Supplemental Paid Sick Leave To Be Extended… Again
Much like the cat who (we thought he was a goner but he…) kept coming back, California’s supplemental paid sick leave program is sticking with us, at least through the end of this year. (If you didn’t pick up the reference to the Laurie Berkner song, click here to enjoy!)
Our current supplemental paid sick leave (SPSL) program was implemented in February 2022 (backdated to January 1st) and was set to expire on September 30, 2022. However, Assembly Bill 152 (passed in August by the state Assembly and Senate, and now awaiting Governor Newsom’s signature) will extend the deadline to December 31st.
What Stays The Same?
SPSL will continue to apply only to employers of 26 or more employees. The bill does not change the qualifying reasons for an employee to use SPSL benefits, and does not replenish the available “buckets” of paid time off. If an employee has already used the maximum amount of SPSL, he/she is not entitled to any additional payments.
What Will Change?
Employers will be permitted to require additional diagnostic testing to confirm the need for ongoing SPSL payments. Under the current rules, an employer can require the employee to take a diagnostic test five days after the originally-reported test was taken. The new law will allow a second diagnostic test to be required at least 24 hours later. Employers must make these tests available to employees at no charge.
AB 152 establishes a grant program to assist small businesses (26-49 employees) and non-profit organizations that incur SPSL expenses. Qualified employers could be eligible for up to $50,000 of aid through January 1, 2024. The list of criteria for being deemed a “qualified” small business is extensive, and you may want to consult with legal counsel prior to beginning a claim for these funds.
Please join us in welcoming Spencer Sansom to our Sierra HR team!
Spencer obtained her undergraduate and post-graduate degrees from Ohio State University with a focus on education and management, while being a part of their Women’s Softball team.
Prior to joining Sierra HR, she worked in the Recruiting and Staffing industry in Columbus, Ohio. Outside of work, she spends time with her family and her two dogs. We’re thrilled to have Spencer’s talents as part of our recruiting and background investigation services.
