MoCo Earned Sick and Safe Leave requires 1 hour for every 30 hours worked, with broader coverage than state law.
Montgomery County's Earned Sick and Safe Leave (ESSL) ordinance is a local law that stacks on top of Maryland's statewide Healthy Working Families Act (HWFA). For employers operating in MoCo, the most favorable provisions of either law must be applied to employees, typically resulting in the use of MoCo's more expansive rules for covered absences and family members.
MoCo Earned Sick and Safe Leave
Local paid leave ordinance for Montgomery County, MD, supplementing the statewide HWFA.
What these rules do as a Maryland shift is created.
Teambridge automatically processes Montgomery County's Earned Sick and Safe Leave (ESSL) requirements, ensuring compliance even when the local ordinance overlaps with statewide paid leave laws. Our system identifies the most employee-favorable provisions and applies them to all eligible shifts.
Most Favorable Determination
For any leave event, Teambridge compares the MoCo ESSL and Maryland HWFA rules (e.g., qualifying family members, covered absences) and applies the provision most beneficial to the employee, ensuring full compliance with both.
Accrual and Carryover Management
Accruals for MoCo employees are calculated at 1 hour per 30 hours worked, up to 80 hours per year. The system tracks carryover for up to 80 hours from year to year, ensuring employees retain earned leave.
Expanded Family Definitions
MoCo ESSL includes a broader definition of family members for whom leave can be taken compared to state law, including any individual related by blood or affinity whose close association with the employee is the equivalent of a family relationship. Teambridge ensures these expanded definitions are recognized.
Stop worrying about Montgomery County paid leave.
Get MoCo ESSL compliance, on autopilot.
Montgomery County's ESSL expands on state leave, requiring the most favorable rule to apply.
The Montgomery County Earned Sick and Safe Leave (ESSL) law provides paid leave benefits to employees working within the county, often surpassing the provisions of the Maryland Healthy Working Families Act (HWFA). When both laws apply, employers must adhere to the more generous provision for the employee.
Montgomery County Code, Chapter 27, Article IX, Division 2, Sections 27-99 through 27-106 (Earned Sick and Safe Leave)
Accrual and Usage
Employees in Montgomery County accrue one hour of earned sick and safe leave for every 30 hours worked, up to a maximum of 80 hours per year. Employees can use up to 56 hours of earned sick and safe leave in a year, and can carry over up to 80 hours of unused leave from one year to the next. For employers with 50 or more employees, all accrued leave must be paid.
Covered Absences and Family Members
MoCo ESSL permits leave for an employee's own or a family member's mental or physical illness, injury, or condition; to obtain medical diagnosis, care, or treatment; for preventive medical care; or for absences related to domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking. The definition of "family member" is broader than state law, including a child, parent, spouse, grandparent, grandchild, sibling, or any individual related by blood or affinity whose close association with the employee is the equivalent of a family relationship.
Teambridge ensures MoCo ESSL compliance, seamlessly integrating with Maryland's HWFA.
Teambridge handles the complexities of Montgomery County's Earned Sick and Safe Leave, ensuring your business remains compliant without manual intervention. Our platform automates accrual, usage tracking, and the "most favorable rule" determination, keeping you ahead of local and state regulations.
Real-time MoCo ESSL accrual.
As shifts are clocked in Montgomery County, Teambridge automatically calculates and credits earned sick and safe leave at the mandated 1 hour per 30 hours worked, ensuring accurate balances for all eligible employees.
Dynamic application of leave rules.
When an employee requests leave, Teambridge's system compares MoCo ESSL and Maryland HWFA provisions, applying the more generous option for qualifying reasons, family definitions, and usage limits, eliminating guesswork.
Precise leave balance management.
Teambridge tracks all leave taken against accrued balances, enforcing annual usage caps (56 hours) and managing carryover limits (80 hours) to prevent overuse and ensure compliance with both local and state laws.
Transparent compliance records.
All accrual, usage, and balance adjustments are meticulously recorded, providing comprehensive, audit-ready reports that demonstrate your adherence to Montgomery County's ESSL ordinance.
People also ask.
What is the difference between Maryland HWFA and Montgomery County ESSL?
Maryland's Healthy Working Families Act (HWFA) is a statewide paid sick leave law. Montgomery County's Earned Sick and Safe Leave (ESSL) is a local ordinance that often provides broader benefits, such as higher annual accrual/carryover limits and an expanded definition of "family member." When both apply, employers must comply with the provisions most favorable to the employee.
How much sick leave do employees accrue under MoCo ESSL?
Employees in Montgomery County accrue one hour of earned sick and safe leave for every 30 hours worked. This is a higher accrual rate than the statewide HWFA for some employers.
What are the annual caps for MoCo ESSL accrual and usage?
Employees can accrue up to 80 hours of ESSL per year. The maximum amount an employee can use in a year is 56 hours. Unused leave up to 80 hours can be carried over to the next year.
Who is considered a "family member" under MoCo ESSL?
The definition is broad and includes a child, parent, spouse, grandparent, grandchild, sibling, or any individual related by blood or affinity whose close association with the employee is the equivalent of a family relationship. This is more inclusive than the state's definition.
Does MoCo ESSL apply to all employers in Montgomery County?
Yes, the ordinance applies to all employers, regardless of size, that have employees working within Montgomery County. However, specific rules regarding paid vs. unpaid leave may vary based on employer size (e.g., employers with 50+ employees must pay all accrued leave).
What are the notice requirements for employees taking MoCo ESSL?
If the need for leave is foreseeable, an employer may require reasonable advance notice, not to exceed seven days. If the need is not foreseeable, employees should provide notice as soon as practicable.