Montana sponsor outlines paid‑sick‑leave proposal as business groups urge caution

Representative Howell told the House Business and Labor Committee that House Bill 297 “is designed to ensure that all Montana workers have access to 1 of the most basic of workers' rights, paid sick days.”

Her bill would let employees earn one hour of paid sick leave for every 40 hours worked, up to 40 hours (five days) a year; employees could accrue or carry over time but could not use or accrue more than 80 hours (10 days) in a year. The bill exempts businesses with fewer than 10 employees and exempts employees covered by a collective‑bargaining agreement. The measure also permits use of paid sick time for domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking‑related needs and bars retaliation for using leave.

Why the bill matters

Howell and proponents said the law would reduce disease transmission, increase access to preventive care and reduce emergency‑room visits. “Paid…