SB 2716 is the mandatory sick leave bill that is modeled after the San Francisco city ordinance. In its current form, the bill would mandate that all employers provide sick leave at a rate of no less than one (1) hour for every thirty (30) hours worked for any employee that works in California for at least seven (7) days per year.

A study released yesterday by the National Federation of Independent Business Research Foundation shows the loss of approximately 370,000 jobs within five years in California should Assembly Bill 2716 become law. The study also demonstrates how this bill would have the most negative consequences for small and medium sized businesses. In fact, the study predicts that small businesses in California will lose almost 200,000 in jobs in the five years following enactment. The study also points out that California employers would face a distinct competitive disadvantage if this bill is enacted.

Many California employers remain very puzzled and frustrated that the legislature would consider enacting this bill, particularly given the current economic climate that exists in California. The Senate Labor Committee is scheduled to vote on the bill today. If passed through the California Legislature, it is unclear what position Governor Schwarzenegger would take on the bill.