Bill > SB507

This bill expands paid sick leave requirements for health care providers and grocery store workers in Virginia, removing previous restrictions on hours worked and broadening the definition of eligible employees. The bill defines a "health care provider" using an existing legal definition and introduces a new definition for "grocery store workers" that includes employees in various departments of grocery stores. Under the new provisions, all covered employees will accrue one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked, up to a maximum of 40 hours per year, with the ability to carry over unused leave. The bill includes special provisions allowing certain health care workers to waive their sick leave rights through a written agreement and exempts some pro re nata (as-needed) health care employees from the requirements. Additionally, the bill requires the Department of Labor and Industry to develop guidelines for retail grocery employers by December 1, 2024, with the main provisions of the bill taking effect on January 1, 2025. This legislation aims to provide more comprehensive paid sick leave protections for workers in healthcare and grocery store settings, acknowledging the importance of these essential workers' ability to take paid time off when needed.