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HB 2411

Modifying shared leave provisions to authorize shared leave for victims of a hate crime and those whose absence is due to immigration enforcement actions against the employee or the employee's relative.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Steve Bergquist and 21 co-sponsors

Expands Washington employee shared leave to cover hate crime victims and those absent due to immigration enforcement actions against themselves or family members.

Effective date 6/11/2026.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 2411

Legislative bill overview

HB 2411 expands Washington state's shared leave program to allow employees to use accrued paid leave to support coworkers who are victims of hate crimes or whose absence results from immigration enforcement actions against themselves or relatives. The bill modifies existing shared leave provisions, which currently allow employees to donate leave for specific hardships, to include these new categories.

Why is this important

Shared leave programs provide financial security when employees face unexpected crises. This expansion would help workers navigate two serious situations—hate crime victimization and immigration enforcement—that can require sudden time away from work for safety, legal proceedings, medical treatment, or family support. The policy acknowledges that these circumstances can create genuine financial hardship for affected workers.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope and verification: Critics may question how "hate crime victim" and "immigration enforcement action" will be verified to prevent abuse, and whether documentation requirements could create privacy concerns or deter eligible employees from using the benefit.
  • Fiscal impact: Business groups might worry about costs to employers if shared leave usage increases, and whether the program adequately funds itself through existing mechanisms.
  • Political disagreement on immigration: The inclusion of immigration enforcement actions may face opposition from lawmakers skeptical of protections for undocumented workers or relatives, viewing it as overreach into federal enforcement matters.

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

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