A proposal was released Wednesday to extend COVID-19 paid sick leave for nine months.
We checked in with Jennifer Shaw, President of the Shaw Law Group to learn more about it is...
Listen: Jennifer Shaw, Pres. Shaw Law Group (Interview length 8:58)
As outlined, the proposal would reinstate temporary benefits for another nine months, retroactive to January 1, 2022, and will apply to employees who have contracted COVID-19, are subject to quarantine or isolation, as defined by state or federal authorities, are getting the vaccine or recovering from side effects from the vaccine, or are caring for a sick family member or child unable to attend school.
The proposal includes the following specific elements:
- Exempts small employers;
- Allows employers to require proof of a positive COVID-19 test if the employee is seeking more than 40 hours of leave;
- Limits the number of hours that can be used to attend a vaccine appointment or recover from vaccine-related side effects to 24 hours;
- Limits duration—expires at the end of September 2022;
- Limits the number of hours that can be used to 40 unless the employee or a family member tests positive for COVID-19;
- Ensures the rate of pay matches existing paid sick leave; and
- Makes wage statement reporting far less complicated.