Employment Law Aid

Colorado Leave Laws: FAMLI Paid Leave, Sick Leave & Employee Rights (2026)

Updated 2026-12-27
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Quick Answer

Comprehensive guide to Colorado leave laws covering FAMLI paid family leave, Healthy Families Workplaces Act sick leave, and employee rights.

Colorado now has one of the most comprehensive leave programs in the nation with the FAMLI paid family leave program and mandatory paid sick leave under the Healthy Families Workplaces Act.


Quick Facts: Colorado Leave Laws

Leave Type Duration Paid? Coverage
FAMLI 12 weeks Yes (90% wages) All employers
Healthy Families (Sick) 48 hours/year Yes All employers
FMLA 12 weeks No 50+ employees

FAMLI: Family and Medical Leave Insurance

Colorado's Landmark Program

Effective 2024:

  • Up to 12 weeks paid leave per year
  • 16 weeks for pregnancy complications
  • 90% wage replacement (up to cap)

Qualifying Reasons

  • Own serious health condition
  • Care for family member's serious health condition
  • Bond with new child
  • Military qualifying exigency
  • Domestic violence/abuse

Coverage

  • All employers participate
  • Funded by payroll contributions
  • Self-employed can opt in

Job Protection

FAMLI provides job protection for leave.


Healthy Families Workplaces Act

Paid Sick Leave

All employers must provide:

  • 48 hours per year
  • Immediate accrual
  • 1 hour per 30 hours worked

Covered Uses

  • Own illness or injury
  • Care for family member
  • Domestic abuse situations
  • Public health emergency

Public Health Emergency Leave

Additional 80 hours for pandemic/emergency situations.


Coordination with FMLA

Using Leaves Together

  • FAMLI provides pay during leave
  • FMLA provides additional job protection if eligible
  • Leaves can run concurrently

Common Questions

How good is Colorado's paid leave?

FAMLI is one of the best programs nationally—90% wage replacement, 12 weeks, covers all workers, job protected.

Can I use both FAMLI and sick leave?

Yes. Sick leave for shorter absences; FAMLI for extended serious conditions.


Finding Legal Help

Free Resources

  • FAMLI Division: famli.colorado.gov
  • CDLE: cdle.colorado.gov

Related Resources


Legal Disclaimer

This guide provides general information about Colorado leave laws and is not legal advice. For advice about your situation, consult a licensed Colorado employment attorney.

Official Resources:

Frequently Asked Questions

What is colorado's Landmark Program?
Effective 2024: Up to 12 weeks paid leave per year 16 weeks for pregnancy complications 90% wage replacement (up to cap)
What is qualifying Reasons?
Own serious health condition Care for family member's serious health condition Bond with new child Military qualifying exigency Domestic violence/abuse
What is job Protection?
FAMLI provides job protection for leave.
What is paid Sick Leave?
All employers must provide: 48 hours per year Immediate accrual 1 hour per 30 hours worked
What is covered Uses?
Own illness or injury Care for family member Domestic abuse situations Public health emergency

Legal Disclaimer

The information on this website is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Employment laws vary by state and change frequently. For advice specific to your situation, consult a licensed employment attorney in your state. Employment Law Aid is not a law firm and does not provide legal representation. No attorney-client relationship is created by using this website.