WSR 22-21-096

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

EMPLOYMENT SECURITY DEPARTMENT

[Filed October 17, 2022, 11:43 a.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: The employment security department (department), leave and care division, is considering amending several sections of rule to provide additional clarity and improve programmatic operations. Subjects that may be addressed include, but are not limited to, placement, correcting an out-of-date pointer to an RCW, elective coverage eligibility, designated representatives, and employer reporting requirements.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 50A.05.060.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The department recognizes the need for clear and usable guidance for ongoing programmatic operations. The department is considering new or amended rules that may include the following topics:

The department may also consider providing additional guidance as needed.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: No federal agencies and no other state agencies regulate the paid family and medical leave program as authority is granted solely to the department.

Process for Developing New Rule: Collaborative rule making. The draft rules will be shared with the public, stakeholders, and the program's advisory committee. The department will solicit input from all involved parties and consider all comments in the development of the final rules.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Janette Benham, 212 Maple Park Avenue S.E., Olympia, WA 98501, phone 360-790-6583, TTY Theresa Eckstein, relay 771 [711], 360-507-9890, or teckstein@esd.wa.gov, email rules@esd.wa.gov, website paidleave.wa.gov/rulemaking/.

October 17, 2022

April Amundson

Leave and Care Policy

and Rules Manager, ESPI