The office of financial management (OFM) requests to rescind two emergency rules filed on OTS-2120.1, WSR 20-07-051 on March 11, 2020. The purpose of OFM's request to rescind WAC 357-31-265 and 357-31-327 as follows:

WAC 357-31-265 What is the effect of suspended operations on employees who are not required to work during the closure? The emergency rule was written to apply to both general government and higher education institutions however, the effect of suspended operations should only apply to general government employers. A new emergency rule will be filed to supersede the emergency rule that was filed on March 11, 2020.

WAC 357-31-327 When must an employer grant leave without pay? This emergency rule was written to require an employer to grant leave without pay when an employee requests to be on leave without pay due to the novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) to protect themselves, a family member or a household member. Employers must have the option to deny an employee's request for leave without pay if the employee is needed to provide essential services because the employee is a health care provider, an emergency responder or otherwise necessary to maintain public safety. A new emergency rule will be filed to amend WAC 357-31-330, For what reasons may an employer grant leave without pay?