February
February 15 – The Austin City Council approved an ordinance requiring employers to provide paid sick leave
On February 15, 2018, the Austin City Council passed Ordinance 20180215-049. The ordinance requires employers to provide eligible employees with at least one (1) hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked. Small employers (15 or fewer employee) may cap the amount of sick leave employees accrue each year at 48 hours. Large employers (more than 15 employees) may cap the amount at 64 hours. The ordinance provides for other requirements and restrictions.
The new law becomes effective for employers with more than five (5) employees on October 1, 2018, but will not be fully enforced until June 1, 2019. Prior to June 1, 2019, the city will only issue notices of compliance. After June 1, 2019, it will begin issuing civil penalties. The new law becomes effective for employers with five (5) or fewer employees on October 1, 2020.
