The bill amends Alaska's paid sick leave requirements, mandating that employers with 50 or more employees provide a minimum of one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked, with a maximum accrual of 56 hours per year unless a higher limit is set by the employer. It removes previous provisions that applied to employers with 15 or more employees and those with fewer than 15 employees, streamlining the requirements. The bill also clarifies that paid sick leave will begin to accrue at the start of employment or on July 1, 2025, whichever is later, and allows for carryover of unused sick leave into the following year, while ensuring that employees are entitled to use it as it is accrued.

Additionally, the bill outlines the permissible uses of paid sick leave, including for personal health needs, family care, and situations involving domestic violence or stalking. It emphasizes the confidentiality of health information and prohibits employers from retaliating against employees who utilize their sick leave. Employers are required to inform employees of their rights regarding paid sick leave at the start of employment or within 30 days after the bill's effective date. The legislation also exempts seasonal workers, defined as those employed for a specific period related to peak business needs not exceeding six months per year, from these requirements. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
SB0189A, AM SB 189, introduced 05/02/2025: 23.10.066, 23.10.067, 39.52.960, 23.10.068, 23.10.069