St. Paul residents and business owners who are concerned or confused about the city's sick leave rules have until May 1 to lob questions at the city.

This is the final community survey before the rules take effect July 1, and the responses could help St. Paul clearly explain its regulations. The city posted sick time guidelines this week and will continue to evaluate the rules after they are enacted.

The city will require all St. Paul employers to offer paid leave to workers who are sick or have an ill family member, as well as victims of domestic abuse, sexual assault and stalking.

Employers with 24 or more employees must comply starting July 1, while smaller businesses have until Jan. 1 of next year. Workers will get one hour of paid leave for every 30 hours worked and can earn up to 48 hours a year. Companies offering paid time off policies that comply with city rules do not need to add hours.

As St. Paul moves forward with its new policy, some state legislators are trying to repeal and block local workplace mandates like sick leave. And a Minnesota Chamber of Commerce lawsuit against Minneapolis, which is adding a similar set of rules, could impact St. Paul's regulations.

"St. Paul is confident in the [earned sick and safe time] policy and rule-making process," and is moving forward with enacting it as planned, Jessi Kingston, director of the city's Human Rights and Equal Economic Opportunity Department, said in a statement.

To learn about the city's sick leave regulations and submit questions, visit stpaul.gov/esst or call 651-266-8900.

Jessie Van Berkel • 612-673-4649