Subject of Possible Rule Making: The department is seeking to implement portions of SHB 1399 (2019) and to promulgate rules related to the implementation of the paid family and medical leave program. Existing rules may be amended and new rules may be created as the department works towards the benefit implementation date of January 1, 2020. This is due to the department's agile methodology and the discovery of new information and needed changes. Rule topics may include, but are not limited to, benefits, voluntary plans, premiums, fraud, job protection, overpayments, collections, appeals, penalties, employer responsibilities, audits, or other topics.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The employment security department must implement SHB 1399 as directed by the legislature. As part of that implementation, this rule making seeks to provide clear and usable guidance for the public regarding program operations.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: No federal agencies and no other state agencies regulate the paid family and medical leave program as it is a new state entitlement with authority granted solely to the employment security department.

Process for Developing New Rule: Draft rules will be shared with the public, stakeholders, and the paid family and medical leave program's advisory committee. The department will solicit input from all involved parties and consider all comments in the development of the final rules.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Christina Streuli, 640 Woodland Square Loop S.E., Lacey, WA 98503, phone 360-791-6710, TTY Teresa Eckstein, State EO Officer, Washington relay 771 or 360-902-9354, email TEckstein@esd.wa.gov.