Colorado Employer's Law Blog

An Employer's Guide Through the Twists and Turns of Employment Law and Litigation, Including Collective and Class Actions.

Category Archives: Background Checks

Colorado Supreme Court Rules Medical Marijuana Use Is Not Lawful Off-Duty Conduct

On June 15, 2015, in a 6-0 opinion, the Colorado Supreme Court provided its long-awaited ruling in Coats v. Dish Network, LLC (PDF). The Court affirmed the Colorado Court of Appeals’ decision below, and held that because marijuana is a Schedule I banned substance under federal law, it is not a “lawful” off-duty activity under… Continue Reading

Colorado is the Ninth State To Restrict Use of Credit History in Employment Decisions

By Jennifer Gokenbach on April 25, 2013 Posted in Background Checks, Human Resources

On April 19, 2013, Governor John Hickenlooper signed into law SB 13-018, otherwise known as “the Employment Opportunity Act.” The Employment Opportunity Act prohibits employers from obtaining and using consumer credit information for employment purposes unless the credit information is “substantially related” to the position. Currently, there are only 8 other states where employment protections… Continue Reading

Employers: Are You Using the Right I-9, FMLA and FCRA Forms?

By Jennifer Gokenbach on April 7, 2013 Posted in Background Checks, Human Resources

Employers take note of a slew of employment law changes in 2013, including new I-9 forms, new FMLA posters and forms, and new FCRA forms. New I-9 Forms Effective May 7, 2013, new Employment Eligibility Verification Form I-9s are required. The new forms are available from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website… Continue Reading

The Aye’s Have It – Colorado’s Civil Union Act Signed Into Law & Employment Opportunity Act Passed in Both Senate and House

By Jennifer Gokenbach on March 27, 2013 Posted in Background Checks, Discrimination, Human Resources

While many Coloradoans are taking advantage of their last few ski days of the season, the Colorado legislature has been busy passing new, groundbreaking legislation with respect to civil unions and the use of individual credit histories in employment decisions. How will this new legislation affect employers? Read on. Colorado Civil Union Act On March… Continue Reading

Colorado’s Employment Opportunity Act Resurfaces And Picks Up Steam

By Jennifer Gokenbach on March 7, 2013 Posted in Background Checks, Human Resources, Restrictive Covenants

Percolating since last year, Colorado’s Employment Opportunity Act has resurfaced in early 2013 and may be on the road to passage. Known as SB13-018, or Senate Bill 18, the Employment Opportunity Act recently passed its third reading in the Senate on February 12, 2013 (final vote, 20 in favor: 15 opposed) and now is before… Continue Reading

New Year, New Minimum Wage Increase

By Jennifer Gokenbach on January 3, 2013 Posted in Background Checks, Colorado Wage Act, Fair Labor Standards Act, Human Resources

As of January 1, 2013, Colorado’s minimum wage increased from $7.64 per hour to $7.78 per hour, with tipped employee’s minimum wage increasing from $4.62 per hour to $4.76 per hour. The Colorado Division of Labor adopted Colorado Minimum Wage Order Number 29 (PDF) to reflect the new state minimum wage. The Minimum Wage Order… Continue Reading