Michigan rewrites its earned sick time law in a 72-hour sprint

Michigan workers and the businesses that employ them have a new sick-time rulebook after the Legislature pushed a rewrite to Gov. Whitmer's desk in three weeks.

The bill (HB 4002), carried by Rep. DeBoyer, scales back parts of the earned sick time framework that took effect under a 2024 Michigan Supreme Court ruling. Supporters argued small employers needed simpler accrual and notice rules. Critics said the changes water down a hard-won workplace benefit.

The House passed the original version 67 to 38 on Roll Call No. 5 on January 22 and gave it immediate effect. The Senate amended it and approved a substitute 26 to 10 on February 19. The House concurred the same day on Roll Call No. 12 by a vote of 81 to 29.

Whitmer signed the bill on February 21, and it was assigned Public Act 2 of 2025 with immediate effect on February 24. It is now law.