H596 Summary

• Requires employers in North Carolina to provide employees with paid sick days accruing at the rate of one hour per 30 hours worked, beginning at the commencement of employment.

• Small businesses (10 or fewer employees) must allow up to 32 hours of accrued paid sick time per calendar year; all other employers must allow up to 56 hours per calendar year.

• Employees may use paid sick time to address their own physical or mental illness, care for an immediate family member's health needs, or obtain services related to domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking.

• Employers may require certification for absences exceeding three consecutive workdays and must provide notice to employees in English and Spanish regarding paid sick time rights and prohibition against retaliation.

• Violating employers are liable for unpaid sick time plus interest at the legal rate, plus liquidated damages equal to the amount due unless the employer had good faith grounds for believing the violation did not occur; law becomes effective July 1, 2021.