Los Angeles, CA Employment Preemption: Paid Leave Preemption (2026)
Key Facts
- Code section
- LAMC §187.04
- LA annual leave
- 48 hours / 6 days
- California floor (SB-616)
- 40 hours / 5 days
- Carryover cap
- 72 hours
- Accrual rate
- 1 hour per 30 worked
Summary
Los Angeles requires six paid sick days annually under Ordinance 184320 and LAMC §187.04, exceeding California SB-616's five-day statewide floor. The state law does not preempt higher local accrual.
246. (a) (1) An employee who, on or after July 1, 2015, works in California for the same employer for 30 or more days within a year from the commencement of employment is entitled to paid sick days as specified in this section. For an individual provider of waiver personal care services under Section 14132.97 of the Welfare and Institutions Code who also provides in-home supportive services in an applicable month, eligibility shall be determined based on the aggregate number of monthly hours worked between in-home supportive services and waiver personal care services pursuant to subdivision (d) of Section 14132.971.
Full Breakdown
LAMC §187.04, enacted via Ordinance 184320, requires covered employers to provide at least 48 hours (six 8-hour days) of paid sick leave per year. Workers accrue one hour per 30 hours worked or receive a front-loaded grant. Leave covers the worker's own illness, family-member care, and safe-time absences for domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking. California SB-616 (2023) raised the statewide minimum to 40 hours but explicitly preserves stronger local ordinances. The Office of Wage Standards enforces LA's rule. Unused balances cap at 72 hours and carry over yearly.
Violations & Fines
Employers face administrative fines up to $120 per employee per day, plus back pay and reinstatement of wrongfully denied leave. Willful violations trigger treble damages and Office of Wage Standards citations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does state law override LA's six-day rule?
Can I use sick leave for a family member?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Los Angeles
California rules heatmap·Compare Los Angeles to another location·View the California employment preemption overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Paid Leave Preemption in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle paid leave preemption.