Tracker
Paid Sick Leave by State 2026
Which states require paid sick leave, how much, how it accrues, and which city ordinances sit on top. Five of the six states we track require paid leave an employee can use when sick; Texas does not. Select a state for the full breakdown and its primary sources.
Verified August 18, 2026
| State | Required? | Annual amount (state floor) | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | Yes | Up to 40 hours / 5 days | Details |
| Colorado | Yes | Up to 48 hours | Details |
| Illinois | Yes (any reason) | Up to 40 hours | Details |
| New York | Yes | 40 or 56 hours, by size | Details |
| Washington | Yes | No annual cap on use | Details |
| Texas | No | None | Details |
These are the state floors. Chicago, Cook County, New York City, Seattle, and several California cities require more; each state page lists the local layer.
Latest changes: Paid Sick Leave Laws by State (2026), the full narrative guide with every statute linked.
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