This bill amends the Washington state paid family and medical leave program to extend certain requirements to employers with fewer than 150 employees. Key changes include the removal of the previous exemption for employers with fewer than 50 employees from paying the employer portion of premiums for family and medical leave. The bill also modifies the grant eligibility criteria, allowing employers with 150 or fewer employees to apply for grants to assist with costs associated with employee leave. The maximum grant amounts are set at $3,000 for hiring temporary workers and up to $1,000 for significant wage-related costs incurred due to an employee's leave.

Additionally, the bill updates the language regarding the assessment of premiums and the calculation of the total premium rate, ensuring that the premium rates are set based on the previous fiscal year's expenses. It also clarifies that the department will average the number of employees reported by an employer over the last four completed calendar quarters to determine the employer's size for grant eligibility. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 50A.10.030, 50A.24.010
Substitute Bill: 50A.10.030, 50A.24.010