Colorado Paid Sick Leave: Healthy Families and Workplaces Act

Quick Answer: Colorado's Healthy Families and Workplaces Act (HFWA) requires employers to provide paid sick leave to all employees. Workers accrue 1 hour per 30 hours worked, up to 48 hours annually. Can use for illness, family care, domestic violence, and public health emergencies. All employers covered since 2022. Protected against retaliation.

Colorado guarantees paid sick time.

The Healthy Families and Workplaces Act

Coverage

Applies to:

• All employers (since January 2022)
• All employees in Colorado
• Full-time and part-time
• No exemptions for employer size

Accrual Rate

Earn sick leave:

• 1 hour per 30 hours worked
• Up to 48 hours per year
• Accrues from start of employment
• Can use as accrued

Carryover

Year to year:

• Unused time carries over
• Up to 48 hours cap
• Employer can cap at 48
• Never lose earned time

Permitted Uses

Personal Illness

Can use for:

• Your own illness
• Medical appointments
• Preventive care
• Mental health needs

Family Care

Care for:

• Child
• Parent
• Spouse or partner
• Sibling
• Grandparent
• Grandchild
• Person you're responsible for

Domestic Violence

For needs related to:

• Domestic abuse
• Sexual assault
• Stalking
• Safety planning
• Legal proceedings
• Counseling

Public Health Emergency

During emergencies:

• Child's school/care closed
• Quarantine orders
• Business closure
• Exposure concerns
• Additional leave may apply

How to Request

Notice

Tell employer:

• As soon as practicable
• Follow employer procedures
• If foreseeable, advance notice

Documentation

Employer can require:

• For absences over 4 consecutive days
• Reasonable documentation
• Not detailed medical info

No Retaliation

Employer cannot:

• Fire you for using leave
• Discipline for using leave
• Count against attendance
• Retaliate in any way

Pay While on Leave

Same Rate

Paid at:

• Regular hourly rate
• Same rate as if worked
• Not reduced

Minimum Wage Floor

At least:

• Applicable minimum wage
• Even for tipped employees

Employer Requirements

Notice to Employees

Must provide:

• Written notice of rights
• In English and primary language
• At hire and annually
• Post workplace notice

Record Keeping

Must track:

• Hours worked
• Sick leave accrued
• Sick leave used
• Maintain records

Cannot Require

Prohibited:

• Finding replacement
• Specific documentation type
• Reason for short absences

Public Health Emergency Leave

Additional Leave

During declared emergencies:

• Up to 80 hours additional
• Beyond regular HFWA
• Full-time: 80 hours
• Part-time: based on schedule

Covered Uses

Emergency leave for:

• COVID-19 and similar
• Quarantine
• Symptoms
• Caring for affected family
• School/care closures

Filing a Complaint

Division of Labor Standards

For HFWA violations:

• Colorado Dept. of Labor and Employment
• Division of Labor Standards and Statistics
• Phone: 303-318-8441
• Website: cdle.colorado.gov

What to Report

Violations include:

• Not providing sick leave
• Retaliation
• Requiring improper documentation
• Failure to pay for leave

Common Scenarios

Scenario 1: New Employee

Situation: Just started job. Get sick first week.

Analysis: Accrual begins immediately. Can use what you've accrued. Even in first week.

Scenario 2: Family Member Sick

Situation: Child has flu. Need to stay home.

Analysis: Can use paid sick leave to care for child. Protected use.

Scenario 3: Mental Health Day

Situation: Severe anxiety. Need day for mental health.

Analysis: Mental health is covered. Can use paid sick leave.

Scenario 4: Retaliation

Situation: Used sick leave legitimately. Now getting written up.

Analysis: Likely retaliation. File complaint with Division of Labor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all employers have to provide sick leave?

Yes. All Colorado employers, regardless of size, must provide paid sick leave.

How much do I accrue?

1 hour per 30 hours worked, up to 48 hours per year.

Can I use sick leave for family?

Yes. Can care for family members including children, parents, spouses, siblings, grandparents.

Does unused leave carry over?

Yes. Up to 48 hours carries over year to year.

Can I be fired for using sick leave?

No. Retaliation for using HFWA leave is illegal.

What if employer doesn't provide it?

File complaint with Division of Labor Standards and Statistics.

Related Topics

• Colorado Leave Laws
• Colorado FAMLI Program
• Colorado Workplace Retaliation
• Colorado Employment Law Hub

Take Action

To exercise your sick leave rights:

1. Know you accrue 1 hour per 30 worked
2. Track your accrued leave
3. Notify employer when you need to use it
4. Don't fear retaliation—it's illegal
5. File complaint if rights violated

Colorado guarantees your paid sick time.

Legal Disclaimer

This article provides general information about Colorado paid sick leave and is not legal advice. For specific advice, consult a licensed Colorado employment attorney.

For official information:

• Colorado Division of Labor Standards: https://cdle.colorado.gov | 303-318-8441