Bill > SB2423

This bill, known as the Mississippi Sick and Safe Leave Act, establishes a baseline for employees to earn paid time off for health-related reasons or to address issues stemming from domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking. The Mississippi Department of Employment Security (MDES) will oversee this act, which defines terms like "earned paid sick time" as compensated time at an employee's regular rate, and "family member" broadly to include various relatives and individuals for whom an employee provides care. Employees will accrue one hour of paid sick time for every thirty hours worked, with a maximum of 40 hours per year, though employers can offer more generous policies. This time can be used for an employee's own illness or injury, to care for a sick family member, or to seek safety and services related to domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking. Employers are prohibited from retaliating against employees who use this leave and must provide written notice of these rights at the start of employment, with pay stubs detailing accrued and used sick time. Employers must also maintain records for three years to demonstrate compliance, and the MDES is empowered to investigate complaints, mediate disputes, and impose penalties, including requiring back pay and reinstatement for violations. The act also ensures that existing policies or laws offering greater paid leave protections remain in effect and that these rights cannot be waived.

Business and Industry

https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2026/pdf/history/SB/SB2423.xml