WSR 26-03-056
AGENDA
EMPLOYMENT SECURITY DEPARTMENT
[Filed January 15, 2026, 12:02 p.m.]
Semi-Annual Rule-Making Agenda
(January - July 2026)
The employment security department (ESD) prepares a semi-annual rule-making agenda in January and July each year to inform the public of expected upcoming rule changes. Pursuant to RCW 34.05.314, the agenda is published in the Washington State Register.
ESD encourages the public to be involved in the rule-making processes by attending public hearings and submitting comments on rules. To stay informed of our progress and be notified of any changes, please sign up for email notifications at https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/WAESD/subscriber/new. Additional rule-making information is available on the ESD website.
Subject Matter or
Division
WAC Chapter or Sections
Purpose and Scope of Rule Making
Preproposal Notice
Filings (CR-101)
Proposed Rule and Public Hearing Filings (CR-102 or
CR-105 Expedited)
Permanent Rule Filing (CR-103)
Unemployment insurance benefits
192-01-001
Implementing ESSB 5525 by updating ESD's rule governance statement to include the provisions in Title 49 RCW added by the bill.
N/A
September 5, 2025, as WSR 25-19-026
December 11, 2025, as WSR 26-01-060
Unemployment insurance benefits
192-460-150
Implementing ESSB 5525 by clarifying that information about impacted employees received by ESD in employer notices will be used to implement Title 50 RCW.
August 20, 2025, as WSR 25-17-088
December 4, 2025, as WSR 26-01-016
To be determined
Unemployment insurance benefits
192-04-170
Updating the requirements for filings with the commissioner's review office.
April 30, 2025, as WSR 25-10-035
August 13, 2025, as WSR 25-17-030
October 29, 2025, as WSR 25-22-038
Unemployment insurance benefits
192-150-115, 192-150-120, and 192-320-071
Implementing HB [SHB] 1570 (2023).
May 15, 2023, as WSR 23-11-067
August 20, 2025, as WSR 25-17-090
January 15, 2026, as WSR 26-03-055
Paid family and medical leave
192-500-010, 192-500-185, 192-510-040, 192-510-050, 192-560-010, 192-560-011 (repealed), 192-560-020, 192-620-005, 192-700-008 (new), 192-700-015, 192-700-020, 192-700-025 (new), 192-700-030 (new), and 192-800-100
Implementing 2025 legislation (E2SHB 1213 and SSB 5191) related to benefit eligibility requirements, employer sizing, small business grants, definitions, required notices, employment restoration rights, continuation of health benefits, and petitions for review. Repealing a pandemic leave assistance rule.
May 29, 2025, as WSR 25-12-056
October 22, 2025, as WSR 25-21-149
December 5, 2025, as WSR 26-01-027
Paid family and medical leave
192-700-010
Implementing 2025 legislation (ESSB 5525) addressing mass layoffs and business closures.
N/A
October 22, 2025, as WSR 25-21-158
January 14, 2026, as WSR 26-03-045
Long-term services and supports trust (WA Cares fund)
192-905-005, 192-905-006, 192-905-008 (new), 192-905-009 (new), 192-905-020, 192-910-015, 192-920-005, 192-940-010, 192-940-011 (new), new chapter 192-950 WAC, 192-950-005 (new), 192-950-010 (new), and 192-950-015 (new)
Implementing 2025 legislation (ESSB 5291) related to a pilot project, qualifying for benefits, a new voluntary exemption for off-duty civilian employment for active-duty service members, automatic exemptions for nonimmigrant work visa holders, voluntary rescission of private long-term care insurance exemptions, collective bargaining agreement participation, and outlining ESD's process for determinations.
May 28, 2025, as WSR 25-12-047
September 17, 2026, as WSR 25-19-099
December 1, 2025, as WSR 25-24-065
Long-term services and supports trust (WA Cares fund)
To be determined
Implementing 2025 legislation (ESSB 5291) related to out-of-state participant election of coverage and reporting requirements, and self-employed elective coverage reporting requirements.
October 13, 2025, as WSR 25-21-062
To be determined
To be determined
ESD is responsible for initiating rule making to implement new state laws, meet federal requirements, and meet unforeseen circumstances. Because of this variability, this agenda is prepared for informational purposes only and any dates noted herein are planning estimates that are subject to change. Rule making can occur in addition to what is listed on the agenda.
This agenda does not constitute a rule or rule-making action. Any errors or omissions in this agenda do not affect the actual rules or rule-making notices filed with the office of the code reviser and published in the Washington State Register.
The rule-making process can appear complex. ESD has outlined the process on its website to help constituents understand and become involved at https://www.esd.wa.gov/newsroom/rulemaking-process. If you have additional questions, contact the ESD rules coordinator, Janette Benham, phone 360-790-6583, email rules@esd.wa.gov.