Leading U.S. States with Mandatory Sick Leave Policies

Have you ever wondered how different states in the U.S. support their workers when it comes to paid sick leave? Are employees in New York entitled to the same benefits as those in California? What about the policies in states like Washington or Massachusetts? As we delve into the leading U.S. states with mandatory sick leave policies, you'll discover which states are championing worker health and ensuring that employees can take the time they need to recover without financial stress. Let's explore some of the top states that are setting the standard for worker well-being and see how they compare.

Leading States With Mandatory Sick Leave In The United States

Many states in the U.S. have passed laws mandating that employers offer separate sick leave policies. As reported by the U.S. Department of Labor, as of December 2024, 18 states and the District of Columbia have enacted paid sick leave laws. These laws require covered private employers to provide paid sick leave to their eligible employees, allowing them to attend to their own health needs and/or those of a family member.

Here are some notable examples.

States with Paid Sick Leave Laws

Below are some of the leading states in the U.S. that have enacted mandatory paid sick leave laws:

California Paid Sick Leave Law

Enacted in 2014, California's paid sick leave law requires employers to provide at least 40 hours or 5 days of paid sick leave per year, effective January 1, 2024. This is an update from the previous requirement of 24 hours or three days per year. This change ensures that employees have more time to address their health needs without financial strain.

New York Paid Sick Leave Law

Enacted in 2021, New York's paid sick leave law mandates that employers provide up to 56 hours of paid sick leave per year, depending on the size of the business. Recent updates include an additional 20 hours of paid sick leave for prenatal care starting January 1, 2025. This expansion reflects the state's commitment to supporting employees' health and family needs.

Let's take a look at how each business size differs in terms of mandated paid sick leave employers must provide to their employees in the state of New York:

Small businesses (employers with 4-99 employees) must offer up to 40 hours of paid sick leave per calendar year.
Larger businesses (employers with 100 or more employees) must provide up to 56 hours of paid sick leave per calendar year.
Businesses with fewer than 4 employees: The requirement for sick leave depends on the employer's net income from the previous year.
- If the employer's net income is $1 million or more, they must provide 40 hours of paid sick leave per calendar year.
- If the net income is less than $1 million, they are required to provide 40 hours of sick leave, but it will be unpaid.

Massachusetts Paid Sick Leave Law

Enacted in 2015, Massachusetts requires employers with 11 or more employees to provide up to 40 hours of paid sick leave per year. Employers with fewer than 11 employees must provide earned sick time, but it does not need to be paid. Recent updates allow the use of sick leave for pregnancy loss or failed assisted reproduction as of November 21, 2024, highlighting the state's recognition of diverse health needs.

Washington Paid Sick Leave Law

Enacted in 2018, Washington's paid sick leave law requires employers to provide at least 1 hour of paid sick leave for every 40 hours worked. So, a full-time employee in Washington who works a standard full-time schedule of 40 hours per week can expect to earn 52 hours of paid sick leave annually. An expansion of sick leave protections is set to take effect starting January 1, 2025, ensuring that employees have adequate support during health crises.

Oregon Paid Sick Leave Law

Enacted in 2016, Oregon requires employers with 10 or more employees to provide up to 40 hours of paid sick leave per year. Smaller employers must provide unpaid sick leave. Recent changes to the law took effect on January 1, 2023, reflecting ongoing efforts to enhance employee benefits.

New Jersey Earned Sick Leave Law

Enacted in 2018, New Jersey's earned sick leave law requires employers of all sizes to provide up to 40 hours of paid sick leave per year. The law applies to nearly all workers in the state, including full-time, part-time, and temporary employees, ensuring broad coverage and support.

Alaska Paid Sick Leave Law

Scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2025, Alaska's new paid sick leave law requires employers with 15 or more employees to provide 56 hours of paid sick leave per year, while smaller employers must provide 40 hours. This law aims to provide comprehensive health support for employees across the state.

Missouri Paid Sick Leave Law

Enacted in 2024, Missouri's paid sick leave law requires employers with more than 15 employees to provide up to 56 hours of paid sick leave per year, and smaller employers to provide up to 40 hours. This law takes effect on May 1, 2025, reflecting the state’s commitment to employee health and well-being.

Nebraska Paid Sick Leave Law

Enacted in 2024, Nebraska's paid sick leave law will take effect on October 1, 2025. It mandates that employers with fewer than 20 employees provide up to 40 hours of paid sick leave per year, while larger employers must provide up to 56 hours. This law ensures that employees have access to necessary health support regardless of employer size.

Michigan Paid Medical Leave Act

Enacted in 2018 and effective March 29, 2019, Michigan's Paid Medical Leave Act requires employers with 50 or more employees to provide up to 40 hours of paid sick leave per year. Employees can use this leave for their own health needs or to care for a family member, promoting a healthier workforce.

Other States with Paid Sick Leave Laws

In addition to the states detailed above, the following states have also enacted paid sick leave laws: Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Maryland, Minnesota, New Mexico, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Each of these states has specific requirements regarding accrual rates, permissible uses of sick leave, and carryover provisions, reflecting their commitment to employee health and well-being.

Note: Some other states, such as Nevada, Maine, and Illinois, have enacted laws that provide for general paid leave, which can be used for various purposes, including sick leave. These laws do not specifically mandate paid sick leave but offer flexibility for employees to use their paid leave as needed.

District of Columbia Paid Sick Leave Law

The District of Columbia enacted the Accrued Sick and Safe Leave Act (ASSLA), which requires employers to provide paid leave to employees for their own or family members' illnesses, medical appointments, and for absences associated with domestic violence or sexual abuse. This law ensures that employees in the nation's capital have access to necessary health support.

In essence, the implementation of separate sick leave policies across various states highlights the growing recognition of the importance of employee health and well-being. According to recent updates, states like Alaska, Missouri, and Nebraska have introduced new sick leave laws effective in 2025, reflecting a trend towards more comprehensive employee benefits. These laws typically require employers to provide a minimum amount of paid sick leave, which can be used for a variety of health-related needs, including preventive care and mental health support.

Employers in states with these regulations must stay informed about the specific requirements to ensure compliance. This includes understanding accrual rates, permissible uses of sick leave, and any carryover provisions. By adhering to these laws, employers can foster a healthier and more productive workforce, ultimately benefiting both employees and the organization as a whole.

Understanding the nuances of state-specific PTO regulations is crucial for any employer aiming to foster a compliant and supportive work environment. You can check out Why Employers Need To Adhere To State-Specific PTO Regulations to learn how these regulations will not only help you navigate the complexities of varying state laws, but also ensure that your business remains legally protected, and your employees feel valued. Adhering to these laws demonstrates a commitment to employee well-being and can significantly boost morale, productivity, and overall job satisfaction. As a result, staying informed about the importance of these regulations can help you create a fair and equitable workplace, mitigating legal risks and fostering long-term employee loyalty.

Table Summarizing the Mandated Paid Sick Leave in Some States in the U.S.

In order to provide a quick reference, the following table summarizes the mandated paid sick leave policies for some of the leading states in the U.S. in terms of worker's sick leave. This table highlights the differences in requirements based on state laws, helping employers and employees understand their rights and obligations.

Note: This table includes information for selected states and is not an exhaustive list of all states with mandatory sick leave policies.

State	Mandated Paid Sick Leave
California	At least 40 hours or 5 days per year
New York	56 hours per year (100+ employees), 40 hours per year (4-99 employees), 40 hours unpaid (less than 4 employees with net income < $1 million)
Massachusetts	Up to 40 hours per year
Washington	1 hour for every 40 hours worked (52 hours annually for full-time workers)
Oregon	Up to 40 hours per year
New Jersey	Up to 40 hours per year
Alaska	56 hours per year (15+ employees), 40 hours per year (smaller employers)
Missouri	56 hours per year (15+ employees), 40 hours per year (smaller employers)
Nebraska	56 hours per year (20+ employees), 40 hours per year (smaller employers)
Michigan	Up to 40 hours per year

The data on mandatory sick leave policies across various U.S. states highlights a growing trend towards ensuring employee health and well-being through legislative measures.

Here are some key takeaways:

Widespread Adoption: As of December 2024, 18 states and the District of Columbia have enacted paid sick leave laws, reflecting a significant commitment to worker health.
Variability in Requirements: The amount of mandated paid sick leave varies by state, with some states like New York and Alaska requiring up to 56 hours per year for larger employers, while others like California and Massachusetts mandate up to 40 hours per year.
Business Size Considerations: Many states differentiate requirements based on the size of the business. For example, New York mandates different sick leave hours for small businesses (40 hours) versus larger businesses (56 hours).
Recent Updates: Several states have recently updated their laws to expand sick leave benefits. For instance, California increased its requirement from 24 to 40 hours, and New York added 20 hours for prenatal care.
Special Provisions: Some states have specific provisions for different health needs, such as Massachusetts allowing sick leave for pregnancy loss or failed assisted reproduction.
Average Mandated Sick Leave: On average, states with mandatory sick leave laws require around 40 to 56 hours of paid sick leave per year, depending on the size of the employer and specific state regulations.

In conclusion, the implementation of mandatory sick leave policies across various states underscores the importance of supporting employee health and well-being. Employers must stay informed about these regulations to ensure compliance and foster a supportive work environment. By adhering to these laws, businesses can enhance employee morale, productivity, and overall job satisfaction, ultimately benefiting both employees and the organization.

Aside from sick leave policies, understanding the broader landscape of employee benefits in the U.S. can provide valuable insights into the evolving nature of work and compensation. You can explore our comprehensive guide on Employee Benefits Access in the United States to gain a deeper understanding of the various benefits available to workers across different sectors and industries. This guide offers detailed insights into paid time off, medical care plans, retirement benefits, and wellness programs, helping you navigate the complex world of employee benefits in the U.S.