SB 5420 - DIGEST

     Declares it to be in the public interest to establish a program that:  (1) Provides additional options for individuals to use in balancing work and family responsibilities;

     (2) is in addition to those programs offered by employers;

     (3) provides limited income support for a reasonable period while an individual is away from work on family leave; and

     (4) reduces the impact on state income-support programs by increasing an individual's ability to provide care-giving services for family members while maintaining an employment relationship.

     Appropriates the sum of . . . . . dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, for the biennium ending June 30, 2003, from the medical aid fund and the accident fund, in equal amounts, to the department of labor and industries for the purposes of administering the family leave insurance program under this act.  This sum shall be repaid to the medical aid and accident funds from the family leave insurance account by June 30, 2013.