Bill > HB1875

This bill amends existing Washington state law to expand the permissible uses of paid sick leave to include preparing for or participating in immigration proceedings for the employee or their family member. Specifically, the bill adds a new provision allowing employees to use paid sick leave for judicial or administrative immigration proceedings, and establishes guidelines for how employees can verify such leave. Employees can now submit documentation from an immigration advocate, attorney, clergy member, or other professional, or provide a written statement about their immigration proceeding, without revealing personally identifiable immigration status details. The verification process is designed to protect the confidentiality of the employee's immigration situation while still allowing employers to confirm the leave is for a qualifying purpose. The bill maintains existing protections that prevent employers from discriminating against employees for using paid sick leave and ensures that the documentation requirements do not create an undue burden on the employee. This expansion of paid sick leave aims to support employees who may need time to address critical immigration-related legal matters for themselves or their family members.