WSR 23-20-110

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

EMPLOYMENT SECURITY DEPARTMENT

[Filed October 3, 2023, 2:02 p.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: The employment security department (department), leave and care division, is considering amending sections of rules to provide clarity and improve programmatic operations. Subjects that may be addressed include, but are not necessarily limited to, placement and precedential decisions for the paid family and medical leave program (PFML).

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 the public and staff and is considering amending rules related to placement to clarify under which circumstances PFML can be taken and amending rules to explain under which circumstances precedential decisions will be available to the public. 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 PFML 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 3, 2023

April Amundson

Policy and Rules Manager

Leave and Care Programs