MISSOURI — On Tuesday, employers across Missouri were required to notify their employees of the new paid sick time policy taking effect after voters passed Proposition A in November.

Back in November, 57.5 percent voted “yes” on Proposition A, while 42.5 percent voted “no” on the proposition. Paid sick leave and an increase to minimum wage were both included in the proposition.

The new law mandates employees of private employers may accrue one hour of “earned paid sick time” for every 30 hours worked. Employees will begin accruing paid sick leave starting Thursday, May 1, according to the Missouri Department of Labor.

Employees will also be entitled to up to 80 hours of earned paid sick time rolling over into the next year, or an employer may pay out the employee for their accrued sick time.

Regardless of the number of employees, any private employer is required to provide paid sick leave starting May 1.

An employee will be entitled to use their sick time for the following reasons, as stated by the Missouri Department of Labor:

• Illness, injury or health condition
• Mental or physical care for a family member
• Public health emergencies
• Address of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking

Employers exempt from the requirement include “federal and state governments, political subdivisions including agencies, boards, commissions, or instrumentalities of the state, counties, municipalities, school districts, and public higher education,” according to the Missouri Department of Labor.

Additionally, private retail and service businesses whose gross sales are less than five hundred thousand dollars are also exempt.