What Reasons Qualify for Paid Sick Leave?
Across mandate states, qualified reasons generally include: the employee’s own physical/mental illness, injury, or preventive care; care for a family member; and safe-leave for domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking.
Expansions: California added judicial/legal reasons for crime victims (2026); New Jersey adds up to 20 hours prenatal leave; several states include bereavement (Colorado).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can sick leave be used for a family member’s illness?
Yes, in virtually all mandate states the definition includes care for a family member.’s illness or preventive care.