HB 1358 Summary

• Requires employers with 18 or more employees to provide paid sick and safe leave: 3 days (24 hours) in 2020, 4 days (32 hours) in 2021, and 5 days (40 hours) annually thereafter.

• Employees accrue minimum of 1 hour per 35 hours worked and may use leave for personal/family illness, medical care, public health emergencies, school closures, or domestic violence/sexual assault/stalking situations.

• Exempts employers with existing paid leave policies offering at least 24 hours in 2020, 32 hours in 2021, or 40 hours thereafter; also exempts employers with fewer than 18 employees, state/municipal employees, and certain nursing and seasonal workers.

• Prohibits employers from requiring disclosure of health details or personal reasons for leave; permits documentation requests only for absences exceeding 3 consecutive days and prohibits punishment for lawful use of accrued leave.

• Prevents municipalities from imposing sick leave requirements exceeding state minimums; empowers Mississippi Attorney General to enforce through guidelines and penalties of at least $100 per violation.