Seattle, WA Employment Preemption: Paid Leave Preemption (2026)

Paid Sick and Safe Time — Ordinance: SMC 14.16; Rules: SHRR Chapter 70. Seattle's Paid Sick and Safe Time (PSST) Ordinance went into effect on September 1, 2012. This law requires employers to provide employees who work in Seattle with paid leave: To care for themselves or a family member for a physical or mental health condition, including a doctor appointment; To care for themselves, a family member, or a household member for reasons related to domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking; When their family member's school or place of care has been closed; When their place of business has been closed by order of a public official for health reasons; For employers of businesses with 250+ FTEs, when their place of business has been closed for any health or safety reason. PSST Rates by Employer Size: Tier 1 (1-49 FTEs) — 1 hour per 40 hours worked, 40 hours carry-over; Tier 2 (50-249 FTEs) — 1 hour per 40 hours worked, 56 hours carry-over; Tier 3 (250+ FTEs) — 1 hour per 30 hours worked, 72 hours carry-over (*108 hours for employers with PTO).