Changes to paid sick leave law
went into effect Jan. 1
Employers should be aware of changes in the state’s paid sick leave law created by passage of ESSB 5793 by the 2024 Legislature. The bill updates the definition of some family members, adds to the definition of family member, and expands when a worker can use paid sick leave.
Similar changes were made in the law giving rideshare drivers paid sick time.
The changes took effect Jan. 1.
The key changes include:
- Updates to the definitions of "family member,” "child,” and "parent."
- New definitions for "grandchild," "grandparent," and "spouse."
- The definition of family member now includes any individual who regularly resides in the employee's home or where the relationship creates an expectation that the employee cares for the person, and that individual depends on the employee for care.
- Clarifies employees can use paid sick leave if their place of business or child’s school or place of care closes after the declaration of an emergency by a local or state government agency, or by the federal government.
The law requires employees be provided with at least one hour of paid sick leave for every 40 of all the hours they worked. There is no cap on the amount of paid sick leave an employee can accrue. They are entitled to use accrued paid sick leave beginning on the 90th calendar day after the start of their employment
You can learn more at L&I’s paid sick leave web page, including responsibilities for employers, and the paid sick time web page for rideshare drivers.
If you have questions about paid sick leave, you can send an email or call toll free 1-866-219-7321. Rideshare employers can send an email to the rideshare team or call the same toll free number.
Employers can also learn more by attending one of the monthly “Paid Sick Leave: An Employer’s Guide” webinar. You can register on our Workshops, Events & Webinars web page by searching for that title.
|
