Is Mandatory Paid Sick Leave on the Horizon?

Representative Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) and Senator Edward Kennedy (D-MA) are expected to reintroduce the Healthy Families Act in both houses. The measure, which was also introduced in Congress in 2007 (S. 910, H.R. 1542), requires employers to provide 7 paid sick days per year to workers to care for their own or a family member’s medical needs. The act would apply to employers with 15 or more employees.

Similar legislation has already been passed in three cities - San Francisco, Washington, D.C. and Milwaukee - and is being introduced in Philadelphia and New York City. In addition, paid leave bills are pending in several states, including Connecticut and Massachusetts.

Foster Swift will continue to monitor the status of the federal bill and corresponding state bill.