Modifying the maximum duration of paid family and medical leave to improve program solvency.

 S-3646.1

SENATE BILL 6142

State of Washington

69th Legislature

2026 Regular Session

By Senator King

AN ACT Relating to modifying the maximum duration of paid family and medical leave to improve program solvency; amending RCW 50A.15.020 ; and providing an effective date.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

Sec. 1. RCW 50A.15.020 and 2025 c 304 s 4 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) Beginning January 1, 2020, family and medical leave are available and benefits are payable to a qualified employee under this section.

(a) Following a waiting period consisting of the first seven consecutive calendar days, benefits are payable when family or medical leave is required. However, no waiting period is required for leave for the birth or placement of a child, or for leave because of any qualifying exigency as defined under RCW 50A.05.010 (10)(c). The waiting period begins the previous Sunday of the week when an otherwise eligible employee takes leave for the minimum claim duration under subsection (2)(c) of this section. Eligible employees may satisfy the waiting period requirement while simultaneously receiving paid time off for any part of the waiting period.