DENVER ~ In the final bill signing of the 2026 legislative session, Governor Polis of Colorado signed HB26-1033, also known as the Tamale Act. This bill, sponsored by Representative Ryan Gonzalez and Majority Leader Monica Duran, along with Senators Robert Rodriguez and Byron Pelton, expands the Colorado Cottage Foods Act and makes Colorado a food freedom state.

The Tamale Act allows entrepreneurs to sell homemade foods such as tamales, burritos, and tortas to Coloradans in a responsible manner. This law aims to support small kitchens and empower cooking entrepreneurs and small business owners. Governor Polis signed a total of 436 bills into law following the 2026 Legislative Session. Since taking office in 2019, he has signed a grand total of 3,713 bills into law.

Governor Polis expressed his excitement for this new law, stating that it is a big win for Colorado cooking entrepreneurs. He believes that this bill will expand access to tasty homemade foods while also boosting the economy and supporting communities. The governor also noted that many successful restaurants started in home kitchens and this law will remove barriers for home-based cooks to earn a living by legally selling their delicious food.

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House Majority Leader Monica Duran shared her personal connection to this bill, stating that she grew up watching her abuela (grandmother) and mother sell homemade food to make ends meet. She believes that the Tamale Act is an entrepreneur's dream come true and will open doors for many immigrant families who are looking for new ways to earn money while navigating harsh policies.

Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez also emphasized the cultural significance of this law. He stated that many Coloradans already sell prepared food like tamales, pupusas, and baked goods to their friends, family, and neighbors as a way to share their culture and support each other. The Tamale Act provides a safe and legal pathway for these transactions to take place.

Representative Ryan Gonzalez, who carried the legislation, expressed his pride in seeing the Tamale Act become law. He believes that this bill is a starting point for entrepreneurs to be successful and has already made national news. Inspired by the Tamale Act, an app called TasteTrek has been created to help these individuals.

Overall, the Tamale Act is seen as a long overdue and much-needed law in Colorado. It aims to support small businesses and empower cooking entrepreneurs while also celebrating and preserving cultural traditions. With this new law in place, many Coloradans can now legally sell their delicious homemade foods and contribute to the state's economy.

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