Bill to guarantee paid sick leave for all employees in Virginia heads to Youngkin’s desk

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- A bill that would give every employee in Virginia paid sick days is headed to Governor Glenn Youngkin’s desk.

“People get sick,” Delegate Jeion Ward (D-Hampton), who wrote the bill, told 8News.

The bill would require employers to give every employee paid time off that they could then use if:

• They’re suffering from a physical or mental illness
• Need to go the doctor for preventive reasons
• They need to care for a sick child

“One day of work that you miss could mean one week of groceries your family may not have,” Ward explained.

Employees would accrue sick leave at a rate of one hour per every 30 hours worked, up to 40 hours a year, something some pro-business groups oppose.

“This legislation would increase the cost of doing business in the commonwealth for all employers in all industries. This disadvantages all Virginians and will lead to higher costs for businesses and consumers alike," said Kristin Burhop with the Virginia Chamber of Commerce at a committee meeting earlier this month.

However, Ward says that ensuring employees get time off if they’re sick will actually help Virginia’s businesses.

“I don’t believe any business owner really wants a sick employee. That’s going to have an impact on that business's bottom line if you have a sick person in there working, especially in restaurants. You don’t want that,” Ward told 8News.

Youngkin has until March 24 to act on the bill.