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BLOG / 10.13.20 /Jack Malley

NY’s New Paid Sick Leave Law Now Effective

New York State’s new Paid Sick Leave Law went into effect Sept. 30, 2020. Employees can start accruing leave now and can start using that accrued leave on Jan. 1, 2021.

The new law requires employers to provide time off for employee physical or mental illnesses, family illnesses and preventative care. In addition, the law allows time off for “sick leave” if an employee has been the victim of domestic violence, stalking, a sexual or family offense or human trafficking. The law covers four broad categories of employer: (i) Employers with 4 or fewer employees and a net income of less than $1 million must provide 40 hours of unpaid sick leave annually. (ii) Employers with 4 or fewer employees and a net income of more than $1 million must provide 40 hours of paid sick leave. (iii) Employers with between 5 and 99 employees must provide 40 hours of paid sick leave regardless of net income; and (iv) Employers with 100 or more employees must provide 56 hours of paid sick leave annually regardless of income.

The new law includes many details covering accrual, use, recordkeeping, carryover and more. Employers should amend their employee handbooks and other written policies to comply with the new law.

For more information, please contact:

Jack Malley
jmalley@sbjlaw.com