SB 22-184

Senate Bill 22-184 updates the rules for Colorado state lawmakers regarding their pay when they are absent from work. It allows legislators to receive full pay if they miss sessions due to long-term illness or parental leave (up to a maximum of 16 weeks, including up to 4 additional weeks for serious health issues related to pregnancy or childbirth), provided it is approved by the appropriate leadership in their house. Previously, lawmakers could only avoid losing pay for absences due to long-term illnesses. Now, this includes extended parental leave as well. Since the bill has been signed into law, Colorado state legislators are now eligible for compensation during these types of leaves.

Official Summary

The act allows a member of the general assembly who is absent when the general assembly is in session for a long-term illness, parental leave in excess of the permitted maximum period, or another similar purpose, subject to approval by the president of the senate or the speaker of the house of representatives, respective to the member's house, to be exempted from forfeiture of their compensation. Previously, the exemption from forfeiture of compensation was only for an approved absence for a long-term illness. The act also allows a member of the general assembly to receive compensation for an absence due to parental leave for a maximum of 12 weeks, plus up to an additional 4 weeks for a serious health condition related to complications of pregnancy or childbirth. (Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

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