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Bill

HB 1875

Allowing the use of paid sick leave to prepare for or participate in certain immigration proceedings.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Steve Bergquist and 23 co-sponsors

Washington allows employees to use paid sick leave for immigration proceedings, removing financial barriers to legal representation and status proceedings.

Effective date 7/27/2025.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1875

Legislative bill overview

HB 1875 allows Washington employees to use accrued paid sick leave to prepare for or participate in immigration-related legal proceedings, including consultations with attorneys, court appearances, and administrative hearings. The bill expands the permissible uses of paid sick leave beyond traditional health-related purposes to include time needed for immigration matters.

Why is this important

This legislation directly affects workers navigating the immigration system by removing the financial penalty of taking unpaid time off for necessary legal proceedings. For immigrants facing deportation hearings, visa applications, or status adjustments, the ability to use existing paid leave reduces economic barriers to accessing legal processes and protecting their rights.

Potential points of contention

  • Business burden: Employers argue the expansion of sick leave uses reduces workforce predictability and increases operational costs, particularly for small businesses with limited staffing flexibility
  • Definitional scope: Questions remain about which immigration proceedings qualify and how employers verify legitimate use, potentially creating compliance complexity and disputes over acceptable documentation
  • Equity concerns: Critics note this benefits only workers with existing paid sick leave balances, potentially excluding lower-wage workers or those in industries with minimal benefits while supporters counter it's a reasonable accommodation for vulnerable populations

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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