AK HB161

Raises the employer threshold for mandatory paid sick leave from 15 employees to 50 employees, exempting small and mid-sized businesses from the requirement

Eliminates the two-tier accrual system that previously gave employees at businesses with fewer than 15 workers a lower 40-hour annual cap, replacing it with a single 56-hour maximum for all covered employees

Exempts seasonal workers from paid sick leave requirements, defining them as employees hired for peak business periods not exceeding six months per calendar year

Adds a new provision allowing employers to cash out accrued sick leave at the employee's request

Takes effect July 1, 2025