CO SB196

Creates a Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) program in the Department of Labor and Employment to provide partial wage replacement benefits for employees taking leave to care for a new child, family member with serious health condition, or due to own serious health condition.

Establishes an employee premium system of 0.42% of yearly wages (maximum $328 annually) assessed on the first $78,000 of income, with premiums collected starting no later than January 1, 2016, and deposited into the Family and Medical Leave Insurance Fund.

Provides eligible individuals with up to 12 weeks of benefits per year with a 7-day waiting period, with weekly benefit amounts ranging from 66-95% of weekly wage depending on income level, capped at $1,000 per week.

Protects employee rights by ensuring reinstatement to equivalent employment position after leave, prohibiting employer discrimination against employees using benefits, and allowing employees to opt out of the program while prohibiting employers from coercing opt-outs.

Designates the division as an enterprise exempt from TABOR revenue limits, exempts FAMLI benefits from Colorado state income tax, and requires annual reporting to legislative committees on participation, demographics, and program performance.