Paid sick days: accrual and use.
The legislation aims to standardize and enhance the benefits related to sick leave across the state, particularly benefiting sectors that often have limited sick leave policies. The transition towards this change is considered to address significant workforce health considerations and reduce the spread of illness in workplaces. By implementing uniform regulations on paid sick days, AB995 aims to secure worker rights concerning time-off due to health-related issues, thus catering to the increasingly recognized need for such provisions in an evolving labor environment.
Assembly Bill 995, introduced by Assembly Member Lorena Gonzalez, amends Section 246 of the California Labor Code to update provisions regarding paid sick leave. The bill stipulates that full-time employees in California who work for the same employer for 30 or more days within a year are entitled to paid sick days. Sick leave will be accrued at a rate of not less than one hour for every 30 hours worked and can be accessed beginning on the 90th day of the employee's employment. With this bill, it ensures that at least 40 hours of paid sick leave is accrued by the 200th calendar day of employment, raising the maximum allowable carryover sick leave to 40 hours or 5 days annually.
Notable points of contention may arise around the provisions that restrict the conditions under which sick leave can be accrued or the amount limited. Some employers may express concerns regarding the financial implications of obligatory sick leave benefits, especially for small businesses that already face varying operational challenges. Additionally, while supporters argue that uniform rules are needed for clarity and equity across the state, opponents could raise issues regarding local control and the ability of communities to tailor regulations to their specific needs.