Washington State has followed in California’s lead, becoming just the second state in the nation to create a paid family leave system.
Washington governor Christine Gregoire has signed S.B. 5659, which authorizes a paid family leave insurance program to pay out, beginning on Oct. 1, 2009, benefits of up to $250 a week for time off to care for a newborn or an adopted child. Also, employers with 25 or more workers will be required to grant up to five weeks of job-protected leave for a birth or adoption to employees who have worked at least one year and 1,250 hours.
Our HR Management & Compliance Report: How To Comply with California and Federal Leave Laws, covers everything you need to know to stay in compliance with both state and federal law in one of the trickiest areas of compliance for even the most experienced HR professional. Learn the rules for pregnancy and parental leaves, medical exams and certifications, intermittent leaves, required notices, and more.
Additional Resources:
More articles on California’s Paid Family Leave program
California Employment Development Department Paid Family Leave information