In November, voters in Alaska, Missouri and Nebraska approved ballot measures mandating paid sick leave for workers. Since then, lawmakers in each state have introduced legislation to modify these measures, citing concerns from business groups about costs.
1. Alaska
Alaska’s Ballot Measure 1, set to go into effect July 1, requires employers to provide paid sick leave. HB 161, introduced in March, seeks to amend the measure by exempting businesses with fewer than 50 employees and excluding seasonal workers from the paid sick leave requirements, the Alaska Beacon reported April 18.
2. Michigan
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed HB 4002 in February, approving new paid sick leave requirements, Detroit Free Press reported Feb. 25. The legislation delays the compliance date for small businesses and extends the time it takes for new employees to become eligible for paid sick leave.
3. Missouri
Missouri voters approved Proposition A in November, mandating paid sick leave, which went into effect May 1. The Missouri Supreme Court upheld the measure April 29, rejecting challenges from business groups, the Missouri Independent reported April 29. State legislators are now focused on passing HB 567, which aims to repeal Proposition A’s paid sick leave provisions. The bill is awaiting action in the Senate.
4. Nebraska
Nebraska’s Initiative 436 requires employers to provide paid sick leave, which is set to go into effect Oct. 1.Legislators have proposed amendments to the law that would exclude workers under 16, seasonal agricultural workers and those at business with 10 or fewer employees, Nebraska Public Media reported March 27.
