Arizona Paid Sick Leave Laws

Various states, cities, and municipalities have enacted legislation requiring employers to provide paid time off (PTO) for employees to use when they are sick. Learn more about this type of leave, called paid sick leave, and what’s required in the state of Arizona.

What is Paid Sick Leave?

Paid sick leave is a benefit that allows employees to take time off from work due to illness, injury, or other health-related issues without foregoing pay. The purpose of paid sick leave is to ensure that employees can recover from illness without the financial pressure of losing income. It also helps prevent the spread of contagious diseases in the workplace by encouraging sick employees to stay home.

There are no federal laws in place that mandate the provision of paid sick leave. The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) allows qualified employees to take unpaid leave for certain health conditions.

The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) enacted temporary requirements for certain employers, granting up to two weeks of paid sick leave to employees who couldn’t work due to COVID-19 (diagnosis, symptoms, required quarantine, etc.) However, this legislation expired at the end of 2020.

Does Arizona Have Paid Sick Leave Laws That Differ from Federal Paid Sick Leave Laws?

Yes, under the Fair Wages and Healthy Families Act (Proposition 206), all employers in Arizona must provide paid sick leave at the accrual rate of one (1) hour for every 30 hours worked. Employers with fewer than 15 employees may cap the maximum usage at 24 hours per year, while those with 15+ must adhere to the 40-hour per year limit.

The total amount of sick leave provided may be frontloaded or accrued with alternate methods.

Are There Requirements to be Eligible for Paid Sick Leave in Arizona?

Most employees working in Arizona are eligible for paid sick leave. However, the law stipulates that employers are permitted to impose a 90-day employment period before taking allowing an employee to take any accrued paid sick leave.

Is There a Minimum Amount of Paid Sick Time Required in Arizona?

No, there is no minimum amount of paid sick time. The accrual rate is 1 hour for every 30 hours worked. The maximum for employers with fewer than 15 employees is 24 hours (that may be used in a year) and 40 hours for those with 15+ employees.

What Can PSL be Used for in Arizona?

Eligible employees may use their paid sick leave to care for themselves or a family member when suffering from an illness, injury, or physical or mental health condition. Seeking a diagnosis, treatment, or preventive care also qualifies for the use of PSL. Additionally, the law allows the time to be used for absences related to domestic abuse, sexual violence, stalking, or any other abuse.

Is Paid Sick Leave Required to be Carried Over Each Year in Arizona?

Yes, the law states that employees must be permitted to carry over up to their maximum accrual amount (24 or 40 hours). However, employers utilizing the “lump sum” method (issuing all paid sick leave at the start of each year) are not required to allow hours to carry over.

Is Paid Sick Leave (PSL) Different from Paid Time Off (PTO) in Arizona?

Yes, paid sick leave differs from paid time off (PTO). Paid sick leave is required for employers to provide in most cases. PTO is an optional benefit that an employer can choose to provide.

Additionally, PTO can typically be used for any purpose, as long as the time off is approved by an employee’s supervisor. Paid sick leave must be used to address an employee’s own health needs or the health needs of a family member.

Common Arizona Paid Sick Leave Laws FAQs

How much paid sick leave am I entitled to take and be paid for in Arizona?

Most employees are entitled to receive 1 hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked.

Does paid sick leave apply to all employees who work in Arizona?

The law applies to most employees. There are some exceptions (outlined below).

Which employees are exempt or partially exempt from the paid sick leave law in Arizona?

The following workers in Arizona may be exempt (fully or partially) from the paid sick leave law:

• Employees of the federal government
• Employees of small family-owned businesses
• Farmworkers
• Railroad workers (covered by federal laws)
• Workers covered under collective bargaining agreements)
• Independent contractors (not considered employees)

Do I have to notify my employer before taking sick leave in Arizona?

The requirement to notify an employer before taking sick leave is based on company policy.

Can I be disciplined for taking a sick day or using paid sick leave in Arizona?

The law protects employees from retaliation by their employer for using paid sick leave. However, you must comply with your company’s policy around notifying the employer and providing required documentation. Employees found to be misusing paid sick leave or violating company rules may face discipline.

WorkforceHub, a time and labor platform, can help your company manage any requirements associated with accruals. Learn more and try it for free today.

Industrial Commission of Arizona

Law Text (Accrual of Earned Sick Time)