Committee approves bill allowing paid sick leave for immigration proceedings despite objections

The Senate Labor & Commerce Committee voted to advance Engrossed House Bill 18 75, which would allow employees and transportation network company (TNC) drivers to use authorized paid sick leave or earned paid sick time to prepare for and participate in judicial or administrative immigration proceedings for themselves or a family member. The committee recommended the bill be sent to the rules committee; the vote was recorded by voice and the measure passed "subject to signatures."

Supporters said the bill clarifies that already-earned paid sick and safe time can be used for nonmedical, immigration-related matters without requiring documentation. Opponents questioned whether paid sick leave should be expanded beyond illness-related uses and warned about setting precedents that could broaden leave categories.

Senator King urged members to oppose the bill on principle, arguing that paid sick leave should be reserved for health-related absences. "Once we start to whittle away at the use of paid sick leave," King said, "what's next? I would urge a no vote on this bill." Other senators argued that the existing paid sick and safe time framework already contemplates several nonmedical uses and that clarifying allowable uses helps workers exercise earned protections.

The bill contains no amendments and the fiscal note indicates no fiscal impact. The committee approved the bill by voice vote; the transcript did not record a numeric roll call.

Votes at a glance: Engrossed House Bill 18 75 — Motion: do pass; referral: rules committee; outcome: passed (voice vote; counts not specified); fiscal note: no fiscal impact.

The committee chair said the bill will proceed to the rules committee for further consideration; signatures remain required to finalize the committee's action.