A bill to allow Americans to earn paid sick time so that they can address their own health needs and the health needs of their families.

This bill, introduced in the Senate in February 2026, would establish a requirement for American employers to allow workers to earn and use paid sick time. The legislation aims to address situations where employees need time away from work due to their own health issues or to care for family members' health needs. Currently, paid sick leave is not federally mandated, and access varies significantly depending on employer size, industry, and state regulations.

If enacted, this bill would potentially provide workers with a guaranteed right to paid sick time, allowing them to address medical appointments, illnesses, or family care responsibilities without losing income. This could particularly benefit lower-wage workers and those in industries where paid sick leave is less common. The bill is currently in the committee review stage and has not yet been voted on by the full Senate, so its specific provisions regarding the amount of time required, employer size thresholds, and implementation details are not yet publicly available.