Representatives Soper and Rutinel, prime sponsors, presented House Bill 25-1212. The bill prohibits developers of artificial intelligence models from  retaliating against workers, and requires developers to adopt certain policies and procedures. Representative Rutinel explained the effect of the bill and discussed its need. Representative Soper provided additional input on the merits of the bill. Discussion ensued regarding efforts at the federal level similar to HB 25-1212, and what constitutes a software developer under the bill. Discussion followed regarding certain thresholds in the bill. Discussion turned to the amendments to narrow the scope of the bill.

Committee members asked questions about definitions in the bill and SB 24-205. Further questions were raised about current whistleblower protections. Punitive damages were also discussed. Representative Soper responded to questions regarding the ramifications of being the first state to pass legislation in this subject area.

John Bliss, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Dr. Scott Wisor, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Nathan Calvin, representing Encode, testified in support of the bill. Dr. Benjamin Xie, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Dr. Nikhil Krishnaswamy, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Jennifer Gibson, representing Psst, testified in support of the bill.

Discussion ensued regarding the need for whistleblowers in the technology sector, and risks associated with artificial intelligence. Discussion followed regarding the potential benefits of expanding the bill's whistleblower protections, and the types of concerns brought forth by whistleblowers.

Melanie Layton, representing TechNet and the Colorado Bankers Association, testified in opposition to HB 25-1212. Rachel Beck, representing Colorado Competitive Council, testified in opposition to the bill. Michael McReynolds, representing Governor's Office of Information Technology, testified in opposition to the bill. Meghan Dollar, representing Colorado Chamber of Commerce, testified in opposition to the bill.

Mr. McReynolds responded to questions regarding whistleblower protections under current law. Discussion ensued regarding the potential impact of the bill on industry, and which executive department or at what level of government should address whistleblower protections for artificial intelligence. Discussion followed regarding certain definitions in the bill and other artificial intelligence-related legislation.

Drea Modugno, representing the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, testified in opposition to HB 25-1212.

Fatima Fernandez, representing Harmony Initiative, testified in opposition to the bill.

Written testimony may be found in Attachment B.

Mr. Henry Wu, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Michelle Nie, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Poppy Alexander, representing Whistleblower Partners LLP, testified in support of the bill. Adam Billen, representing Encode, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Madeline Freeman, representing themself, testified in support of the bill.

Representative Soper explained the effect of amendment L.003 (Attachment C).  Representative Rutinel responded to questions regarding hypothetical scenarios surrounding the amendment. Discussion ensued on such a scenario.