Federal Lawmakers proposed a bill (H.R. 6150 and S. 3415) that would immediately provide employees paid sick leave for fourteen (14) days as a means of containing the coronavirus. The bill aims to address concerns regarding employees who feel like their only two options are to stay home sick or lose a paycheck. If passed, this bill would decrease the number of employees who elect to go to work instead of stay home for fear of missing a paycheck when feeling ill or displaying contagious coronavirus-like symptoms.

If approved, this bill would foreclose the debates about the merits of paid leave amid a public health crisis like the coronavirus and provide employees two weeks of paid sick leave during a public health emergency. While the history of the bill did not always enjoy bi-partisan support, it appears that current events will push this bill forward. On Saturday, the House of Representatives passed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. The bill is now in the hands of the Senate for consideration.

The team at RumbergerKirk will monitor all legislation, federal laws and agencies and keep our clients updated so they can make correct decisions.