JOINT STATEMENT: New Legislation To Complement Paid Family & Medical Leave

DENVER, CO – Senator Faith Winter and Representative Matt Gray released the following statement today after the Senate introduced SB20-205 which addresses the immediate needs of individuals and families facing mental or physical illness.  

“We are excited about the introduction of SB20-205 and how it will provide some immediate relief for Coloradans. At the same time, it is worth noting that this legislation is entirely distinct from a Paid Family & Medical Leave program. SB20-205 is a necessary life raft during this pandemic—allowing people to stay home when they feel sick rather than be forced to work and risk the health of countless others. However, it does not eclipse the need for a comprehensive solution that provides extended leave benefits for the birth of a child or long term illnesses, such as cancer. This is why it is so critical that we continue to fight for parallel solutions that grant Coloradans the ability to care for themselves and their loved ones over a longer period of time.” 

SB20-205 requires all employers to provide 80 hours of paid sick leave related to COVID-19 through the end of this calendar year. Then starting January 2021, all employers would be required to provide at least 48 hours of paid sick leave per calendar year. 

The paid sick leave can be used for the following reasons: mental or physical illness; caring for a family member with a mental or physical illness; if employee or family member has been the victim of domestic abuse, sexual assault or harassment; or if there are closures due to a public health emergency which would necessitate the employee’s absence from work. This bill also prohibits an employer from retaliating against an employee who uses their paid sick leave.