The Colorado House passed two Colorado health disparities bills on March 3, 2026, backing new steps on maternal health and consumer warnings. The measures were sponsored by Rep. Regina English and Rep. Junie Joseph, both Democrats.
House members approved HB26-1044 by a vote of 49-13. The bill focuses on Black maternal health equity and adds new reporting and training requirements. The House also passed HB26-1135 by a vote of 42-20. That measure would require warning labels for certain hair products with hazardous chemicals.
Supporters framed the bills as responses to persistent gaps in outcomes for women of color. In statements after the votes, English cited high maternal mortality rates among Black women. Joseph highlighted concerns about bias in obstetric care and called for stronger safeguards.
Maternal Health Bill Targets Training, Reporting, and Accountability
HB26-1044 mandates obstetrics providers to complete at least one cultural competence and equity CEU. It covers physicians, nurses, and nurse aides in obstetrics, aiming to improve communication and reduce harm from bias.
The bill authorizes the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE), pending funds, to survey birthing parents, compile results, and move maternal health reporting to an annual schedule. Hospitals providing labor services must display respectful maternity care principles, including privacy and informed consent.
The state maternal health task force must include a Black advocate. The bill enhances accountability for severe maternal morbidity or death cases, requiring facilities to report incidents where bias or negligence contributed. CDPHE would investigate and refer findings to regulatory authorities.
Misconduct linked to adverse outcomes could result in penalties, license suspension, or revocation. A civil penalty of up to $250,000 per violation could be imposed, with funds directed to a maternal health equity improvement fund.
Why Supporters Point to Black Maternal Mortality Data
Supporters of the maternal health measure tied their case to national outcome gaps. The Colorado House Democrats released a statement citing CDC data stating the maternal mortality rate for Black women in 2023 was more than three times the rate for white women.
The release also cites disparities in infant mortality. It says Black and American Indian and Alaska Native infants face at least twice the risk of death compared with white infants. The cited source is KFF, which tracks health outcomes by race and ethnicity.
Researchers have also documented that pregnancy-related mortality disparities can persist across income and education levels. The Colorado House Democrats released references to CDC findings and broader research on severe maternal morbidity, including conditions such as preeclampsia. Supporters argue the policy mix in HB26-1044 could address both care quality and accountability.
Hair Product Label Bill Sets 2027 Deadline and Penalties
The second measure, HB26-1135, would create the “Hair Product Transparency and Safety Act.” Starting July 1, 2027, manufacturers could not sell covered hair products in Colorado without a warning label in certain cases. The bill covers hair relaxers and synthetic hairpiece products.
If a covered product contains a carcinogen or a reproductive toxicant, the warning label must notify the consumer. The bill sets different label requirements depending on whether the product contains one category or both. It also sets a civil penalty of up to $10,000 per violation for manufacturers who fail to comply.
The Colorado House Democrats’ release says research shows these products are disproportionately marketed to and used by communities of color. Backers argue labels can help consumers make informed decisions, especially when products contain chemicals tied to cancer risk or reproductive harm. They also frame the measure as a practical health protection step within a broader equity agenda.
Together, supporters say the two votes move Colorado health disparities bills into the next phase of the legislative process. Both measures remain under consideration as lawmakers debate scope, cost, and enforcement details.