Colorado Law Tightens Rules on Retaining Employee ID Documents

Colorado's HB 26-1283, effective June 3, 2026, prohibits employers from confiscating or retaining government-issued identification documents beyond what is strictly necessary for Form I-9 verification. Originals may be held only long enough to complete verification and make a permitted copy, with a hard limit of 10 hours. The law also requires employers to provide a written notice explaining these restrictions to each individual during the eligibility verification process, in English and in the person's primary language if known, and to retain a signed acknowledgment. HR teams should update onboarding and reverification workflows, train I-9 staff, and consult employment counsel to develop a compliant, legally reviewed notice.

Source: HR Daily Advisor. Original announcement: October 15, 2026.