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Updated: Santa Monica Delays Implementation of Paid Sick Leave


Earlier this year, I had pointed readers to a new ordinance in Santa Monica that would require employers to provide paid sick leave to its employees.  A few weeks ago, it was announced that the implementation of the paid sick leave portion of that ordinance would not go into effect until January 1, 2017, rather than July 1, 2016 as originally planned.  

As a result, the paid sick leave requirement will be phased in over a couple years.  Under the first wave, set to take effect on January 1, 2017, small businesses (employers with 25 or fewer employees) must allow a "rolling cap" of 32 hours of paid sick leave for employees (larger businesses will be capped at 40 hours). Under the second wave (to take effect on January 1, 2018), an increase in the caps to 40 hours for small businesses and 72 hours for larger businesses will become effective.

In the interim, Santa Monica employers will have a few extra months to ensure they are in compliance with this ordinance.  However, as always, I would suggest being proactive on the matter rather than waiting...



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