COVID-19 Supplemental Paid Sick Leave Once Again Available to City Employees

The city has reinstated of COVID-19 supplemental paid sick leave for City employees who miss work due to qualifying COVID-19 related reasons.

California’s 2021 COVID-19 supplemental paid sick leave law expired on September 30, but earlier this month, Governor Gavin Newsom signed SB 114 which reinstates COVID-19 supplemental paid sick leave.

SB 114, which took effect on February 19, provides up to 80 hours of paid sick leave retroactive to January 1 and continuing through September 30.

“As California continues to lead the nation’s economic recovery, today’s action deepens our commitment to supporting the workers and businesses that have sustained us all during this unprecedented pandemic and are driving our economy,” Newsom said in a prepared statement. “We’re ensuring that workers have the time they need to take care of themselves and their loved ones, expanding our nation-leading small business relief grant program and supporting the businesses whose innovation and entrepreneurial spirit help make California the fifth largest economy in the world.”

The law establishes two separate 40-hour COVID leave banks. The first 40-hour bank may be utilized for various reasons, including the need to quarantine pending COVID-19 test results, take time off to care for a minor child whose school or place of care is closed due to COVID-19, or to recover from symptoms following COVID-19 vaccination.

The second 40-hour bank is available only when an employee or a family member tests positive for COVID-19.

Staff implemented SB 114 on February 18, 2022. There is no direct financial relief to employers for providing supplemental paid sick leave under SB 114.