AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) – Maine’s Senate president is introducing legislation to make sure that people who get swine flu or some other illness get time off from work to recover, or to take care of family members who get sick.

Sen. Elizabeth Mitchell is announcing introduction of her bill on Tuesday. The Vassalboro Democrat says the idea of the legislation is to prevent the spread of H1N1.

Mitchell’s bill would give employees of larger businesses six paid sick days a year, and employees of smaller businesses three paid days. It would apply to those receiving preventive care or to use in relation to domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking.

Legislative leaders voted last week to allow Mitchell’s bill to be introduced during the 2010 session.