It is expected that the state legislature will move quickly to finalize and vote on legislation to effectuate this statewide paid leave obligation. The governor’s office did not announce further details; however, various news sources have reported the following details from the proposed legislation:

• Paid leave obligations apply to employers with more than 25 employees.
• COVID-19-related paid leave obligations will be retroactive to cover absences beginning January 1, 2022, with an expiration date of September 30, 2022.
• Covered employers would be required to provide workers with up to two weeks of supplemental paid sick leave to recover from COVID-19 or care for a family member with the virus, as follows:
  • Up to 40 hours of flexible paid leave for full-time workers who are sick or caring for an ill loved one; and
  • Up to 40 additional hours of paid leave with proof of a positive COVID-19 test.

The proposed legislation details above are subject to change as the legislation is finalized and voted on in the coming weeks.

McDermott Will & Emery is closely tracking this legislation and is available to assist employers with paid leave policy updates and continued compliance efforts.