HB 5625 Summary

• Requires all Michigan employers to provide paid sick leave to employees beginning January 1, 2013, accruing at 1 hour per 30 hours worked, with minimum annual accrual of 40 hours for small businesses (fewer than 10 employees) and 72 hours for all other employers.

• Employees may use accrued paid sick leave for their own illness, medical care, preventative care, family member's illness or care, or to address domestic violence or sexual assault issues; employers may require 7 days advance notice for foreseeable leave and reasonable documentation for absences exceeding 3 consecutive days.

• Prohibits employer retaliation against employees for requesting or using paid sick leave, filing complaints, or cooperating with investigations; establishes a rebuttable presumption of retaliation if adverse action occurs within 90 days of protected activity.

• Employees may bring civil actions within 3 years for violations, seeking back pay, reinstatement, liquidated damages, and attorney fees; employers face civil fines up to $1,000 for violations and must maintain records of hours worked and sick leave taken for 5 years.

• Requires employers to notify employees at hiring about paid sick leave rights and to display bilingual workplace posters; does not prevent employers from providing more generous leave policies or prohibit employee donation of unused sick leave.