Jim Jantz, JD
Director of Compliance – Absence, Disability, & Life
As more cities and states require employers to provide accrued paid sick leave, many places with existing laws have expanded benefits. Today, over 40 locations mandate paid sick leave, with several key updates having taken effect in 2025.
These changes came for various reasons, including greater awareness of paid sick leave benefits, efforts to reduce access disparities, and the winding down of COVID-19 temporary rules. Staying informed remains important as this area continues to evolve.
This post reviews the significant updates that took effect in 2025 in Connecticut, Michigan, and Washington, and how they may impact your sick leave policies today. Please consult your legal counsel or regulatory resources for specific guidance.
Connecticut
Connecticut was the first state to require paid sick leave in 2011. According to recent legislative updates, Governor Lamont signed a bill expanding the law to make paid sick leave more accessible.
Key changes that took effect starting January 1, 2025, include:
- More employers covered: All private-sector employers are now required to provide paid sick leave. The employee threshold was lowered from 50 to 25 in 2025, will drop to 11 in 2026, and finally to 1 in 2027.
- Faster accrual: Sick leave accrual will speed up from 1 hour per 40 hours worked to 1 hour per 30 hours worked.
- Expanded reasons for leave: Employees can use sick leave for mental health, safe time for more family members, and closures of workplaces or schools due to emergencies. The list of covered family members now includes adult children, grandparents, siblings, and others related by blood or affinity.
Michigan
Michigan’s Paid Medical Leave Act (PMLA) was replaced by the Earned Sick Time Act (ESTA) on February 21, 2025. According to state resources, ESTA offers broader coverage and benefits.
