Bill > LD55

This bill amends Maine's existing earned paid leave law to clarify and expand employee rights regarding paid time off. Specifically, the bill maintains the current provision that allows employees to earn one hour of paid leave for every 40 hours worked, with a maximum of 40 hours per year of employment. The key change is that accrued and unused leave hours from the previous year must now be carried forward and made available for use in the immediately following year. Importantly, these carried-forward hours cannot reduce the new year's total potential leave accrual, meaning employees can potentially have more than 40 hours of available leave. The bill also specifies that the Department of Labor will enforce this provision using its existing resources and a strategic enforcement approach. This amendment enhances worker protections by ensuring that earned but unused paid leave is not lost and can be utilized in subsequent employment years, providing more flexibility for employees in managing their paid time off.

Labor and Employment

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=55&snum=132