Colorado · 2025 Regular Session · Bill
SB 25-074: Highly Specialized Employment Leave Protection Exemption
Introduced Official data
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Enacted
Last official action: ·Record last updated:
Plain-language summary
SB 25-074 is a bill introduced in the Colorado Senate on January 22, 2025. According to its official title, it concerns: Highly Specialized Employment Leave Protection Exemption. Primary sponsor: Carlos Barron (Republican), Scott Bright (Republican). Most recent recorded action (February 11, 2025): Senate Committee on State, Veterans, & Military Affairs Postpone Indefinitely.
Generated automatically from the official title, sponsor list, and status record only. It does not characterize the bill’s purpose or effects. How summaries are written
Official summary
Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.
Under current law, when an employee takes leave from a job pursuant to the state's paid family and medical leave insurance program, the employer is required to hold the employee's job until the employee returns and maintain the employee's health-care benefits during the duration of their leave. Section 1 of the bill creates an exemption from these requirements for an employer that has a workforce of 51% or more highly specialized employees. The bill requires an employer to apply to and get approval from the division of family and medical leave insurance (division) in the department of labor and employment before the employer can qualify for the exemption. An employer that qualifies must reapply annually to maintain the exemption. Lastly, section 1 defines a highly specialized employee as an employee whose job description or duties: Involve responsibilities that are not easily transferrable; Require a specific or unique advanced degree that limits the pool of replacements; or Require a rare or in-high-demand skill set. Section 2 requires the division to establish a standardized application process for employers to apply for the highly specialized employees exemption by submitting documentation that proves that the employer has a workforce of 51% or more highly specialized employees. On or before March 1, 2026, the director of the division is required to adopt necessary rules to implement the application process.(Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced.)
Sponsors
Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Republican 2
| Name | Role | Party | Chamber | District |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carlos Barron | Primary sponsor | Republican | House | 48 |
| Scott Bright | Primary sponsor | Republican | Senate | 13 |
“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.
Recent official actions
- Senate Committee on State, Veterans, & Military Affairs Postpone Indefinitely
- Introduced In Senate - Assigned to State, Veterans, & Military Affairs