New Law Makes California Workers Eligible For More Paid Sick Leave

California Governor Gavin Newsom signed bill SB 95 which ensures workers access to up to 80 hours of paid sick leave for people unable to work due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Reasons for supplemental COVID-19 paid sick leave include employees experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, caring for family members sick with the coronavirus, needing to take care of children due to a lack of child care resources, and employees who have been asked to self-isolate or quarantine.

Newsom signed the bill on Friday, March 19, and it will go into effect on March 29.

“Paid sick leave gives workers the time they need to care for themselves and loved ones while keeping their coworkers, families, and communities safe,” said Governor Newsom in a statement. “Even as case rates and hospitalizations decline and vaccinations ramp up, we can’t let our guard down and must do all we can to stop this virus from spreading. I thank the Legislature for its continued leadership and commitment to supporting California workers affected by this pandemic.”

The supplemental benefits are also retroactive to January 1, 2021.

Small businesses that employ 25 or fewer workers are exempt from the legislation but can choose to offer supplemental paid sick leave and also receive a federal tax credit if eligible.

You can find more information on the bill here.

Photo: Getty Images