LEGISLATION ACTION ALERT - OPPOSE SB 95

Urge Governor Newsom to Veto COVID-19 Supplemental Paid Sick Leave Bills

March 18, 2021;  Today, the California Legislature has approved two identical bills that dramatically extend and expand a requirement for employers to provide supplemental paid sick leave to employees impacted by COVID-19. 

Among other things, AB 84 (Ting) and SB 95 (Skinner) would apply to employers with more than 25 employees and would mandate up to 80 hours of employer-paid COVID-19 leave - even if they were previously provided such leave in 2020.  

If signed into law, the legislation would go into effect just 10 days later, and would apply retroactively to January 1, 2021, creating a serious burden for our construction employers who are already struggling to survive and comply with a host of new regulations during the pandemic. 

The paid leave would apply to workers who are unable to work or telework because of one of the following reasons:

• The worker is subject to a federal, state, or local isolation order;
• Advised by a health care provider to quarantine or self-isolate;
• Prohibited from working by the hiring entity due to health concerns related to the transmission of COVID-19;
• Attending an appointment to receive a COVID-19 vaccine;
• Experiencing symptoms related to a COVID-19 vaccine that prevents the worker from being able to work;
• Experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 and is seeking a medical diagnosis;
• Caring for an individual who is required to quarantine or self-isolate or is experiencing symptoms and seeking a medical diagnosis;
• Caring for an individual whose school or place of care is closed or otherwise unavailable for reasons related to COVID-19.

The Governor could take action as early as tomorrow. We ask that you please take a moment and ask Governor Newsom to VETO this legislation. 

Download the draft opposition letter onto your company letterhead and email it to: 

gavin.newsom@gov.ca.gov
leg.unit@gov.ca.gov
cc to:
ecohen@unitedcontractors.org
bernacchi@politicogroup.com
 

Contact: Emily Cohen, Executive Vice President, United Contractors at 925-855-7900