WSR 24-17-075
PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
EMPLOYMENT SECURITY DEPARTMENT
[Filed August 16, 2024, 10:58 a.m.]
Subject of Possible Rule Making: The employment security department (department), leave and care division, is considering rule making for paid family and medical leave (PFML) to address subjects including, but not limited to, the definition of "health care provider," pandemic leave assistance grants, weekly claim requirements, authorization of a designated representative, good cause for late applications, prevailing interest rate, and removing gender-specific pronouns.
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 the topics listed above in order to expand benefit access, provide clarity, and improve programmatic operations. The department may 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 PFML'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/.
August 16, 2024
April Amundson
Policy and Rules Manager, ESPI
Leave and Care Programs