A bill recently reintroduced in the House of Representatives would require some employers to offer paid sick leave if the bill is enacted into law. The Healthy Families Act (“Act”) would require employers with at least fifteen employees to provide one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours an employee works, up to 56 hours a year (seven days). Employees could use this sick leave to recover from an illness, to receive preventative care, to care for a family member, or to seek medical or legal assistance relating to domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking.
Under the bill, an employee would be required to ask for leave at least seven days prior to a foreseeable absence or otherwise as soon as practicable, and employers could require medical certification for absences exceeding three consecutive days. Leave would accrue from an employee’s first day of employment; however, it could not be taken until after the employee’s 60th day of employment. Employers would not be required to pay terminated employees for unused paid time off.
If the Act is enacted, employers should review sick leave policies and make any necessary adjustments. To speak with an employment law attorney about revising employment policies or to request assistance in creating an employment policy manual, please contact the employment lawyers at [email protected].
