New Laws for 2024
On January 1, 2024 workers began to benefit from laws that took effect in four states: Colorado, Minnesota, Illinois, and California. These time-to-care laws address the needs of working families thanks to the dedicated work of our network partners in each of these states. Thank you 9to5 Colorado, Take Action Minnesota, ISAIAH, Main Street Alliance, Women Employed, and the California Work and Family Coalition!
Colorado: Passed more than three years ago, the Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) Act is now active. According to the Department of Labor and Employment, Colorado workers may receive up to 12 weeks of annual leave to care for themselves or a family member.
Minnesota: Minnesota’s earned sick and safe time law requires employers to provide paid sick and safe days to employees who work in the state. Employers must provide time that can be used for illness, caring for family, or seeking help from domestic abuse. Minnesota businesses must provide employees at least one hour of paid sick and safe time for every 30 hours worked (up to 48 hours) to heal or care for a family member’s illness, domestic abuse, public emergency work, school closures, and more. More information about this new law can be found by visiting the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry.
Illinois: The “Illinois Paid Leave for All Workers Act” will guarantee all workers at least one week of paid time off. Employees can use the time off for any reason – not only health care. Additionally, as cited by the Illinois Department of Labor, “Employers may not require workers to provide a basis for their time off request.”
California: California’s existing paid sick days law now offers five guaranteed sick days per year to workers in the state. Time is available for workers to care for themselves or a loved one, to receive preventative care, and for specified purposes related to domestic violence or stalking. More information is available from the California Department of Industrial Relations.
Wins for working people are a great way to start the new year. FV@W will continue to work with our partners until paid leave and paid sick and safe days are available to everyone.
