Substitute Bill No. 6537 Summary

• Expands paid sick leave requirements to all employees (not just "service workers") effective July 1, 2021, with accrual at one hour per 30 hours worked, up to 40 hours annually, with ability to carry over up to 40 unused hours.

• Broadens eligible uses of paid sick leave to include medical care for broader family members (spouse, child, parent, grandparent, grandchild, sibling, or close relations) and adds coverage for family violence and sexual assault situations.

• Provides 80 hours of additional COVID-19 sick leave to employees working 40+ hours per week (or equivalent for part-time workers), usable retroactively from March 10, 2020, through four weeks after expiration of the Governor's public health emergency declaration, with no documentation required.

• Prohibits employer retaliation for requesting or using paid sick leave or filing complaints, with penalties of $500 per violation for retaliation and up to $100 per violation for other breaches, enforceable through Labor Commissioner complaints or civil action.

• Requires employers to provide written notice at hiring and display workplace posters in English and Spanish regarding sick leave entitlements, use procedures, and employee rights to file complaints.