Mich. Senate bans cities from requiring sick leave

LANSING, Mich. (AP) -- The Michigan Senate has voted to ban local governments from requiring businesses to give paid or unpaid sick leave days to employees.

No municipalities in Michigan are considering such ordinances. But Republicans and businesses groups say legislation is needed because large cities in other states have enacted sick leave requirements.

The Republican-led Senate voted 25-13 mostly along party lines to send the bill to the House, which is considering similar legislation.

The bill prevents local governments from passing an ordinance requiring employers to provide leave that isn't required under the law.

Opponents say the measure strips communities of local control, and restaurants without sick leave put ill workers, co-workers and patrons at risk. Businesses say mandated sick leave raises their costs.