Lawmakers are once again taking up the issue of paid sick leave for all workers in the private sector during a Senate Labor Committee hearing scheduled for Wednesday.
The proposal would require employers to provide their employees with seven paid sick days. Employees would be able to use the sick days for themselves or to care for a sick family member.
Paid sick leave has drawn the attention of various lawmakers, including Rep. Aaron Regunberg who introduced similar legislation in the House in February. Gov. Gina Raimondo has called the issue a top priority.
States like Connecticut and Massachusetts have taken on the issue of expanding paid sick leave. More recently, Maryland passed legislation that would require businesses employing more than 15 people to cover five paid sick days. That bill has faced opposition by Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan.
