CT SB00172

Home health agencies receiving state medical assistance payments and employing 50+ employees in Connecticut must provide paid sick leave to eligible employees effective January 1, 2011.

Employees who have worked a minimum of 520 hours within 12 months accrue one hour of paid sick leave for every 40 hours worked, up to a maximum of 40 hours per calendar year, with the ability to carry over up to 40 unused hours.

Employees may use accrued sick leave for their own illness or medical care, a child's illness or medical care, or to address family violence or sexual assault situations including obtaining services, relocation, or participating in legal proceedings.

Employers are prohibited from retaliating against employees for requesting or using sick leave, and violations result in civil penalties of $600 per violation plus potential back wages, rehiring, and benefit reestablishment.

Employers must provide written notice to employees at hiring detailing sick leave entitlements and employee rights, which may be satisfied through posting English and Spanish language notices in a conspicuous workplace location.