Committee backs limited employer‑leave measure for lawmakers after lengthy debate

After extended questioning and debate about employer burden, socioeconomic eligibility and potential carve‑outs for critical professions, the House State, Civic Military and Veterans Affairs Committee advanced Senate Bill 87 by a 6–5 vote.

Representative Winn, a sponsor, described the bill as a narrowly tailored measure to allow certain lawmakers to take leave from outside employment to serve without losing benefits, noting the provision would not take effect for some senators until a later date. "This bill basically gives an opportunity … to have leave for legislative duties," Winn said, adding the law would not be implemented for all members immediately and that endorsements have come from multiple unions.

Co‑sponsor Representative Lindsey said the intent is to make the legislature more accessible to working‑class people who cannot afford the current financial tradeoffs of serving. The bill ties eligibility to households earning less than 120% of area median income (AMI), a point members repeatedly questioned because AMI varies greatly across Colorado.

Opponents on the committee raised practical concerns about requiring small businesses and school districts to hold positions for months, the administrative and benefit costs to employers and the potential for disruption in professions where continuity matters (health care providers, pilots). Representative Carter and Representative Bottoms argued the policy could impose an undue burden on employers and create unhealthy hiring cycles.

Representative Wynne moved SB87 to the Committee of the Whole with a favorable recommendation; Representative Ferre seconded. The roll call produced six ayes and five nos; the chair announced the motion passed 6–5.

Members asked sponsors to continue work on amendments addressing business impacts and carve‑outs; the chair signaled openness to future changes. The committee laid out points for further negotiation rather than final implementation details.