The Washington Paid Family and Medical Leave (WA PFML) law is undergoing major revisions that will affect all employers in Washington. The bill making the amendments, HB 1213, will change elements such as job protection eligibility, the handling of leave under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), reduce the minimum claim duration, extend rights to health benefits, implement additional notice requirements for employers, and offer added grants for small business owners. The bill is set to come into action on January 1, 2026, but it will be rendered moot if not funded through the omnibus appropriations act by June 30, 2025.

The amendments will ease the qualifying requirements for job protection, reduce the service period for job protection to 180 days from the start of leave, and extend employment restoration requirements to smaller employers. It will also provide a mechanism to count FMLA leave towards WA PFML benefits for job protection.

The changes also require employees to affirm their right for job reinstatement, or risk losing that right. For employers, it adds a requirement to provide notice about an employee’s right to reinstatement. The amendment will also lower the minimum claim duration from eight hours to four, and expand the continuation of benefits.

The new regulations will also require the Department to develop a notice explaining eligibility requirements, benefits, application processes, rights to job protection, and non-discrimination rights. Amendments are also offered in terms of the grants offered to small employers dealing with the impact of employees taking WA PFML leave. To prepare for the bill’s passing, employers should revisit their leave policies and processes before the commencement date of January 1, 2026.

When in need of assistance with the application of these new regulations, employers can reach out to the EDD through their customer service line. The EDD can provide more precise information on how the amendments may impact individual businesses. To get through to an EDD representative, visit eddcaller.com where you can find instructions on how to contact a live service representative.