Educators and groups that represent poor people defended a bill Thursday that would give workers the right to take time off to visit their children's teachers.

But business groups slammed the proposal, House Bill 1057, saying it would be disruptive to small firms.

The House Education Committee heard testimony on the measure but put off a vote to a later date.

Tony Gagliardi, the state director of the National Federation of Independent Businesses, told the panel that tiny companies don't have additional employees to cover for an absent worker.

"Small businesses don't have the luxury of operating with cushions of employees," Gagliardi said.

Gagliardi said most businesses try to accommodate workers who need to meet with teachers. But a survey of NFIB members shows deep resentment of an effort to put such a requirement into law.

Educators countered that meetings with parents can make the difference in whether children succeed in schools.

Richard Garcia, a longtime educator who heads the Colorado Statewide Parent Coalition, said, "The parents I work with state that one reason they can't be involved in their child's activity is because they fear losing their jobs. They have to make a choice between going to the child's activity or teacher conference and leaving work."

"I need this bill," said Larry W. Bush, a psychologist at Columbine High School in Jefferson County. Face-to-face meetings with parents are critical in dealing with the most troubled youngsters, Bush said.

The bill requires firms that employ 10 or more people to allow workers up to six hours a month in three-hour increments to visit teachers.

The leave would be unpaid.

Rep. Andy Kerr, D-Lakewood, the bill's sponsor, said he will introduce amendments when the bill comes up for a vote that would cap school leave at 18 hours a year. Except in emergencies, workers would have to give one week's notice to the employer.

Kerr is a Jefferson County middle school social studies teacher who works on curriculum development for the school district.

Also put off for at least a week in the education committee Thursday is a bill that requires schools to conduct drills in preparation for emergencies ranging from tornadoes to gunmen.