Paid Sick Time Law May Be Delayed For Some Employers

BOSTON (AP) — Some Massachusetts employers will be given more time to adjust to the state's new earned sick time requirement under a plan offered by the attorney general.

The so-called "safe harbor" provision would allow businesses and nonprofits that already offer workers at least 30 hours of yearly paid sick time a six-month extension from the requirements of the voter-approved law, which takes effect July 1. The plan is being proposed by Attorney General Maura Healey and endorsed by a key business group. Healey on Monday was holding the first of six public hearings on regulations drafted to implement the law.

Massachusetts voters in November approved the most stringent state requirement in the nation for paid sick time. It allows workers to accrue up to 40 hours of paid sick time in a given year, earning one hour for every 30 hours they put in. Companies with 10 or fewer employees are exempted, as are those with equally or more generous sick leave policies in place.

Healey said the decision to offer an extension to companies that are already in partial compliance with the law resulted from discussions with workers and businesses.

"It is a reasonable step that gives all workers access to earned sick time by July 1 while giving businesses that have already been doing the right thing more time as they move into compliance with the new law," said Healey in a statement.

Republican lawmakers on Beacon Hill have pushed for a delay in the July 1 implementation of the law, noting that regulations needed to enforce the law had not yet been finalized. The attorney general's office said the safe harbor agreement should eliminate any need for a delay.

Rick Lord, president and chief executive of Associated Industries of Massachusetts, praised Healey for responding to concerns raised by some businesses.

"The provision represents a reasonable compromise that will allow employers already offering sick leave some breathing room to implement the new law," said Lord.

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