SB 5975-S - DIGEST
(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

States that the legislature declares it to be in the public interest to create a family and medical leave insurance program to provide reasonable paid family leave for the birth or placement of a child with the employee, for the care of a family member who has a serious health condition, and for a qualifying exigency under the federal family and medical leave act, and provide reasonable paid medical leave for an employee's own serious health condition.

Requires the employment security department to establish and administer the family and medical leave program and pay family and medical leave benefits as specified in this act.

Requires the commissioner of the employment security department to: (1) Appoint an advisory committee to review issues and topics of interest related to this act; and

(2) Establish an ombuds office for family and medical leave within the department to: (a) Offer and provide information on family and medical leave to employers and employees; and (b) act as an advocate for employers and employees in their dealings with the department.

Declares an intent to assist small businesses with the costs of an employee's use of family or medical leave.

Repeals chapter 49.78 RCW (family leave) and chapter 49.86 RCW (family leave insurance).

Creates the family and medical leave enforcement account and the family and medical leave insurance account.