CLIENT ALERT: Proposed Regulations for New Massachusetts Earned Sick Time Law

On April 24, 2015 the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office issued Proposed Regulations as to administration and enforcement of the new Earned Sick Time Law, which is scheduled to go into effect on July 1, 2015. The proposed regulations explain employees’ and employers’ rights and obligations under the law. Topics covered in the proposed regulations include how employer size is calculated for purposes of determining whether earned sick time must be paid or unpaid, how sick time is accrued, wages that must be paid for earned paid sick time, recordkeeping requirements, and appropriate documentation and notice when using earned sick time.

The Attorney General’s Office is holding six public hearings at which comments about the Proposed Regulations are welcome.  Comments also can be provided in writing and/or electronically. More information about the hearings and the provision of comments are available on the Attorney General’s website.   Comments must be submitted by 5:00 pm on June 10, 2015.

Please note that these Regulations are not yet in effect, and will only become effective after the conclusion of the comment period. However, for anyone interested in reviewing them at this time, the Proposed Regulations are also published on-line.

MBJ will be monitoring this closely and will issue a comprehensive Client Alert summarizing the key points once the Regulations are finalized. Please contact your MBJ attorney with any questions.

Tracy Thomas Boland is an attorney with Morgan, Brown & Joy, LLP, and may be reached at (617) 523-6666 or at tboland@morganbrown.com.  Morgan, Brown & Joy, LLP focuses exclusively on representing employers in employment and labor matters.

This alert was published on April 28, 2015.

This publication, which may be considered advertising under the ethical rules of certain jurisdictions, should not be construed as legal advice or a legal opinion on any specific facts or circumstances by Morgan, Brown & Joy, LLP and its attorneys.  This newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and you should consult an attorney concerning any specific legal questions you may have.