The bill amends RCW 50A.10.030 to adjust the distribution of employer and employee contributions for the state paid family and medical leave program in response to federal guidance on tax liability issues. Specifically, it allows employers to deduct up to 40 percent of the full premium amount for family leave premiums from employee wages, while the previous limit for medical leave premiums was 45 percent, which has now been deleted. The bill maintains the overall division of the total premium between employees and employers, ensuring that the changes do not affect the total premium rate.

Additionally, the bill outlines the responsibilities of employers in collecting and remitting premiums, as well as the conditions under which the commissioner must calculate and set the total premium rate annually. It emphasizes that premiums collected are held in trust for the employees and employers benefiting from the program. Furthermore, it prohibits local governments from enacting regulations that would alter the requirements of the state program, ensuring uniformity across the state in the administration of paid family and medical leave benefits.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 50A.10.030