The bill seeks to enhance the protections and accessibility of Washington State's paid family and medical leave program by amending various sections of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW). Key provisions include the establishment of regular outreach by the department to inform employers of their responsibilities regarding premium collection and notice requirements, as well as the authority to conduct audits of employer records for compliance. The bill also mandates the development of an outreach program to educate employees about their eligibility and benefits, ensuring information is available in multiple languages. Significant changes include eliminating the waiting period for certain types of leave, reducing the minimum claim duration from eight to four consecutive hours, and clarifying the maximum duration of leave. Employers are required to provide written statements of employee rights after seven consecutive days of absence and face increased penalties for non-compliance.

Additionally, the bill outlines requirements for employers wishing to implement voluntary family and medical leave plans, ensuring these plans offer benefits at least equivalent to the state's program. It introduces grant provisions for small businesses to help offset costs associated with employee leave, allowing employers with fewer than 50 employees to apply for grants under specific conditions. The bill also emphasizes the importance of maintaining employee health benefits during leave and clarifies the responsibilities of employers regarding employee leave entitlements, including providing written notice of leave status. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, with a provision that nullifies it 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