Friday, 09 May 2014 14:36

New Colorado Laws Passed By the State Legislature

Several laws were passed in Colorado during its latest session. Here is a recap:

THE WAGE PROTECTION ACT OF 2014 (WPA)

Colorado Senate Bill 14-005 establishes an administrative procedure to adjudicate wage claims up to $7500 in the state. The WPA also requires employers keep all payroll records, including paystub detail, for three years. The fines associated with not retaining records for the required time are $250 per employee, per month, up to a maximum fine of $7500. This law goes into effect January 1, 2015.

DEFINITION OF DISABLED INDIVIDUALS

Colorado Senate Bill 14-118 changes state law definitions of disabled to match that of the Americans with Disabilities Act. This goes into effect August 6, 2014.

WORKERS' COMPENSATION DOCTORS

Colorado House Bill 14-1383 requires employers to increase the number of doctors injured employees may choose from when injured on the job. Currently employers must provide at least two doctors/facilities when an employee is injured. Under this new law, employers must provide a minimum of four doctors to injured employees. This law goes into effect April 1, 2015.

CLARIFICATION OF CREDIT REPORTING RIGHTS

Colorado Senate Bill 14-102 amends the Employment Opportunity Act of 2013. This amendment clarifies banks can request credit checks on all employees and use that information to make hiring and employment decisions. This law has been signed by the Governor and is in effect immediately.

A bill that caught a lot of attention but that did not make it out of committee was the Family and Medical Leave Insurance Act. This bill would have required employers to provide paid leave for employees covered under the Family Medical Leave Act. It was postponed in committee and therefore never made it to a vote.