Austin Is First Texas City With Paid Sick Leave Mandate

Austin is the first city in Texas to require that private employers provide paid sick leave to their workers.

The ordinance was approved in the early morning hours Feb. 16. It generally requires employers to give workers one hour of sick leave for every 30 hours worked, capped at 64 hours, or eight days a year. Businesses with fewer than 15 employees only have to provide up to six days, according to the draft ordinance.

Some amendments are coming, which will be reflected in the final draft. Mayor Steve Adler is expected to sign that measure next week, a ...