The bill seeks to strengthen protections for workers under Washington's paid family and medical leave program by implementing several key amendments to the Revised Code of Washington (RCW). It introduces regular outreach to employers about their responsibilities, including premium collection and employment protection, and authorizes the Department of Employment Security to conduct audits of employer records for compliance. Notably, the bill reduces the minimum claim duration for benefits from eight to four consecutive hours and adjusts the maximum duration of leave to allow for a combined total of 16 times the typical workweek hours, extendable to 18 times under certain conditions. It also revises the calculation of weekly benefits to ensure that employees with lower average wages receive a higher percentage of their wages as benefits and mandates that employers provide written statements of employee rights after seven consecutive days of leave.

Furthermore, the bill establishes specific requirements for employers who wish to implement voluntary family and medical leave plans, ensuring that these plans offer benefits equivalent to the state's program. It introduces grant opportunities for small businesses to help offset costs associated with employee leave, allowing employers with 50 to 150 employees to apply for grants if they hire temporary workers or incur significant wage-related costs due to an employee's leave. The bill also clarifies employer responsibilities regarding employee leave entitlements, requiring written notice about leave status and ensuring that employees' health benefits are maintained during their leave. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, and will be null and void if specific funding is not provided by June 30, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 50A.05.020, 50A.15.020, 50A.20.010, 50A.20.020, 50A.30.010, 50A.05.070, 50A.35.020
Substitute Bill: 50A.05.020, 50A.10.030, 50A.15.020, 50A.20.010, 50A.20.020, 50A.30.010, 50A.05.070, 50A.35.010, 50A.35.020
Second Substitute: 50A.05.020, 50A.10.030, 50A.15.020, 50A.20.010, 50A.20.020, 50A.30.010, 50A.05.070, 50A.35.010, 50A.35.020
Engrossed Second Substitute: 50A.05.020, 50A.05.050, 50A.10.030, 50A.15.020, 50A.20.010, 50A.20.020, 50A.30.010, 50A.05.070, 50A.35.010, 50A.35.020
Bill as Passed Legislature: 50A.05.020, 50A.05.050, 50A.10.030, 50A.15.020, 50A.20.010, 50A.20.020, 50A.30.010, 50A.05.070, 50A.35.010, 50A.35.020
Session Law: 50A.05.020, 50A.05.050, 50A.10.030, 50A.15.020, 50A.20.010, 50A.20.020, 50A.30.010, 50A.05.070, 50A.35.010, 50A.35.020