California Set to Extend COVID-19 Supplemental Paid Sick Leave Until 12.31.2022
Gov. Newsom extended the 2022 COVID-19 supplemental paid sick leave (“SPSL”) through December 31, 2022.
• Required SPSL Remains the Same: AB 152 will require employers with 25+ employees to provide SPSL for an additional three months, but this is an extension to the current leave, not a new bucket of SPSL leave. The qualifying reasons for using SPSL also remain the same. Employers should continue to follow the leave requirements as per the original SPSL law.
• Employer-Friendly Changes Related to Testing: Employees who test positive may be required to submit to a 2nd test on/after the 5th day and employers may require a 3rd test within 24 hours, if the 2nd test is positive.
• Small Business and Nonprofit COVID-19 Relief Grant: AB 152 (due for repeal on 1/01/2024) establishes the California Small Business and Nonprofit COVID-19 SPSL Relief Grant Program to assist qualified small businesses or nonprofits that are incurring costs for SPSL up to $50,000. To see if your business or nonprofit qualifies for the SPSL Relief Grant, review the criteria here.
• Local SPSL Ordinances: Local jurisdictions in California may have their own SPSL ordinances. Employers in these jurisdictions may count leave provided under one of these ordinances toward SPSL obligation under AB 152 so long as the leave was provided for the same reasons and compensates the employee in an amount equal to or greater than what is required under AB 152.
GOOD NEWS
When it comes to COVID health screenings, it IS sufficient for California’s Emergency Temporary Standards to have employees sign a “one and done” acknowledgement that they will comply with the company’s policy of self-assessment, in lieu of signing daily acknowledgements.
