Bill to Support Families with Newborns in the NICU Passes Committee

SB25-144 would extend the paid family and medical leave insurance program up to an additional 12 weeks for parents of children in neonatal intensive care

DENVER, CO – Today, legislation sponsored by Senators Faith Winter, D- Broomfield, and Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County, to extend the Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) program passed the Senate Business, Labor, and Technology Committee. 

SB25-144 would allow parents of children who are receiving inpatient care in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) to receive paid family and medical insurance benefits for up to an additional twelve weeks. 

“I know firsthand how terrifying and consuming it can be for a parent of a newborn in intensive care,” said Bridges. “It is so important for a child's development to be with their parents in those first few months of life. We need to make it easier for parents with kids in the NICU to have access to that quality time, which is why we’re expanding FAMLI in a way that doesn’t raise premiums for employees or employers.”  

“We know that children are more likely to come home faster from the NICU if their parents can be with them,” said Winter. “Because of the good work and the existing resources of the FAMLI program, expanding benefits for additional time allows the state to provide additional help to families going through incredibly taxing times.”  

The bill would also modify the premiums for the FAMLI program to extend the current rate of 0.09 percent of wages per employee through the end of the year and change the premium-setting process to reflect the solvency of the program and create more stability for businesses. 

SB25-144 will now head to the Senate Appropriations Committee for further consideration. Track the bill’s progress HERE.