Washington State Expands Paid Sick Leave Law

What You Need to Know About House Bill 1875 and Its Impact on Paid Sick Leave

As a business owner, HR professional, or payroll manager, you're constantly faced with changing laws and regulations that impact your workplace. Washington State is enhancing its commitment to workers' rights and immigrant protections through the enactment of House Bill 1875, signed into law by Governor Bob Ferguson on April 25, 2025. Taking effect on July 1, 2025, this legislation modifies the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) § 49.46.210, expanding the state's paid sick leave law to include time off for immigration-related proceedings. But how does this change affect you and your team?

What Does House Bill 1875 Do?

This new amendment extends the use of paid sick leave to cover time off for employees to prepare for or participate in judicial or administrative immigration proceedings. It specifically applies to situations involving the employee or their family member, giving employees more flexibility when it comes to managing both their personal and professional lives.

Who is Affected by House Bill 1875?

The law affects all employers in Washington State, regardless of size. This means whether you're a small business or a large corporation, this change applies to you. The law also includes transportation network company (TNC) drivers, which is important to note if your company works with, employs, or contracts with these drivers.

What Does This Mean for Employers?

1. Expanded Paid Sick Leave Use: Employers in Washington must now allow employees to use their accrued paid sick leave for immigration-related proceedings. This could include preparing for an immigration interview, attending hearings, or other legal matters related to immigration status.
2. Recordkeeping: As with all paid sick leave, you'll need to keep accurate records of when employees use their sick leave for immigration proceedings. This helps you ensure compliance and avoid potential disputes.
3. Employee Rights: Employees will have the right to use their paid sick leave for these proceedings without facing retaliation or discrimination. It's important to ensure that your policies are aligned with this new requirement.

What Do You Need to Do?

• Review Your Paid Sick Leave Policy: If you haven’t already, now’s the time to review and potentially update your paid sick leave policies. 
• Communicate with Your Team: Make sure your employees are aware that they can now use paid sick leave for immigration-related matters, effective July 1, 2025.  Transparent communication will foster trust and make it easier for everyone to navigate the process.
• Ensure Compliance: Like with all changes to employment law, it’s essential to stay up to date and ensure your business is fully compliant. This may require adjustments to your HR systems or software to properly track and manage sick leave.

Why This Matters for You

As an employer, it's crucial to stay informed and proactive when it comes to complying with new laws like House Bill 1875. Failing to adjust your policies and systems could lead to potential legal risks or dissatisfaction among your employees. By embracing these changes, you not only avoid legal pitfalls but also demonstrate your commitment to supporting your team’s personal and professional needs.

Conclusion

House Bill 1875 is another example of how state and local regulations continue to evolve to support employees' rights. It’s vital for businesses in Washington to be prepared for the law’s effective date of July 1, 2025, and make the necessary adjustments to their sick leave policies. Staying ahead of these changes will help ensure your business remains compliant, while also supporting the well-being and needs of your workforce.