Paid Leave Preemption: Mesa vs Tempe
How do paid leave preemption rules compare between Mesa, AZ and Tempe, AZ?
Mesa has fewer restrictions than Tempe.
Mesa, AZ
Maricopa County
Mesa cannot mandate paid leave beyond Arizona's statewide standard. Prop 206 grants paid sick leave at 1 hour per 30 worked, capped at 40 hours yearly for employers under 15 workers and 40 hours for larger ones. ARS Section 23-204 preempts richer local benefits.
View full Mesa rules →Tempe, AZ
Maricopa County
Proposition 206 also requires Arizona employers to provide earned paid sick time. Workers accrue 1 hour per 30 hours worked, capped at 40 hours per year (24 hours for employers under 15). State law preempts Maricopa County local rules.
View full Tempe rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Mesa | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Accrual | 1 hour per 30 worked | - |
| Large employer cap | 40 hours yearly | - |
| Small employer cap | 24 hours yearly | - |
| Preemption | ARS 23-204 | - |
| Accrual rate | - | 1 hr per 30 worked |
| Annual cap (15+) | - | 40 hours |
| Annual cap (small) | - | 24 hours |
| Local override | - | Preempted |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Mesa FAQ
Can Mesa require more paid leave than Arizona?
No. ARS Section 23-204 preempts cities from setting richer paid leave standards. Mesa workers receive only Prop 206 statewide accruals unless their individual employer offers more voluntarily.
How much sick time do Mesa employees earn?
Workers accrue 1 hour of paid sick time per 30 hours worked, capped at 40 hours per year at companies with 15 plus employees and 24 hours at smaller Arizona businesses.
Tempe FAQ
Does my Maricopa employer have to give paid sick time?
Yes, every Arizona employer regardless of size. Accrual is 1 hour per 30 worked, with annual use capped at 40 hours (24 for employers under 15).
Can a city require additional paid leave?
No. Arizona preempts local paid-leave mandates on private employers. Only Prop 206 statewide standards apply across Maricopa County jurisdictions.
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