Senate Bill 5793 was passed by the Washington Legislature and signed into law by Governor Jay Inslee. This bill amends the Paid Sick Leave statute, impacting how and when paid sick leave can be utilized, and providing clearer definitions for "family members."
SB 5793 provides a more detailed explanation of when PSL may be used for closure of an employee’s child’s school or place of care to include when such closure results from health-related reasons or because of a declaration of emergency by a local or state government or agency or the federal government.
Additionally, the amendment brings the definition of “family member” in line with that used for Paid Family and Medical Leave by adding “any individual who regularly resides in the employee’s home or where the relationship creates an expectation that the employee care for the person, and that individual depends on the employee for care.” Notably, the definition expressly does not include “an individual who simply resides in the same home with no expectation that the employee care for the individual,” such as a roommate. Further, the amendment introduces specific definitions for "grandchild," "grandparent," "parent," and "spouse," and expands the definition of “child” to include a child’s spouse.
The entire text of SB5793 can be found here. Changes to the PSL statute take effect January 1, 2025.