CO HB1078

Creates a dependent allowance of $35 per dependent per week for individuals receiving unemployment compensation, effective July 1, 2026.

Defines "dependent" as a child (biological, adopted, foster, stepchild, legal ward, or in loco parentis) under 18 years old or 18+ and incapable of self-care due to physical or mental disability, who receives at least half their financial support from the eligible individual.

Dependent allowance is capped at 100% of the individual's average weekly wage from their highest-earning quarter and adjusted annually for inflation based on the Denver-Aurora-Lakewood Consumer Price Index starting January 1, 2027.

Division of unemployment insurance must request dependent information during initial application, establish dependent count at benefit year start, adjust for changes in dependents during the year, and report annual allowance data to the legislature by August 31 of each year beginning 2026.

Appropriates $655,530 from the employment support fund to the Department of Labor and Employment for implementation, with an assumption of 1.2 additional FTE positions required; act subject to referendum petition with final implementation dependent on voter approval in November 2024.