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Last Action

Ref To Com On Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House2025-03-27

Vote Breakdown

No floor votes recorded.

Plain Language Summary

This bill requires employers in North Carolina to provide employees with paid sick leave, accruing at one hour per 30 hours worked, capped at 32 hours per year for small businesses (10 or fewer employees) and 56 hours per year for other employers. Employees can use this time for their own illness, family member care, medical appointments, and situations involving domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking. The bill takes effect January 1, 2026.

Arguments in Favor

• •Supporters argue that paid sick leave prevents disease spread, reduces financial hardship for low-wage workers who cannot afford unpaid absences, and addresses a gap in coverage affecting about 38% of North Carolina's private-sector workers.
• •They note that employees in high-contact industries like childcare and food service—where illness spreads fastest—are least likely to have current sick leave access.
• •The bill also protects domestic violence and sexual assault victims by allowing them time to seek help without losing income.

Arguments Against

• •Opponents contend that mandated paid sick leave increases business costs, particularly for small businesses, potentially reducing hiring or raising consumer prices.
• •They argue that businesses should have flexibility in designing leave policies rather than following a state-imposed formula, and that existing market competition already incentivizes some employers to offer such benefits.
• •Some also question whether the accrual rates (1 hour per 30 hours worked) sufficiently balance employee needs with employer burden.