Bill Would Mandate Paid Sick Time For Workers

SACRAMENTO (AP) - California employers would be required to offer paid sick time to all workers under legislation that passed the state Assembly but was criticized by Republican lawmakers.

AB1522 by Democratic Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez of San Diego passed Thursday on a 48-20 vote. Republicans and the business community labeled it a "job killer."

Republican Assemblyman Donald Wagner of Irvine called it "heavy-handed regulation" that will force more companies to leave California.

The legislation would require employers to provide one hour of paid sick time for every 30 hours worked, up to three days per year.

Gonzalez says it would change the lives of 6 million workers who have to go to work sick or cannot take a sick child to the doctor because they would lose pay.

The bill now heads to the Senate.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press.