Alabama Paid Leave Local Preemption Overview

Under Code of Alabama Section 11-43-26, local governments cannot adopt ordinances requiring private employers to provide paid sick leave, paid family leave, or other compensated time off. The Alabama Minimum Wage and Right-to-Work Act centralizes employment benefit policy at the state level. Federal laws like the Family and Medical Leave Act still apply for unpaid leave for eligible employees of covered employers. Employers may voluntarily offer paid leave, but cities cannot make it a legal requirement.

Local paid leave mandates on private employers are preempted and unenforceable.