Denver, CO – A bill currently being considered by the Colorado General Assembly would repeal the state’s current cage-free requirements for egg-laying hens. The bill, HB 25-1074, is sponsored by Representative Richard Gonzalez and Senator Barb Kirkmeyer.

The current law, which was passed in 2020, requires that all eggs sold in Colorado come from hens that are kept in cage-free housing systems. This means that the hens must have access to things like perches, nest boxes, and dust bathing areas.

The new bill would repeal this law, and would allow eggs from hens that are kept in cages to be sold in Colorado.

Proponents of the bill argue that it is necessary to keep egg prices affordable. They point to the fact that egg prices have increased significantly in recent years, and they argue that the cage-free requirements are partly to blame.

Opponents of the bill argue that it is important to protect the welfare of egg-laying hens. They argue that cage-free systems are more humane, and that the state should not allow eggs from hens that are kept in cages to be sold in Colorado.
The bill is currently being debated in the House Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources Committee. It is unclear whether the bill will pass.

The outcome of this bill could have a significant impact on the welfare of egg-laying hens in Colorado. If the bill passes, it could lead to more hens being kept in cages.

The bill could also have an impact on egg prices. If the bill passes, it is possible that egg prices could decrease. However, it is also possible that egg prices could stay the same or even increase.

The debate over HB 25-1074 is a complex one. There are valid arguments on both sides of the issue. It is important to weigh the potential impact on both egg prices and the welfare of egg-laying hens before making a decision on this bill.

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