Exception To Employer Sick Leave Requirement
If enacted, HB1130 would maintain the exemption for small employers, potentially impacting thousands of small businesses across Colorado. The amendment reflects a significant alteration to labor laws that govern workplace rights and employee benefits, allowing many employers to opt out of providing paid sick leave. This could lead to financial relief for small businesses that may find it challenging to cover the costs associated with sick leave benefits for their employees, especially in a recovering economy post-pandemic.
House Bill 1130 proposes an amendment to an existing law regarding paid sick leave requirements for employees. The previous regulation, enacted through Senate Bill 20-205, mandated that all employers with 16 or more employees must provide paid sick leave to their employees. However, that bill initially included an exception for smaller employers, allowing employers with fewer than 16 employees to be exempt from this requirement, but this exception was set to repeal in 2022. HB1130 seeks to recreate this employer exception indefinitely, thus allowing smaller employers to avoid providing paid sick leave in perpetuity.
The bill has generated discussions around employee rights versus the financial burden placed on small businesses. Proponents argue that maintaining this exception is crucial for the survival of smaller businesses, which have struggled to cope with economic challenges. They believe that mandating sick leave could push some businesses to their limits, threatening jobs and economic stability. Conversely, critics argue that denying sick leave to employees can lead to broader public health concerns, especially in cases where sick employees feel compelled to work despite being unwell. This contention highlights the balance that must be struck between supporting small businesses and ensuring robust worker protections.