This bill amends Washington state law to expand the eligibility criteria for shared leave, specifically including victims of hate crimes and individuals affected by immigration enforcement actions. It introduces new categories for shared leave qualification, requiring verification of the employee's absence due to these circumstances while ensuring confidentiality regarding their immigration status. The bill also updates the definition of "hate crime" to align with existing state law and clarifies employee rights related to shared leave, including conditions for transferring leave and protections for those utilizing it.

Additionally, the bill revises the definition of "victim" to encompass individuals who have experienced hate crimes, alongside those affected by domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking. It modifies the Washington state leave sharing program to allow state employees to support colleagues who are victims of hate crimes, as well as those facing severe illnesses or disabilities. The amendments aim to enhance support for employees dealing with significant personal challenges while keeping costs to the state minimal.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 41.04.665, 41.04.655
Substitute bill: 41.04.665, 41.04.655, 41.04.660