The "Earned Paid Sick Leave" bill introduces a new chapter to the Texas Labor Code, mandating that employers provide paid sick leave to their employees. Under this legislation, employees accrue sick leave at a rate of one hour for every 30 hours worked, with a minimum of 64 hours per year for employers with 15 or more employees, and 48 hours for those with fewer than 15. Employees can carry over unused sick leave to the following year and are entitled to use it for personal illness, family care, or situations involving family violence, sexual assault, or stalking. The bill also outlines employee rights regarding notice and verification of sick leave usage, as well as employer obligations to inform employees about these rights.

Additionally, the bill establishes protections against retaliation for employees who request or use sick leave and provides a process for filing complaints with the Texas Workforce Commission for violations of the new provisions. Employers must maintain records of sick leave and provide regular statements to employees regarding their balances. The legislation includes penalties for violations, with administrative penalties of $500 for specific infractions and up to $100 for others. The changes will apply to employees hired on or after January 1, 2027, with sick leave accrual beginning on that date, while ensuring that existing collective bargaining agreements are not overridden. The Texas Workforce Commission is tasked with implementing the necessary rules and providing public information about the new provisions by September 1, 2026.

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