• HB13-1227 - Criminal prosecution for payroll disputes, with a loser pays mechanism that requires losing employers to pay the winner's legal costs, but does not require a losing employee to do the same.
•  HB13-1136 - Damage claims of up to $300,000 for emotional pain and suffering from an employee who files a claim of illegal discrimination.
•  HB13-1222 - Mandatory family medical leave (up to 12 weeks a year) policies that are beyond those placed in federal law.
• Lawsuits for inquiring about a job applicant's credit history (SB13-18), or for looking into their social media accounts (HB13-1046).

In the majority of these instances work is under way by Colorado Concern's team, in concert with our friends in the business lobby, to amend these measures to a palatable position. However, that is not always possible, and when that is the case we will fight to see the bill "postponed indefinitely" - a nice way of saying making certain the bill is dead.

What is perhaps the most important point here is that some of our legislators do not understand how proposals such as these are harmful to our business climate, which in turn impacts our ability to grow jobs and spur economic growth. That is why it is important to participate in our Buddy System - where Colorado Concern members get to know their assigned legislator, assisting them in understanding the consequences of legislative measures focused on the business community.

Thank you to those of you who are in the process of reaching out to your Buddy. If the team can be helpful to you, please do not hesitate to let me know. We are here to serve. Who knows, your relationships, going forward, could be the very thing that keeps the perennial batch of bad bills from returning next year.

Warmly,

Tamra

Click here to find out what legislation Colorado Concern is tracking. The report includes links to bill text, sponsors, Colorado Concern's positions, bill status, and additional notes.