SB 6699-S - DIGEST

(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)

     Declares an intent to expand opportunities for parents in the work force to participate in caregiving for newly born or newly adopted children by establishing a partial wage replacement program for these parents.

     Provides that, an otherwise eligible individual who has left work to care for the individual's child during the child's first year of life or during the first year following the child's placement with the individual for adoption may not be denied benefits for any week under RCW 50.20.050, relating to voluntarily leaving work, or RCW 50.20.010(3), 50.20.080, and 50.22.020(1) relating to availability for work and active search for work, and failure to apply for or refusal to accept suitable work.

     Provides that, in circumstances where the necessity for leave was foreseeable based on an expected birth or placement, the individual must have given the employer notice at least thirty days before leave was to begin or, where the birth or placement required leave to begin in less than thirty days, as much notice as was practicable.

     Declares that benefits are payable under this act for a maximum of five weeks.