Roger B. Rowland, chair of Colorado’s 1st District GOP, expressed concerns that House Bill 1291 could potentially drive Uber out of the state, disrupt daily life for Coloradans, and threaten jobs. He argued that free-market solutions could ensure safety without sacrificing access.
"Denver residents who rely on rideshare services for work, travel, and daily life may soon face a significant disruption," said B. Rowland, Chairman, First Congressional District. "Uber, the nation's largest rideshare company, has announced it may be forced to shut down operations in Colorado if House Bill 1291—currently moving through the Democratic-controlled legislature—becomes law. For many Coloradans, this is yet another example of government overreach making it harder to access essential services and threatening jobs across the state. ...Many Coloradans believe there's a better way forward—one that ensures safety without driving out valuable services or risking jobs. Free-market solutions, targeted reforms, and open dialogue with the companies that keep Colorado moving can help achieve these goals without sacrificing access or affordability."
According to a press release from Colorado’s 1st District GOP, Uber has warned it may cease operations in Colorado if HB 1291 becomes law due to costly and burdensome requirements such as mandatory audio/video recordings, frequent background checks, and increased legal exposure. The bill, supported by Democratic lawmakers, aims to enhance safety but exempts taxis and shuttles from many of the same regulations. Uber claims this creates an uneven playing field. Business leaders and rideshare advocates argue the legislation represents government overreach that threatens jobs, privacy, and access to essential services. The bill has passed the House and awaits Senate action with further amendments possible.
An analysis from the Common Sense Institute of Colorado indicates that HB 1291 has significant negative economic consequences for rideshare companies like Uber considering exiting the state. Approximately 34,900 rideshare drivers currently earn an estimated $745 million annually, contributing significantly to employment and consumer mobility. The bill’s mandates—particularly ride recordings and increased liability—may force companies out, resulting in a potential loss of 46,027 jobs, a $4.7 billion reduction in GDP, and a $7.7 billion decline in business output by 2030. Rideshare services have contributed to a sharp decline in DUI arrests across Colorado.
In an op-ed, Civil Justice League Director Mark Hillman said that Colorado's growing reliance on lawsuits to resolve everyday disputes is fueled by aggressive advertising from "billboard lawyers" and enabling lawmakers. Hillman noted that the state legislature has passed 53 bills in two years creating new avenues for litigation, often encouraging lawsuits as a first resort rather than the last. Many disputes can be resolved without involving attorneys who often inflate claims and delay resolutions to increase their fees. This trend increases costs for all parties involved.
A report from the U.S. Chamber’s Institute for Legal Reform highlighted skyrocketing lawsuit costs in the U.S., reaching $529 billion in 2022—equal to 2.1% of national GDP or $4,207 per household. The average annual growth rate of tort costs has been 7.1% since 2016 with projections estimating costs could exceed $900 billion by 2030. While intended to deliver justice for actual harms, some plaintiffs’ lawyers exploit it through abusive lawsuits and deceptive advertising according to the report.
Roger B. Rowland is Chairman of the First Congressional District Republican Central Committee and former Chairman of the Denver Republican Party with a decades-long career in finance, administration, and security services.