Just in time for the new school year, a state law that goes into effect today helps parents take time off from work to attend parent-teacher conferences and other meetings involving their school-age children.

The law protects working parents from being fired from a job at a business with more than 50 employees if they take up to 18 hours of unpaid leave during an academic year, in less than three-hour increments, to go to school meetings.

It’s one of 151 new or changed laws going into effect today, the 90th day after the end of the legislative session in May.

In another notable change, employers who create at least 20 Colorado jobs get new tax incentives. The state Legislative Council estimates the incentives will cost the state $25 million over three years, though the taxes and other revenues accruing from the new jobs was not factored in.

Two Colorado Springs Democrats, Reps. Dennis Apuan and Michael Merrifield, will see their bills become law today. Apuan’s bill adds $150,000 — raising the total to $800,000 — to the state fund for scholarships for members of the Colorado National Guard who want a college education, and Merrifield’s bill requires motorists to give bicyclists at least three feet of clearance when passing.—Contact the writer at 476-1654

Photo by