A state appeals court has blocked the implementation of a new law passed earlier this year in Austin which requires private employers to provide paid sick leave to their employees, News Radio 1200 WOAI reports.
The Austin law is identical to the mandatory sick leave ordinance approved by San Antonio City Council on Thursday, and the lawsuit challenging the law in Austin is expected to be expanded to cover San Antonio.
"The minimum amount of compensation established for workers, including the minimum amount of paid time off, is a decision entrusted solely by the Texas Constitution to the Legislature," Attorney General Ken Paxton said."I am confident that the appeals court will recognize that the law expressly preempts cities from passing different laws simply because they disagree with the judgement of our elected representatives."
The 3rd Court of Appeals blocked the Austin law from taking effect until the court has issued a ruling on its legality.
Even some members of San Antonio city council voted in favor of the sick leave ordinance even though they knew it was unconstitutional and would be thrown out, but they said under the City Charter they were obligated to take that action.
Several key members of the Legislature have also indicated that they will introduce bills designed to overturn the San Antonio ordinance.