SB 26-87

Senate Bill 26-87 creates job protection for Colorado lawmakers who have jobs outside their legislative duties. Starting January 1, 2027 (or January 1, 2029 for those currently serving a four-year term), these lawmakers can take leave from their other jobs during legislative sessions without fear of losing their positions or facing termination. Their employers can choose whether the leave is paid, unpaid, or partially paid, and when they return, they must be reinstated to the same or an equivalent job. This bill has been signed into law, meaning it will go into effect as planned.

Official Summary

The bill authorizes legislative leave and job protection for qualified members of the general assembly (qualified members) who are engaged in employment outside of their duties related to the general assembly. More specifically, the bill states that , beginning January 1, 2027 :A qualified member can take a leave of absence from their outside employment during regular and special legislative sessions;A qualified member's outside employer has discretion to grant legislative leave as paid, unpaid, or partially paid;A qualified member's outside employer cannot terminate the qualified member's outside employment on the basis that the qualified member requests or takes legislative leave; andWhen a qualified member returns to their outside employment following legislative leave, the qualified member is entitled to be restored to the same or an equivalent employment position.     The bill excepts that qualified members actively serving a 4-year term at the time the bill takes effect are only eligible to take legislative leave beginning January 1, 2029.(Note: Italicized words indicate new material added to the original summary; dashes through words indicate deletions from the original summary.)(Note: This summary applies to the reengrossed version of this bill as introduced in the second house.)

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