Subject of Possible Rule Making: The employment security department (department), leave and care division, is considering rules for the long-term services and supports trust (WA Cares fund) program to implement SHB 2467 (chapter 120, Laws of 2024) and implement other portions of chapter 50B.04 RCW. Rules may also include considerations for program definitions, qualified individuals, public records requests, and verification of information submitted to the department. Other rules may be considered as necessary.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 50B.04.020; SHB 2467 (chapter 120, Laws of 2024).

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The department must implement and administer portions of chapter 50B.04 RCW and changes made to the law by SHB 2467. Rules will ensure clear guidance is available for implementation and administration.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: The Washington state health care authority, department of social and health services, and office of the state actuary also have program implementation and administration responsibilities under chapter 50B.04 RCW. Drafts of rules will be shared with these agencies and feedback will be requested from them throughout the rule-making process.

Process for Developing New Rule: Collaborative rule making. The draft rules will be shared with the public, stakeholders, and other agencies responsible for the WA Cares fund program. 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/.