Colorado bill extending insurance for parents with newborns in NICU moves forward
The state senate on Wednesday passed SB25-144, which would extend Colorado's paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance program by up to 12 additional weeks for parents with newborns in NICU while the child is receiving care. Senator Jeff Bridges, a Democrat from Arapahoe County who co-sponsored the bill in the Senate, said his own experience shows him it's important to care for these parents.
New law eases rules for immigrants to get driver's licenses, IDs in Colorado
'I know firsthand how terrifying and consuming it can be for a parent of a newborn in intensive care,' said Bridges. 'It is so important for a child's development to be with their parents in those first few months of life. We need to make it easier for parents with kids in the NICU to have access to that quality time, which is why we're expanding FAMLI in a way that doesn't raise premiums for employees or employers.'
The bill also modifies the FAMLI program to extend the current rate of .9% of wages per employee through the end of the year.
SB25-144 passed 22-12 (with one vacancy reflecting District 17's open seat) along party lines, with all Republicans voting no. The bill now heads to the state house.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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