Dallas’ Controversial Paid Sick Leave Ordinance Effective Aug. 1, But Faces Legal Challenge
The City of Dallas’ controversial paid sick leave ordinance is scheduled to go into effect on Aug. 1, 2019, for employers with more than 5 employees. The ordinance, similar to two ordinances that are facing legal challenges for being unlawful in Austin and San Antonio, now faces a legal challenge in Dallas. On July 30, a foundation filed a federal civil rights lawsuit on behalf of two North Texas businesses.
However, employers who have employees who perform at least 80 hours of work for pay within the city of Dallas in a year should be aware of what is being mandated by the ordinance. This includes paid sick time provisions and required notifications to employees, including sign postings and even the inclusion of a notice in a private company’s employee handbook.
The ordinance, posters and other information can be found linked through the city’s web page below:
https://dallascityhall.com/departments/fairhousing/paid-sick-leave/Pages/default.aspx
For employers with 5 or fewer employees, the ordinance is scheduled to go into effect on Aug. 1, 2021. The ordinance’s definition for employee does not include an individual who is an independent contractor according to Title 40, Section 821.5 of the Texas Administrative Code.
Dallas BA will continue to monitor this ordinance and provide updates regarding its implementation or delays as they become available.