MS HB1489

Creates the "Healthy and Safe Families Workplaces Act" requiring employers with 18+ employees to provide minimum paid sick and safe leave time: 24 hours in 2020, 32 hours in 2021, and 40 hours annually thereafter.

Employees accrue one hour of paid sick and safe leave per 35 hours worked, usable for employee or family member medical needs, preventive care, public health emergencies, school closures, and domestic violence/sexual assault/stalking situations.

Exempts employers with existing paid leave policies providing 24-40+ hours annually, employers with fewer than 18 employees, state and municipal employees, construction workers under collective bargaining agreements until July 1, 2020, and certain healthcare facility nurses.

Prohibits employers from requiring documentation explaining the nature of illness or details of violence, limiting documentation requests to reasonable proof from healthcare professionals or victim advocates for absences over three consecutive days.

Effective July 1, 2019; establishes Mississippi Department of Employment Security as enforcement agency with civil penalties starting at $100 for first violation.