Arizona Paid Sick Leave (Prop 206): Complete Guide

Quick Answer: Arizona requires all employers to provide paid sick leave under Proposition 206. Employees earn 1 hour per 30 hours worked, up to 24 hours/year at small employers (15 or fewer) or 40 hours/year at larger employers. Can be used for employee or family illness.

Arizona has strong paid sick leave protections.

Arizona Paid Sick Leave Overview

Prop 206 Requirements

All Arizona employers must:

• Provide paid sick leave
• Allow accrual at specific rate
• Permit use for covered reasons
• Protect against retaliation

Coverage

Applies to:

• All employers regardless of size
• All employees
• Part-time workers
• Temporary workers

Accrual Rates

By Employer Size

Small employers (15 or fewer):

• 1 hour per 30 hours worked
• Maximum: 24 hours/year

Large employers (more than 15):

• 1 hour per 30 hours worked
• Maximum: 40 hours/year

Accrual Start

Begins:

• From date of hire
• Immediately
• For all hours worked

Carryover

Rules:

• Unused time carries over
• Up to annual cap
• No payout required at termination

Covered Uses

Employee Health

For your own:

• Mental or physical illness
• Injury or health condition
• Medical diagnosis
• Preventive care

Family Care

Caring for family member:

• Child (any age)
• Parent
• Spouse
• Grandparent
• Grandchild
• Sibling
• Domestic partner

Domestic Violence

For:

• Victim of domestic violence
• Sexual violence
• Abuse or stalking
• Related needs

Public Health

When:

• Public health emergency
• Business closure ordered
• Child's school closure
• Quarantine required

Usage Rules

When Can Use

After:

• 90 calendar days of employment
• Accrual continues during this period

Notice

Employee should:

• Give notice if foreseeable
• Follow employer procedures
• Give as much notice as practicable

Minimum Increment

Employer may set:

• Minimum use increment
• Cannot exceed one hour

Documentation

Employer may require:

• Documentation for 3+ consecutive days
• Reasonable documentation

Employer Obligations

Posting

Must:

• Post required notice
• Display prominently
• Provide information to employees

Recordkeeping

Must track:

• Hours worked
• Sick leave accrued
• Sick leave used
• Balances

Pay Rate

Sick leave paid at:

• Same hourly rate
• Employee's normal rate
• At least minimum wage

Retaliation Prohibited

Cannot

Employer must not:

• Discipline for using sick leave
• Fire for requesting sick leave
• Retaliate for filing complaint
• Count sick leave against attendance

Penalties

Violations may result in:

• Back pay
• Penalties
• Reinstatement

Common Scenarios

Scenario 1: New Employee

Situation: Started job 2 months ago, need sick day.

Analysis: Must wait until 90 days to use, but accrual has begun.

Scenario 2: Care for Sick Child

Situation: Child is ill, need day off.

Analysis: Covered use. Can use accrued sick leave.

Scenario 3: Small Employer

Situation: Work for 8-person company.

Analysis: Covered. Entitled to up to 24 hours/year.

Scenario 4: Fired for Using Sick Leave

Situation: Terminated after using sick days.

Analysis: Retaliation prohibited. May file complaint.

Filing Complaints

Industrial Commission

For violations:

• Phone: 602-542-4515
• Wage and hour division
• File complaint

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Arizona require paid sick leave?

Yes. All employers must provide it under Prop 206.

How much sick leave do I get?

24 hours/year at small employers, 40 hours/year at larger ones.

When can I start using it?

After 90 days of employment.

Can I use it for family members?

Yes. Covers care for many family members.

Can employer fire me for using sick leave?

No. Retaliation is prohibited.

Related Topics

• Arizona Leave Laws
• Arizona Wages and Hours
• Arizona Employment Law Hub

Take Action

If having sick leave issues:

1. Know your accrual
2. Document denial
3. File complaint if needed
4. Consult attorney for retaliation

Legal Disclaimer

This article provides general information about Arizona paid sick leave and is not legal advice. For specific advice, consult a licensed Arizona employment attorney.

For official information:

• Industrial Commission of Arizona: https://www.azica.gov | 602-542-4515