Colorado governor sets record for personal vetoes, rejecting bills on credit card fees and firefighter cancer protections

Governor Jared Polis of Colorado has exercised his veto power on three bills, including a significant measure that aimed to restrict credit card companies from imposing swipe fees on sales taxes starting in 2028. This decision adds to his growing list of vetoes this legislative session, marking a notable departure from prior engagements with the legislature.

With these latest vetoes, Polis has now rejected a total of 12 bills this year, surpassing the record he set in 2025. Among the measures he did not sign into law is one designed to provide assistance to firefighters diagnosed with cancer and another that would have allowed individuals to sue federal immigration agents for alleged constitutional violations.

The most contentious of the vetoed bills is Senate Bill 134, which targeted the credit card swipe fees. Backed by local business advocates, the legislation aimed to alleviate the financial burden that swipe fees – which can range from 1% to 4% of a transaction – place on merchants. In 2024 alone, Colorado businesses incurred approximately .1 billion in swipe fees, with around 8 million attributable solely to sales tax.

Opposition to the bill was spearheaded by the Electronic Payments Coalition, which invested heavily in advertising campaigns to quash the measure. They warned that if the bill were enacted, credit card firms might retreat from Colorado’s market. Others, like Airlines for America, expressed concerns that the legislation could disrupt airline loyalty programs.

Despite the fervent lobbying efforts, Polis expressed apprehension about the potential legal challenges the measure could invite, concluding that its implications posed too great a risk to the state’s business landscape without promising substantial benefits. In his veto letter, he noted that the “legal risks” and the lack of tangible upside for small businesses prompted his decision.

In addition to the credit card bill, Polis rejected Senate Bill 184, which would have expanded the types of cancer classified as occupational diseases for firefighters. This bill faced resistance from local governments citing potential increases in workers’ compensation costs. Polis asserted that endorsing such a bill could potentially deter fire departments from utilizing the existing cancer trust fund established for medical reimbursements.

The governor also declined to sign Senate Bill 5, which would have allowed Coloradans to initiate state lawsuits against federal immigration agents. He highlighted concerns over the narrow focus of the legislation potentially undermining existing protections for vulnerable communities.

Polis’ vetoes have drawn significant reactions from affected groups. Local business owners and the Colorado Restaurant Association expressed disappointment over the swipe fee decision, while associations like the Electronic Payments Coalition commended the veto as a sensible measure.

These legislative developments underscore the complexities of balancing business interests and legislative ambitions amid evolving political landscapes in Colorado. As the governor continues to engage with the state’s legislative efforts, observers are keenly watching for any additional vetoes in the coming weeks.

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