The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (“CDLE”) issued a notice today (February 13, 2023) regarding Colorado’s new paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (“FAMLI”) program extending the deadline to March 31, 2023, for local government employers to hold a vote to opt out of the FAMLI program. The vote must take place on or before March 31st to avoid responsibility for FAMLI premiums. If a local government votes to opt out after March 31st, they would still be responsible for paying premiums owed for the first quarter of 2023, but they would not have to pay any premiums moving forward.
What do you need to do:
- Determine your Local Government’s participation in FAMLI.
As a reminder, local government employers have three options regarding their participation in the state-run program:
- Participate in FAMLI just like any other private sector employer,
- Decline ALL participation, or
- Decline EMPLOYER participation.
- If you have not already done so, register with the FAMLI system that became available in Q4 2022. FAMLI employer services system link: https://famli.force.com/s/login/
- Notify FAMLI of your local government’s decision.
Notification must be on the local government’s letterhead indicating the date and result of the vote. The document must be uploaded into the FAMLI employer services system.
- Notify your employees of your Local Government’s decision.
Link to FAMLI employee notice: Local Government Employee Written Notice for Local Government Employers (colorado.gov) Note: Employees of local governments that have opted out do not need to take any action to self-elect FAMLI coverage until benefits become available in 2024.
Below are links to additional resources for FAMLI through the CDLE website:
Local Governments | Family and Medical Leave Insurance (colorado.gov)
FAMLI Local Government Guide (colorado.gov)
FAMLI website: Employers | Family and Medical Leave Insurance (colorado.gov)