In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Colorado has joined a growing number of states and municipalities in requiring most employers to provide paid sick leave. Although the COVID-19 pandemic was the catalyst for this new legislation, the law is not limited to the current situation, but instead provides broad paid sick leave entitlements.

The Healthy Families and Workplaces Act (“Act”), enacted on June 16, 2020, goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2021, and provides employees in Colorado with basic paid sick leave as well as additional paid sick leave during a public health emergency. The Act establishes minimum requirements and does not preempt, limit or otherwise affect more generous laws and regulations. While many employers may already have policies that provide more generous paid sick leave, the new Colorado Act imposes additional requirements that may force employers to modify their existing policies.

For more information, please click here to read the Client Alert published by WG Ag Legal Network participating law firm, Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, LLP.