Austin's paid sick leave ordinance draws criticism during court hearing

The city of Austin’s paid sick leave ordinance had its first day in court Monday, when the City Council’s lone Republican, Ellen Troxclair, expressed her misgivings about the law, which is scheduled to take effect Oct. 1.

The hearing Monday before state District Judge Tim Sulak came after several business groups, including the Texas Association of Business, the National Federation of Independent Business and the American Staffing Association, sought a temporary injunction against implementing the ordinance until its legality can be determined.

After 2½ hours of testimony, the hearing recessed at 5 p.m. without a ruling on the injunction request. The hearing will resume at 9 a.m. Tuesday.

Robert Henneke, an attorney for the Texas Public Policy Foundation who’s arguing on behalf of the business groups opposed to the ordinance, said he plans to call two more witnesses. The court also might hear arguments on other motions in the case.

Read more: https://www.mystatesman.com/news/local/city-paid-sick-leave-ordinance-draws-criticism-during-court-hearing/AB3O9c8LtXqi6h9Jits6gN/