CA AB1844

Amends Labor Code Section 246.5 to clarify that "existing health condition" includes "behavioral health condition" for purposes of paid sick leave eligibility.

Defines "behavioral health" to encompass both mental and emotional well-being and substance use disorders.

Employees may use paid sick days for diagnosis, care, treatment, or preventive care related to behavioral health conditions of themselves or family members.

Establishes legislative findings documenting that mental illness affects one in five U.S. adults annually and that stigma deters treatment-seeking.

Maintains existing protections prohibiting employers from retaliating against employees who use accrued sick days for qualifying purposes.