ESHB 1313 states that paid sick and safe leave from employment is critical to the economic well-being of the state and workers and to public health and safety. Paid sick and safe leave helps workers maintain their own health and the health of their families, coworkers, and members of the public. Paid sick and safe leave also helps give victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking the financial independence necessary to leave abusive situations, achieve safety, and minimize physical and emotional injuries. The legislature further finds that paid sick and safe leave helps employers retain trained workers and operate competitively as well as ensures that workers and their families retain economic security.
ESHB 1313 requires employers with more than four full-time equivalent employees to provide paid leave to employees for: (1) specified medical reasons relating to the employee’s or a family member’s health; (2) reasons permitted under existing law requiring unpaid leave for purposes related to domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking; or (3) closure of the employee’s place of business or child’s school or place of care due to specified public health emergencies.
