway

The debate over SB 97 highlights the complex ethical and practical considerations around regulating the sex industry, with supporters arguing it can improve safety and protections for sex workers, while opponents contend it fails to address the root causes of exploitation.