Legislation Expands Connecticut’s Paid Sick Days to Protect More Workers
On May 21, 2024, Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont signed “An Act Expanding Paid Sick Days in the State”, into law. This new legislation expands on the existing paid sick leave law. Effective January 1, 2025, paid sick day protections will be expanded to include and provide access to more workers in Connecticut.
Prior to this law, Connecticut’s Paid Sick Leave law required employers with more than 50 employees, specifically in retail and service occupations, to provide up to 40 hours of paid sick leave annually.
This new bill expands the current paid sick leave law in several ways. The expanded coverage will be implemented in three phases over the next three years. In addition to expanding access, the law will broaden the range of family members an employee can use the leave for, increase the rate at which employees accrue leave, and change the waiting period before it can be used. It also prohibits employers from requiring documentation to support lease reasons and expands the reasons employees may use the leave to include events such as public health emergencies and quarantines.
Key Dates to Remember:
Employers should be aware of the following key dates:
- By January 1, 2025, employers in the private sector with a least 25 employees must expand sick leave coverage to comply with new standards.
- By January 1, 2026, employers in the private sector with a least 11 employees must expand the sick leave coverage to comply with updated requirements.
- By January 1, 2027, employers in the private sector, with a least 1 employee must comply with the new sick leaves standards.
This progressive expansion of paid sick leave underscores Connecticut’s commitment to supporting the well-being of its workforce. As the law phases in, employers will need to adapt their policies to ensure compliance, ultimately fostering a healthier and more resilient workforce across the state.
If your business has any questions on this topic or any other matters, please do not hesitate to contact the attorneys at The Royal Law Firm at 413-586-2288.
