SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6130

BYSenators Lee, Wojahn, Rinehart and Anderson

Establishing minimum standards for family leave.

Senate Committee on Economic Development & Labor

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 20, 1988

Senate Staff:Bill Lynch (786-7427)

AS OF JANUARY 20, 1988

BACKGROUND:

Present law regulates employment leave in a very limited way.  A rule promulgated by the Human Rights Commission requires employers with eight or more employees to grant leave for the period of pregnancy disability.

Proponents suggest that the Legislature should establish minimum standards for family leave because of the changing nature of the work force.

SUMMARY:

All employers are required to provide written disclosure to prospective and current employees of the extent of leave the employer grants for sickness, vacation, family reasons, and leave required by law.  If the employer previously provided copies of its policies to current employees, then the employer need only provide additional copies if the employee requests a copy or the policy changes.

All employers must allow an employee to use his or her accrued leave to care for the employee's child under age 18 with a health condition that requires treatment or supervision.

The Department of Labor and Industries is responsible for administering and investigating the notice and child care leave provisions.  The Department may issue a notice of infraction for a violation with a monetary penalty not to exceed $200.  Monetary penalties are deposited into the state general fund.  Appeals are conducted under the Administrative Procedures Act.  The Department must notify all employers about the requirements of the law.

The Human Rights Commission rule pertaining to maternity disability is codified.  Employers with eight or more employees must provide a woman a leave of absence for the period of pregnancy disability, and allow her to return to the same job or a similar job of at least the same pay unless justified by business necessity.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      requested January 19, 1988