General Assembly Considers New Bill to Further Expand Employee Use of Paid Leave

Rob Thomas, Of Counsel

            The start of a new legislative session in Colorado is bringing new bills that may expand the reasons an employee may take accrued and unused sick leave under the Healthy Families and Workplaces Act. 

Bill 23-017 would allow employees to take accrued and unused leave for additional family emergencies, such as to grieve, attend funeral services, or otherwise handle financial and legal matters arising from the death of a family member.  Some employers already offer bereavement leave to employees, but this proposed bill would expand that leave.  The bill also expands sick leave rights to care for family members whose school or place of care has been closed due to inclement weather, loss of power, loss of heating, and other similar unexpected occurrences that results in a school or place of care closure. 

 Relevant Takeaways

Given that Democrats hold 69 out of 100 seats in the legislature, Colorado employers should anticipate additional labor and employment legislative changes offered by the Democratic party will likely pass the Colorado Senate.  Campbell Litigation is available to assist with any issues that may arise during the 2023 legislative session and to assist with navigating new laws and requirements.