(Undated) -- The Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training is reminding employers in the state that the Healthy and Safe Families and Workplaces act takes effect on Sunday. Under the new law, companies with 18 or more employees will be required to offer paid sick leave, up to 24 hours this year, 32 hours next year and up to 40 hours after that. The sick and safe leave can be used for a variety of reasons, including for someone who experiences domestic violence, sexual abuse or stalking. Employers with fewer than 18 workers must provide sick and safe leave time, but it does not have to be paid.