Are They Really Going to Make Prostitution Legal in Colorado?

Cover the kids' eyes/ears, go settle grandma down, Colorado may be seeing the act of prostitution get the "OK." It seems shocking, but those behind the bill aren't joking around about the "world's oldest profession."

Colorado Isn't New to Legalizing 'Frowned Upon' Things

It wasn't that long ago that everyone was "up in arms" about legalizing gambling in a few Colorado mountain towns; decades later, over 20,000 people hit Black Hawk every day. Will Central City and Black Hawk become home to modern day brothels, like they had back in their gold rush days?

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Two Democratic Senators (Nick Hinrichsen/Lisa Cutter) and two Democratic Representatives (Lorena Garcia/Rebekah Stewart) put forth SB26-97 in February of 2026. If the bill continues to move forward and does eventually get signed into law, by July of 2026, Colorado will be like Nevada in allowing prostitution. Technically, the law would "Decriminalize Adult Commercial Sexual Activity."

What's the Reasoning Behind Legalizing Prostitution in Colorado?

According to Gazette.com, the politicians introduced the bill because sex workers are less likely to report crimes and “criminalizing client conduct” inhibits their ability to vet them.

What Would Be Legal if the Prostitution Bill Passes?

• Prostitution.
• Soliciting prostitution.
• Keeping a place for prostitution.
• Patronizing prostitutes.

*All of that would still be illegal for those under 18.

It could be a win-win in the fact that sex workers would become more safe, and legalizing these activities would make them taxable. Making them a taxable service could bring in needed tax dollars to struggling towns, and even bigger cities looking to fill budget gaps.