Paid Sick Leave Laws: Current US State and Federal Regulations Governing Paid Sick Leave
In this article, you will learn about Paid Sick Leave Laws in US: A breakdown of key regulations and practical tips for compliance.
5 min read
On this page
Introduction to Paid Sick Leaves Laws in the US
Paid sick leave laws are essential regulations that ensure employees have the right to take time off from work when they are ill or need to care for a sick family member without losing their income.
These laws are critical for protecting public health, reducing the spread of illnesses in the workplace, and supporting the financial stability of workers. By mandating paid sick leave, these laws help create a healthier, more productive workforce and reduce absenteeism due to preventable health issues.
The impact of paid sick leave laws on society is significant. They provide workers with the security of knowing they can take care of their health without the fear of financial instability. For businesses, these laws contribute to a healthier work environment, improve employee morale, and reduce turnover. Compliance with paid sick leave regulations is essential for businesses to maintain a positive reputation, avoid legal risks, and support the well-being of their workforce.
US Federal Paid Sick Leave Laws
As of 2024, the following US federal labor laws govern paid sick leave in the United States:
- Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
- Overview: The FMLA provides eligible employees with up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave per year for specific family and medical reasons, including personal illness and caring for a sick family member. While FMLA does not mandate paid leave, it ensures that employees can take time off without losing their job.
- Applicability: The FMLA applies to employers with 50 or more employees within a 75-mile radius.
- Employer Obligations: While the FMLA does not require paid leave, many employers choose to offer paid sick leave as part of their benefits package.
- Executive Order 13706
- Overview: This order requires federal contractors to provide up to 7 days (56 hours) of paid sick leave annually to their employees. This leave can be used for personal illness, caring for a family member, or seeking medical attention related to domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking.
- Applicability: The order applies to new federal contracts and contract-like instruments, including certain subcontractors.
Employer - Obligations: Employers must allow employees to accrue paid sick leave at a rate of 1 hour for every 30 hours worked, and unused leave can be carried over to the next year.
- Penalties for Non-Compliance
- Civil Penalties: Employers who violate federal paid sick leave laws may face civil penalties, including fines, back pay, and damages.
- Criminal Penalties: Willful violations can lead to criminal prosecution, with penalties including fines and imprisonment.
Paid Sick Leave Laws in Alabama
- Paid Sick Leave Requirements: Alabama does not have state-mandated paid sick leave laws. Employers are not required to provide paid sick leave but may choose to offer it as part of their benefits package.
- Risks for Non-Compliance: Since there are no state mandates, there are no specific penalties. However, employers must comply with federal regulations if they are federal contractors or meet other criteria under federal law.
Paid Sick Leave Laws in Alaska
- Paid Sick Leave Requirements: Alaska does not mandate paid sick leave for private-sector employees. However, employers may choose to provide paid sick leave voluntarily.
- Risks for Non-Compliance: Employers who are federal contractors must comply with federal paid sick leave requirements, or they may face penalties such as fines and back pay.
Paid Sick Leave Laws in Arizona
- Paid Sick Leave Requirements: Arizona requires employers to provide paid sick leave. Employees accrue 1 hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked, up to 24 hours per year for businesses with fewer than 15 employees and up to 40 hours per year for larger businesses.
- Risks for Non-Compliance: Employers who fail to comply with Arizona’s paid sick leave laws may face penalties, including fines, back pay, and damages.
Paid Sick Leave Laws in Arkansas
- Paid Sick Leave Requirements: Arkansas does not have a state-mandated paid sick leave law. Employers are not required to provide paid sick leave but may choose to offer it as part of their benefits package.
- Risks for Non-Compliance: Employers who are federal contractors must comply with federal paid sick leave requirements, or they may face penalties such as fines and back pay.
Paid Sick Leave Laws in California
- Paid Sick Leave Requirements: California mandates that employers provide paid sick leave. Employees accrue 1 hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked, and employers may cap the annual accrual at 48 hours or 6 days.
- Risks for Non-Compliance: Non-compliance with California’s paid sick leave laws can result in significant penalties, including back pay, fines, and potential lawsuits.
Paid Sick Leave Laws in Colorado
- Paid Sick Leave Requirements: Colorado requires employers to provide paid sick leave. Employees accrue 1 hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked, up to 48 hours per year.
- Risks for Non-Compliance: Employers who fail to comply with Colorado’s paid sick leave laws may face penalties, including fines, back pay, and damages.
Paid Sick Leave Laws in Connecticut
- Paid Sick Leave Requirements: Connecticut mandates that employers provide paid sick leave, but it only applies to businesses with 50 or more employees. Employees accrue 1 hour of paid sick leave for every 40 hours worked, up to 40 hours per year.
- Risks for Non-Compliance: Non-compliance with Connecticut’s paid sick leave laws can result in penalties, including back pay and fines.
Paid Sick Leave Laws in Delaware
- Paid Sick Leave Requirements: Delaware does not mandate paid sick leave for private-sector employees. However, employers may choose to provide paid sick leave voluntarily.
- Risks for Non-Compliance: Employers who are federal contractors must comply with federal paid sick leave requirements, or they may face penalties such as fines and back pay.
Paid Sick Leave Laws in Florida
- Paid Sick Leave Requirements: Florida does not have state-mandated paid sick leave laws. Employers are not required to provide paid sick leave but may choose to offer it as part of their benefits package.
- Risks for Non-Compliance: Employers who are federal contractors must comply with federal paid sick leave requirements, or they may face penalties such as fines and back pay.
Paid Sick Leave Laws in Georgia
- Paid Sick Leave Requirements: Georgia does not have state-mandated paid sick leave laws. Employers are not required to provide paid sick leave but may choose to offer it as part of their benefits package.
- Risks for Non-Compliance: Employers who are federal contractors must comply with federal paid sick leave requirements, or they may face penalties such as fines and back pay.
Paid Sick Leave Laws in Hawaii
- Paid Sick Leave Requirements: Hawaii does not mandate paid sick leave for private-sector employees. However, employers may choose to provide paid sick leave voluntarily.
- Risks for Non-Compliance: Employers who are federal contractors must comply with federal paid sick leave requirements, or they may face penalties such as fines and back pay.
Paid Sick Leave Laws in Idaho
- Paid Sick Leave Requirements: Idaho does not have state-mandated paid sick leave laws. Employers are not required to provide paid sick leave but may choose to offer it as part of their benefits package.
- Risks for Non-Compliance: Employers who are federal contractors must comply with federal paid sick leave requirements, or they may face penalties such as fines and back pay.
Paid Sick Leave Laws in Illinois
- Paid Sick Leave Requirements: Illinois mandates that employers provide paid sick leave for employees in Chicago and Cook County. Employees accrue 1 hour of paid sick leave for every 40 hours worked, up to 40 hours per year.
- Risks for Non-Compliance: Non-compliance with Illinois’s paid sick leave laws can result in penalties, including back pay and fines.
Paid Sick Leave Laws in Indiana
- Paid Sick Leave Requirements: Indiana does not have state-mandated paid sick leave laws. Employers are not required to provide paid sick leave but may choose to offer it as part of their benefits package.
- Risks for Non-Compliance: Employers who are federal contractors must comply with federal paid sick leave requirements, or they may face penalties such as fines and back pay.
Paid Sick Leave Laws in Iowa
- Paid Sick Leave Requirements: Iowa does not mandate paid sick leave for private-sector employees. However, employers may choose to provide paid sick leave voluntarily.
- Risks for Non-Compliance: Employers who are federal contractors must comply with federal paid sick leave requirements, or they may face penalties such as fines and back pay.
Paid Sick Leave Laws in Kansas
- Paid Sick Leave Requirements: Kansas does not have state-mandated paid sick leave laws. Employers are not required to provide paid sick leave but may choose to offer it as part of their benefits package.
- Risks for Non-Compliance: Employers who are federal contractors must comply with federal paid sick leave requirements, or they may face penalties such as fines and back pay.
Paid Sick Leave Laws in Kentucky
- Paid Sick Leave Requirements: Kentucky does not mandate paid sick leave for private-sector employees. However, employers may choose to provide paid sick leave voluntarily.
- Risks for Non-Compliance: Employers who are federal contractors must comply with federal paid sick leave requirements, or they may face penalties such as fines and back pay.
Paid Sick Leave Laws in Louisiana
- Paid Sick Leave Requirements: Louisiana does not have state-mandated paid sick leave laws. Employers are not required to provide paid sick leave but may choose to offer it as part of their benefits package.
- Risks for Non-Compliance: Employers who are federal contractors must comply with federal paid sick leave requirements, or they may face penalties such as fines and back pay.
Paid Sick Leave Laws in Maine
- Paid Sick Leave Requirements: Maine requires employers with more than 10 employees to provide earned paid leave, which can be used for any reason, including sick leave. Employees accrue 1 hour of paid leave for every 40 hours worked, up to 40 hours per year.
- Risks for Non-Compliance: Employers who fail to comply with Maine’s paid leave laws may face penalties, including back pay and fines.
Paid Sick Leave Laws in Maryland
- Paid Sick Leave Requirements: Maryland requires employers with 15 or more employees to provide paid sick leave. Employees accrue 1 hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked, up to 40 hours per year.
- Risks for Non-Compliance: Non-compliance with Maryland’s paid sick leave laws can result in penalties, including back pay and fines.
Paid Sick Leave Laws in Massachusetts
- Paid Sick Leave Requirements: Massachusetts mandates that employers provide paid sick leave. Employees accrue 1 hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked, up to 40 hours per year.
- Risks for Non-Compliance: Non-compliance with Massachusetts’s paid sick leave laws can result in significant penalties, including back pay and fines.
Paid Sick Leave Laws in Michigan
- Paid Sick Leave Requirements: Michigan requires employers with 50 or more employees to provide paid sick leave. Employees accrue 1 hour of paid sick leave for every 35 hours worked, up to 40 hours per year.
- Risks for Non-Compliance: Non-compliance with Michigan’s paid sick leave laws can result in penalties, including back pay and fines.
Paid Sick Leave Laws in Minnesota
- Paid Sick Leave Requirements: Minnesota does not have a state-mandated paid sick leave law, but the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul require paid sick leave. Employees accrue 1 hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked, up to 48 hours per year.
- Risks for Non-Compliance: Employers who fail to comply with local paid sick leave laws may face penalties, including back pay and fines.
Paid Sick Leave Laws in Mississippi
- Paid Sick Leave Requirements: Mississippi does not have state-mandated paid sick leave laws. Employers are not required to provide paid sick leave but may choose to offer it as part of their benefits package.
- Risks for Non-Compliance: Employers who are federal contractors must comply with federal paid sick leave requirements, or they may face penalties such as fines and back pay.
Paid Sick Leave Laws in Missouri
- Paid Sick Leave Requirements: Missouri does not have state-mandated paid sick leave laws. Employers are not required to provide paid sick leave but may choose to offer it as part of their benefits package.
- Risks for Non-Compliance: Employers who are federal contractors must comply with federal paid sick leave requirements, or they may face penalties such as fines and back pay.
Paid Sick Leave Laws in Montana
- Paid Sick Leave Requirements: Montana does not mandate paid sick leave for private-sector employees. However, employers may choose to provide paid sick leave voluntarily.
- Risks for Non-Compliance: Employers who are federal contractors must comply with federal paid sick leave requirements, or they may face penalties such as fines and back pay.
Paid Sick Leave Laws in Nebraska
- Paid Sick Leave Requirements: Nebraska does not have state-mandated paid sick leave laws. Employers are not required to provide paid sick leave but may choose to offer it as part of their benefits package.
- Risks for Non-Compliance: Employers who are federal contractors must comply with federal paid sick leave requirements, or they may face penalties such as fines and back pay.
Paid Sick Leave Laws in Nevada
- Paid Sick Leave Requirements: Nevada requires employers with 50 or more employees to provide paid leave, which can be used for any reason, including sick leave. Employees accrue 0.01923 hours of paid leave for every hour worked.
- Risks for Non-Compliance: Non-compliance with Nevada’s paid leave laws can result in penalties, including back pay and fines.
Paid Sick Leave Laws in New Hampshire
- Paid Sick Leave Requirements: New Hampshire does not have state-mandated paid sick leave laws. Employers are not required to provide paid sick leave but may choose to offer it as part of their benefits package.
- Risks for Non-Compliance: Employers who are federal contractors must comply with federal paid sick leave requirements, or they may face penalties such as fines and back pay.
Paid Sick Leave Laws in New Jersey
- Paid Sick Leave Requirements: New Jersey mandates that employers provide paid sick leave. Employees accrue 1 hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked, up to 40 hours per year.
- Risks for Non-Compliance: Non-compliance with New Jersey’s paid sick leave laws can result in significant penalties, including back pay and fines.
Paid Sick Leave Laws in New Mexico
- Paid Sick Leave Requirements: New Mexico requires all private employers to provide paid sick leave. Employees accrue 1 hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked, up to 64 hours per year.
- Risks for Non-Compliance: Non-compliance with New Mexico’s paid sick leave laws can result in penalties, including back pay and fines.
Paid Sick Leave Laws in New York
- Paid Sick Leave Requirements: New York State requires employers to provide paid sick leave based on the size of the employer. Employees accrue 1 hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked, with a cap ranging from 40 to 56 hours per year, depending on the size of the employer.
- Risks for Non-Compliance: Non-compliance with New York’s paid sick leave laws can result in significant penalties, including back pay and fines.
Paid Sick Leave Laws in North Carolina
- Paid Sick Leave Requirements: North Carolina does not have state-mandated paid sick leave laws. Employers are not required to provide paid sick leave but may choose to offer it as part of their benefits package.
- Risks for Non-Compliance: Employers who are federal contractors must comply with federal paid sick leave requirements, or they may face penalties such as fines and back pay.
Paid Sick Leave Laws in North Dakota
- Paid Sick Leave Requirements: North Dakota does not mandate paid sick leave for private-sector employees. However, employers may choose to provide paid sick leave voluntarily.
- Risks for Non-Compliance: Employers who are federal contractors must comply with federal paid sick leave requirements, or they may face penalties such as fines and back pay.
Paid Sick Leave Laws in Ohio
- Paid Sick Leave Requirements: Ohio does not have state-mandated paid sick leave laws. Employers are not required to provide paid sick leave but may choose to offer it as part of their benefits package.
- Risks for Non-Compliance: Employers who are federal contractors must comply with federal paid sick leave requirements, or they may face penalties such as fines and back pay.
Paid Sick Leave Laws in Oklahoma
- Paid Sick Leave Requirements: Oklahoma does not mandate paid sick leave for private-sector employees. However, employers may choose to provide paid sick leave voluntarily.
- Risks for Non-Compliance: Employers who are federal contractors must comply with federal paid sick leave requirements, or they may face penalties such as fines and back pay.
Paid Sick Leave Laws in Oregon
- Paid Sick Leave Requirements: Oregon mandates that employers provide paid sick leave. Employees accrue 1 hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked, up to 40 hours per year.
- Risks for Non-Compliance: Non-compliance with Oregon’s paid sick leave laws can result in significant penalties, including back pay and fines.
Paid Sick Leave Laws in Pennsylvania
- Paid Sick Leave Requirements: Pennsylvania does not have a state-mandated paid sick leave law, but Philadelphia and Pittsburgh require paid sick leave. Employees accrue 1 hour of paid sick leave for every 40 hours worked, up to 40 hours per year.
- Risks for Non-Compliance: Non-compliance with local paid sick leave laws in Pennsylvania can result in penalties, including back pay and fines.
Paid Sick Leave Laws in Rhode Island
- Paid Sick Leave Requirements: Rhode Island mandates that employers provide paid sick leave. Employees accrue 1 hour of paid sick leave for every 35 hours worked, up to 40 hours per year.
- Risks for Non-Compliance: Non-compliance with Rhode Island’s paid sick leave laws can result in penalties, including back pay and fines.
Paid Sick Leave Laws in South Carolina
- Paid Sick Leave Requirements: South Carolina does not have state-mandated paid sick leave laws. Employers are not required to provide paid sick leave but may choose to offer it as part of their benefits package.
- Risks for Non-Compliance: Employers who are federal contractors must comply with federal paid sick leave requirements, or they may face penalties such as fines and back pay.
Paid Sick Leave Laws in South Dakota
- Paid Sick Leave Requirements: South Dakota does not mandate paid sick leave for private-sector employees. However, employers may choose to provide paid sick leave voluntarily.
- Risks for Non-Compliance: Employers who are federal contractors must comply with federal paid sick leave requirements, or they may face penalties such as fines and back pay.
Paid Sick Leave Laws in Tennessee
- Paid Sick Leave Requirements: Tennessee does not have state-mandated paid sick leave laws. Employers are not required to provide paid sick leave but may choose to offer it as part of their benefits package.
- Risks for Non-Compliance: Employers who are federal contractors must comply with federal paid sick leave requirements, or they may face penalties such as fines and back pay.
Paid Sick Leave Laws in Texas
- Paid Sick Leave Requirements: Texas does not have state-mandated paid sick leave laws. Employers are not required to provide paid sick leave but may choose to offer it as part of their benefits package.
- Risks for Non-Compliance: Employers who are federal contractors must comply with federal paid sick leave requirements, or they may face penalties such as fines and back pay.
Paid Sick Leave Laws in Utah
- Paid Sick Leave Requirements: Utah does not mandate paid sick leave for private-sector employees. However, employers may choose to provide paid sick leave voluntarily.
- Risks for Non-Compliance: Employers who are federal contractors must comply with federal paid sick leave requirements, or they may face penalties such as fines and back pay.
Paid Sick Leave Laws in Vermont
- Paid Sick Leave Requirements: Vermont requires employers to provide paid sick leave. Employees accrue 1 hour of paid sick leave for every 52 hours worked, up to 40 hours per year.
- Risks for Non-Compliance: Non-compliance with Vermont’s paid sick leave laws can result in penalties, including back pay and fines.
Paid Sick Leave Laws in Virginia
- Paid Sick Leave Requirements: Virginia mandates paid sick leave for home health workers, requiring 1 hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked, up to 40 hours per year. For other employees, paid sick leave is not state-mandated.
- Risks for Non-Compliance: Non-compliance with Virginia’s paid sick leave laws for home health workers can result in penalties, including back pay and fines.
Paid Sick Leave Laws in Washington
- Paid Sick Leave Requirements: Washington requires employers to provide paid sick leave. Employees accrue 1 hour of paid sick leave for every 40 hours worked, with no cap on accrual.
- Risks for Non-Compliance: Non-compliance with Washington’s paid sick leave laws can result in significant penalties, including back pay and fines.
Paid Sick Leave Laws in West Virginia
- Paid Sick Leave Requirements: West Virginia does not have state-mandated paid sick leave laws. Employers are not required to provide paid sick leave but may choose to offer it as part of their benefits package.
- Risks for Non-Compliance: Employers who are federal contractors must comply with federal paid sick leave requirements, or they may face penalties such as fines and back pay.
Paid Sick Leave Laws in Wisconsin
- Paid Sick Leave Requirements: Wisconsin does not have state-mandated paid sick leave laws. Employers are not required to provide paid sick leave but may choose to offer it as part of their benefits package.
- Risks for Non-Compliance: Employers who are federal contractors must comply with federal paid sick leave requirements, or they may face penalties such as fines and back pay.
Paid Sick Leave Laws in Wyoming
- Paid Sick Leave Requirements: Wyoming does not mandate paid sick leave for private-sector employees. However, employers may choose to provide paid sick leave voluntarily.
- Risks for Non-Compliance: Employers who are federal contractors must comply with federal paid sick leave requirements, or they may face penalties such as fines and back pay.
Conclusion
Paid sick leave laws are crucial for maintaining the health and well-being of the workforce. They ensure that employees can take time off to recover from illness or care for sick family members without fearing financial loss.
These laws also protect public health by reducing the spread of illnesses in the workplace. For businesses, compliance with both federal and state paid sick leave regulations is essential to avoid legal risks, support employee well-being, and maintain a positive workplace culture.
Employers who fail to adhere to these laws face significant penalties, including fines, back pay, and potential lawsuits, underscoring the importance of understanding and complying with these essential regulations.
