More than one commentator, including our friend Kris Dunn, has expressed concern that the bill may require employers who currently provide significant paid time off to grant 7 additional paid sick days. This concern comes from section 5(g)(2) of the bill, which states:

An employer may not eliminate, reduce, or redesignate any leave in existence on the date of enactment of this Act in order to comply with the provisions of this Act.

That concern is probably unnecessary. Section 5(g)(1) seems to make it clear that additional days are not required:

An employer with a leave policy providing paid leave options shall not be required to modify such policy, if such policy includes provisions for the provision, use, and administration of paid sick leave that meet the requirements of subsections (a) through (f).

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On June 21, 2007, the House Workforce Protections Subcommittee held a hearing entitled: "Balancing Work and Family: What Policies Best Support America's Families?" The hearing focuses on a number of issues, including the Healthy Families Act. Details, including streaming video and witness statements are available HERE.

On Feburary 13, 2007 the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee conducted a hearing entitled "The Healthy Families Act: Safeguarding Americans' Livelihood, Families and Health with Paid Sick Days."   Details, including streaming video and witness statements, are available HERE.