h_bus_2016a_2016-04-12t13:36:19z0 Hearing Summary

Date: 04/12/2016

01:36 PM -- HB 16-1167



Representative Pettersen and Representative Winter introduced House Bill 16-1167. The bill creates the "Colorado Family First Employer Program" in the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE), which seeks to recognize and certify employers that meet specific criteria, including:

• demonstrating that all of its employees have equal opportunities for advancement to leadership positions in the workplace and that the employer provides access to or leave to participate in mentorship training or other leadership opportunities;
• demonstrating that it does not pay some of its employees less for the same work performed by its other employees, except when the wage difference is based on certain factors such as seniority, merit, production quotas, or other legitimate reasons;
• providing child care facilities or services to employees as demonstrated by the receipt of certain tax incentives; providing paid leave for the birth or adoption of a child, for the medical care of the employee, and, if possible, for medical care of a family member; and
• providing flexible work arrangements to accommodate important family obligations for all employees.

CDLE is required to establish procedures for applications and issuing awards on an annual basis. The Office of the Governor is required to create a program logo to deliver, along with the award, to each employer that is certified by CDLE, which the employer may use for promotional purposes. CDLE is also directed to publish and update a list of award recipients on its website.



01:41 PM -- Dr. Nita Mosby Henry, Children's Hospital Colorado, testified in support of the bill. Dr. Mosby Henry responded to questions from the committee.



01:46 PM -- Lisa Goodbee, Goodbee & Associates, Inc., testified in support of the bill. Ms. Goodbee responded to questions from the committee.



01:56 PM



The bill sponsors responded to questions from the committee.



01:57 PM -- Louise Myrland, The Women's Foundation of Colorado, testified in support of the bill.



02:00 PM



The bill sponsors responded to questions from the committee.



02:03 PM -- Maggie Gomez, 9to5 Colorado, testified in support of the bill.



02:06 PM -- Kris Garcia, 9to5 Colorado, testified in support of the bill.



02:08 PM -- Natalie Wood, The Bell Policy Center, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Wood provided the committee with a written copy of her testimony (Attachment A). Ms. Wood responded to questions from the committee.



160412 AttachA.pdf



02:17 PM



The bill sponsors responded to questions from the committee.



02:17 PM -- Alora Riley, representing herself, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Riley responded to questions from the committee.



02:24 PM -- Patrick Teegarden, CDLE, responded to questions from the committee.

160412 AttachB.pdf

160412 AttachC.pdf



02:30 PM



Representative Winter made closing remarks on the bill.

02:34 PM



The committee adjourned.