Bill > SB5378

This bill expands access to grants within Washington state's paid family and medical leave insurance program, specifically targeting small employers and small school districts. The bill modifies existing law to allow employers with 51 to 150 employees, employers with 50 or fewer employees who pay all premiums, and school districts of the second class to apply for grants to help offset the costs associated with an employee taking family or medical leave. Employers can receive a $3,000 grant for hiring a temporary worker to replace an employee on leave for seven or more days, or up to $1,000 to reimburse significant wage-related costs. Employers can apply for grants no more than ten times per calendar year and only once per employee on leave. To receive a grant, employers must provide documentation of additional costs, and employers with fewer than 50 employees who receive a grant will be assessed all premiums for three years. The grants will be funded from the family and medical leave insurance account, and the goal is to help small businesses and school districts manage the financial challenges of employee leave while maintaining support for workers' family and medical needs.

Business and Industry

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5378&Year=2025&Initiative=false