--- title: "Paid Sick Leave: What Does My State Require? And Other FAQs" description: We answer frequently asked questions about these state requirements. image: https://sbshrs.adpinfo.com/hubfs/Elizabeth/ToW_Blog_Ftr_Img_Paid%20Sick%20Leave-%20What%20Does%20My%20State%20Require_%20And%20Other%20FAQs_.png --- [![ADP® logo](https://sbshrs.adpinfo.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Logo/ADP_logo.png?width=55&height=25&name=ADP_logo.png "ADP® logo")](https://www.adp.com/?utm_medium=display&utm_source=https://sbshrs.adpinfo.com/blog&utm_campaign=SBS_FY24_Q1_HR+Tip+of+the+Week+UTM&elqCampaignId=43754) - [Tip of the Week](https://sbshrs.adpinfo.com/blog) - Topics - [Compliance](https://sbshrs.adpinfo.com/blog/topic/compliance) - [Employee benefits](https://sbshrs.adpinfo.com/blog/topic/employee-benefits) - [Hiring and onboarding](https://sbshrs.adpinfo.com/blog/topic/hiring-and-onboarding) - [HR101](https://sbshrs.adpinfo.com/blog/topic/hr101) - [Nondiscrimination](https://sbshrs.adpinfo.com/blog/topic/nondiscrimination) - [Pay](https://sbshrs.adpinfo.com/blog/topic/pay) - [Performance management](https://sbshrs.adpinfo.com/blog/topic/performance) - [Policies](https://sbshrs.adpinfo.com/blog/topic/policies) - [Termination](https://sbshrs.adpinfo.com/blog/topic/termination) - [Training and development](https://sbshrs.adpinfo.com/blog/topic/training-and-development) - [Workplace safety](https://sbshrs.adpinfo.com/blog/topic/workplace-safety) - [Webinars](https://sbshrs.adpinfo.com/hrwebcasts) - [Podcast](https://hrpreneur.podbean.com/) - Resources - [Newsletter](https://sbshrs.adpinfo.com/newsletter) - [ACA Reporting Road Map](https://sbshrs.adpinfo.com/aca-road-map) - [FLSA & Overtime Rule Guide](https://sbshrs.adpinfo.com/flsa) - [COVID-19 Resource Center](https://sbshrs.adpinfo.com/covid19) ## HR Tip of the Week Posted on October 19, 2026 |  [Employee benefits](https://sbshrs.adpinfo.com/blog/topic/employee-benefits), [Policies](https://sbshrs.adpinfo.com/blog/topic/policies) # Paid Sick Leave: What Does My State Require? And Other FAQs ![Sick woman blowing nose](https://sbshrs.adpinfo.com/hubfs/Elizabeth/ToW_Blog_Ftr_Img_Paid%20Sick%20Leave-%20What%20Does%20My%20State%20Require_%20And%20Other%20FAQs_.png) Seventeen states and the District of Columbia currently require employers to provide paid sick leave to employees, and Virginia has enacted phased-in paid sick leave requirements that will expand employer coverage beginning in 2027. Some states don’t require paid sick leave specifically but instead require employers to provide paid leave that employees can use for any reason, including illness. Below, we answer frequently asked questions about these state requirements.   | ## KEY POINTS - Seventeen states and the District of Columbia currently require some employers to provide paid sick leave. In addition, Virginia has enacted a phased-in paid sick leave requirement that will expand coverage beginning in 2027. - Many of these laws apply to even the smallest employers. - Some states don't require paid sick leave specifically but instead require employers to provide paid leave that employees may use for any reason, including illness. - A written policy and/or notices may be required. | | --- | ## What about local paid sick leave requirements? In our next Tip of the Week, we will answer questions about local jurisdictions that require paid sick leave and/or any-reason leave.  ## **Which states require employers to provide paid sick leave?** **A:** As of the date of publication above, the following states and the District of Columbia require employers to provide paid sick leave to employees. Employer coverage varies, but many of the laws apply to all employers. | **State or district** | **Which employers must provide paid sick leave?** | | --- | --- | | **Alaska** **![](https://sbshrs.adpinfo.com/hs-fs/hubfs/undefined-Aug-27-2026-04-42-44-7364-PM.png?width=90&height=58&name=undefined-Aug-27-2026-04-42-44-7364-PM.png)** | All employers | | **Arizona** **![](https://sbshrs.adpinfo.com/hs-fs/hubfs/undefined-Aug-27-2026-04-42-47-1139-PM.png?width=50&height=56&name=undefined-Aug-27-2026-04-42-47-1139-PM.png)** | All employers | | **California** **![](https://sbshrs.adpinfo.com/hs-fs/hubfs/undefined-Aug-27-2026-04-42-45-1105-PM.png?width=49&height=84&name=undefined-Aug-27-2026-04-42-45-1105-PM.png)** | All employers | | **Colorado** **![](https://sbshrs.adpinfo.com/hs-fs/hubfs/undefined-Aug-27-2026-04-42-45-3156-PM.png?width=61&height=47&name=undefined-Aug-27-2026-04-42-45-3156-PM.png)** | All employers | | **Connecticut** **![](https://sbshrs.adpinfo.com/hs-fs/hubfs/undefined-Aug-27-2026-04-42-46-3449-PM.png?width=56&height=54&name=undefined-Aug-27-2026-04-42-46-3449-PM.png)** | Employers with 11 or more employees in the state must provide paid sick leave to all employees. **Effective January 1, 2027**, employers with one or more employees in the state must provide paid sick leave to all employees. | | **District of Columbia** **![](https://sbshrs.adpinfo.com/hs-fs/hubfs/undefined-Aug-27-2026-04-42-48-1176-PM.png?width=74&height=86&name=undefined-Aug-27-2026-04-42-48-1176-PM.png)** | All employers | | **Maryland** **![](https://sbshrs.adpinfo.com/hs-fs/hubfs/undefined-Aug-27-2026-04-42-44-0844-PM.png?width=106&height=50&name=undefined-Aug-27-2026-04-42-44-0844-PM.png)** | Employers with 15 or more employees must provide paid sick leave. (Smaller employers must provide sick leave, but it may be unpaid.) | | **Massachusetts** **![](https://sbshrs.adpinfo.com/hs-fs/hubfs/undefined-Aug-27-2026-04-42-45-9701-PM.png?width=65&height=35&name=undefined-Aug-27-2026-04-42-45-9701-PM.png)** | Employers with more than 10 employees must provide paid sick leave. (Smaller employers must provide sick leave, but it may be unpaid.) | | **Michigan** **![](https://sbshrs.adpinfo.com/hs-fs/hubfs/undefined-Aug-27-2026-04-42-44-9228-PM.png?width=50&height=51&name=undefined-Aug-27-2026-04-42-44-9228-PM.png)** | All employers | | **Minnesota** **![](https://sbshrs.adpinfo.com/hs-fs/hubfs/undefined-Aug-27-2026-04-42-46-1619-PM.png?width=56&height=64&name=undefined-Aug-27-2026-04-42-46-1619-PM.png)** | All employers | | **Nebraska** **![](https://sbshrs.adpinfo.com/hs-fs/hubfs/undefined-Aug-27-2026-04-42-46-5402-PM.png?width=66&height=33&name=undefined-Aug-27-2026-04-42-46-5402-PM.png)** | Employers with 11 or more employees must provide paid sick leave. | | **New Jersey** **![](https://sbshrs.adpinfo.com/hs-fs/hubfs/undefined-Aug-27-2026-04-42-46-7332-PM.png?width=39&height=86&name=undefined-Aug-27-2026-04-42-46-7332-PM.png)** | All employers | | **New Mexico** **![](https://sbshrs.adpinfo.com/hs-fs/hubfs/undefined-Aug-27-2026-04-42-46-9202-PM.png?width=47&height=47&name=undefined-Aug-27-2026-04-42-46-9202-PM.png)** | All employers | | **New York** **![](https://sbshrs.adpinfo.com/hs-fs/hubfs/undefined-Aug-27-2026-04-42-47-9231-PM.png?width=68&height=56&name=undefined-Aug-27-2026-04-42-47-9231-PM.png)** | Employers with five or more employees or a net income of more than $1 million must provide paid sick leave. (Other New York employers must provide sick leave, but it may be unpaid.) All New York employers must provide up to 20 hours of paid prenatal personal leave to eligible employees. The required paid prenatal leave is in addition to the sick leave requirements. | | **Oregon** **![](https://sbshrs.adpinfo.com/hs-fs/hubfs/undefined-Aug-27-2026-04-42-48-3036-PM.png?width=63&height=52&name=undefined-Aug-27-2026-04-42-48-3036-PM.png)** | Employers with 10 or more employees (six or more if they have a location in Portland) must provide paid sick leave. (Smaller employers must provide sick leave, but it may be unpaid.) | | **Rhode Island** **![](https://sbshrs.adpinfo.com/hs-fs/hubfs/undefined-Aug-27-2026-04-42-44-4942-PM.png?width=57&height=76&name=undefined-Aug-27-2026-04-42-44-4942-PM.png)** | Employers with 18 or more employees must provide paid sick leave. (Smaller employers must provide sick leave, but it may be unpaid.) | | **Vermont** **![](https://sbshrs.adpinfo.com/hs-fs/hubfs/undefined-Aug-27-2026-04-42-44-2894-PM.png?width=42&height=78&name=undefined-Aug-27-2026-04-42-44-2894-PM.png)** | All employers | | **Virginia** **![](https://sbshrs.adpinfo.com/hs-fs/hubfs/undefined-Aug-27-2026-04-42-47-3173-PM.png?width=95&height=52&name=undefined-Aug-27-2026-04-42-47-3173-PM.png)** | - Until July 1, 2027, only employers of home-health workers must provide paid sick leave under state law. - Beginning July 1, 2027, all employers with 50 or more employees must provide paid sick leave. - Beginning January 1, 2028, all employers with 25 to 49 employees must provide paid sick leave. - Beginning January 1, 2029, all employers with one to 24 employees must provide paid sick leave. | | **Washington** **![](https://sbshrs.adpinfo.com/hs-fs/hubfs/undefined-Aug-27-2026-04-42-47-5019-PM.png?width=68&height=50&name=undefined-Aug-27-2026-04-42-47-5019-PM.png)** | All employers | ## **Which states require employers to provide paid leave that employees can use for *any* reason?** Some states have enacted laws requiring employers to provide paid leave that employees can use for any purpose, including illness, rather than having a specific paid sick leave requirement. These states include the following. | **State** | **Employers who must provide paid leave used for any reason** | | --- | --- | | **Illinois** **![](https://sbshrs.adpinfo.com/hs-fs/hubfs/undefined-Aug-27-2026-04-42-47-6916-PM.png?width=38&height=67&name=undefined-Aug-27-2026-04-42-47-6916-PM.png)** | All employers must provide paid leave that employees can use for any purpose, including vacation, unless the employer is covered by a municipal or county ordinance that was in effect on January 1, 2024, that requires employers to give any form of paid leave to their employees. | | **Maine** **![](https://sbshrs.adpinfo.com/hs-fs/hubfs/undefined-Aug-27-2026-04-42-45-7156-PM.png?width=46&height=72&name=undefined-Aug-27-2026-04-42-45-7156-PM.png)** | Employers with 10 or more employees must provide paid leave that employees can use for any purpose, including vacation. | | **Nevada** **![](https://sbshrs.adpinfo.com/hs-fs/hubfs/undefined-Aug-27-2026-04-42-45-5114-PM.png?width=45&height=68&name=undefined-Aug-27-2026-04-42-45-5114-PM.png)** | Employers with 50 or more employees must provide paid leave that employees can use for any purpose, including vacation. | ## **Which employees are entitled to paid sick leave?** Eligibility varies by jurisdiction. Many paid sick leave laws cover full-time, part-time, temporary, and seasonal employees. Some laws contain limited exceptions for certain occupations or employee classifications and/or require employees to work a certain number of hours within the state, county, or city (typically set low so many employees will qualify easily). Review the applicable law to determine which employees are covered. ## **How much paid sick leave must be provided?** The amount of leave employees are entitled to accrue and use differs among jurisdictions. Most laws use an accrual formula of one hour of sick leave for a certain number of hours worked, such as one hour for every 30 hours worked. Some laws allow employers to have caps on the number of hours an employee may accrue and/or use in a year. ## **Can I use a PTO policy instead of a separate sick leave policy?** Generally, employers may use a PTO policy to satisfy paid sick leave requirements if the policy provides at least the same amount of leave and allows employees to use it for all purposes required under the applicable law. Employers should review all applicable requirements before relying on a PTO policy for compliance. Keep in mind that, depending on your state, you may be required to pay out unused PTO when the employee separates from employment. ## **Can I require employees to provide notice of their need to use sick leave?** Under many of these laws, employers may require employees to provide reasonable notice when the employee's need for leave is foreseeable, but employers may have different definitions of what is considered reasonable. If the need for leave is unforeseeable, employers may generally require employees to provide notice as soon as practical or to follow the employer's regular procedures for reporting other unscheduled absences (such as calling their supervisor before their shift starts). All notice requirements must comply with the applicable law and should be communicated to employees in a written policy. ## **Can employers require documentation from a healthcare provider?** Many paid sick leave laws allow documentation requests only after an employee has been absent for a specified number of consecutive workdays. Some of these laws limit the type of documentation that may be requested and prohibit employers from requiring employees to disclose confidential medical information. Keep in mind that if you are covered by a law that requires paid leave for any reason, you typically are prohibited from requiring such documentation. ## **Do I have to pay employees for unused sick leave when they leave my company?** Most sick leave laws don't require that employers pay for accrued unused sick leave when an employee leaves the company. However, some states, such as California, require employers to pay out all unused PTO at the time of separation. So, if you bundle sick leave and PTO into one PTO/vacation policy, you would need to pay out unused sick leave as it would be considered part of the employee’s PTO. Some laws require employers to **restore an employee's leave balance if they return to the company within a certain period of time.** For this reason, it's important to maintain accurate records of sick leave balances (maintaining sick leave records may also be required by the law). ## **Do I need a written paid sick leave policy?** Many jurisdictions require employers to provide written notice of employee rights or maintain a written policy explaining eligibility, accrual, use, and other requirements. Employers should ensure their handbook and policies comply with applicable law. ## **Are paid sick leave notices or posters required?** Many jurisdictions require employers to display a workplace poster and/or provide written notice to employees regarding paid sick leave rights. ## **Conclusion** Employers should regularly review applicable paid sick leave requirements to ensure their leave programs remain compliant, particularly as new laws and amendments continue to emerge. --- ### **Share on social** [![Share on facebook](https://7528309.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/7528309/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mV0_d-web-default-modules_hubspot/img/facebook-color.png?width=24&name=facebook-color.png)](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fsbshrs.adpinfo.com%2Fblog%2Fpaid-sick-leave-what-does-my-state-require-and-other-faqs%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook) [![Share on linkedin](https://7528302.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/7528302/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mV0_d-web-default-modules_hubspot/img/linkedin-color.png?width=24&name=linkedin-color.png)](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fsbshrs.adpinfo.com%2Fblog%2Fpaid-sick-leave-what-does-my-state-require-and-other-faqs%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dlinkedin) [![Share on twitter](https://7528302.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/7528302/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mV0_d-web-default-modules_hubspot/img/x-twitter-color.png?width=24&name=x-twitter-color.png)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fsbshrs.adpinfo.com%2Fblog%2Fpaid-sick-leave-what-does-my-state-require-and-other-faqs%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&url=https%3A%2F%2Fsbshrs.adpinfo.com%2Fblog%2Fpaid-sick-leave-what-does-my-state-require-and-other-faqs%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&source=tweetbutton&text=) ![](https://sbshrs.adpinfo.com/hubfs/Jaime/search-black.svg) ### Most popular This content is based on generally accepted HR practices, is advisory in nature, and does not constitute legal advice or other professional services. 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