PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - Democratic Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo has signed legislation to mandate paid time off for workers who call in sick.
Raimondo, who signed the law Thursday, says it will enable 100,000 Rhode Island workers to take sick days.
Lawmakers approved the measure this month.
Republican lawmakers opposed it, saying it will hurt businesses and the economy.
Raimondo says being able to recover from an illness or care for a sick relative without having to worry about losing your job or going without pay is a basic right.
Employees will be guaranteed three days of paid sick leave in 2018, four days in 2019 and five days in 2020. The requirement only applies to businesses with 18 or more employees.
Neighboring Massachusetts and Connecticut currently require paid sick leave.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.