The bill amends existing laws related to the Washington state paid family and medical leave program, specifically addressing the distribution of employer and employee contributions to family and medical leave premiums. It modifies the maximum percentage that employers can deduct from employees' wages for family leave premiums, increasing it to 40 percent, while maintaining the deduction for medical leave premiums at 45 percent. Additionally, the bill clarifies that employers with fewer than 50 employees are not required to pay the employer portion of these premiums, but if they choose to do so, they become eligible for assistance under a specified section of the law.

Furthermore, the bill includes several amendments to the definitions and calculations related to the premium assessment process. It establishes that the commissioner must set a maximum limit on the wages subject to premium assessment, aligning it with the maximum wages subject to social security taxation. The bill also outlines the process for calculating the total premium rate, ensuring it does not exceed 1.20 percent and maintains a three-month reserve. Other provisions include the prohibition of local governments from enacting regulations that would alter the requirements of the state program, ensuring consistency across the state.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 50A.10.030, 50B.04.010