All Roll Calls
Yes: 184 • No: 150
WashingtonHB 12132025-2026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET
Expanding protections for workers in the state paid family and medical leave program.
Sponsored By: Liz Berry (Democratic)
Became Law
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 4 mixed.
Grants to help employers cover leave
Beginning January 1, 2026, employers can get cash to offset leave costs. If you have 50–150 employees, you can get $3,000 when you hire a temp for seven days or more, or up to $1,000 for extra wage costs, up to 10 times per year and not more than once per employee. If you have fewer than 50 employees, you can get $3,000 per event on the same terms, up to 10 per year, but taking a grant triggers an assessment for all premiums for three years. Apply within 12 months of the worker’s first leave day; the department must pay within 14 days of a complete application and will notify small employers when a worker starts benefits. You must provide a written attestation or documentation, and grants are paid from the family and medical leave insurance account.
Easier claims, privacy, and clear worker info
Beginning January 1, 2026, it is easier to use paid leave and understand your rights. The minimum paid claim is now four consecutive hours. The maximum weekly benefit adjusts each year to 90% of the state average weekly wage. The department must give workers clear, multilingual information and tell your employer within five business days when you apply. Your records are confidential, and the department may share information only if you consent.
Stronger job and health protections on leave
Beginning January 1, 2026, more workers get job‑protected leave. Job‑restoration rights apply to employers with 25+ employees in 2026, 15+ in 2027, and 8+ in 2028. You must have worked for the same employer at least 180 days to qualify. Employers must keep your existing health benefits during leave if you have job protection. If an employer counts unpaid FMLA‑designated leave toward these limits, it must give written notices within five business days and at least monthly. The department can require employers to report on restoration activity to enforce these rights.
Paid leave premiums and small employer relief
Beginning January 1, 2026, the law sets a clear formula for the paid-leave premium and caps the total rate at 1.20%, with a three‑month reserve target. Employers may take up to 100% of the family‑leave employee premium and up to 45% of the medical‑leave employee premium from pay, or choose to cover more. Employers with fewer than 50 in‑state employees do not owe the employer share unless they opt in (which can make them eligible for grants). The state averages your headcount each September 30 to set employer size for the next year. The department will streamline filings into a single return when feasible and publish regular financial reports to help keep rates stable.
Start date and funding condition
Most changes take effect January 1, 2026. The law only takes effect if the Legislature provided specific funding in the omnibus budget by June 30, 2025. If that funding was not provided, the act is void.
Uniform statewide rules and stronger oversight
Beginning January 1, 2026, the state sets one uniform set of paid‑leave rules and strengthens oversight. Cities and counties cannot create their own paid‑leave programs for private employers or require extra wage replacement. The department will step up employer outreach, inspections, and audits, including of voluntary plans, and will study whether voluntary‑plan fees cover costs. Any employer voluntary plan must match or exceed state benefits and be open to employees who worked 340 hours in the past 12 months.
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Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Liz Berry
Democratic • House
Cosponsors
Beth Doglio
Democratic • House
Chipalo Street
Democratic • House
Cindy Ryu
Democratic • House
Darya Farivar
Democratic • House
Debra Lekanoff
Democratic • House
Edwin Obras
Democratic • House
Emily Alvarado
Democratic • House
Gerry Pollet
Democratic • House
Joe Fitzgibbon
Democratic • House
Julia Reed
Democratic • House
Mary Fosse
Democratic • House
Natasha Hill
Democratic • House
Nicole Macri
Democratic • House
Osman Salahuddin
Democratic • House
Sharlett Mena
Democratic • House
Sharon Wylie
Democratic • House
Strom Peterson
Democratic • House
Tarra Simmons
Democratic • House
Timm Ormsby
Democratic • House
Roll Call Votes
House vote • 4/19/2025
Final Passage as Amended by the Senate
Yes: 57 • No: 38 • Other: 3
Senate vote • 4/15/2025
3rd Reading & Final Passage as Amended by the Senate
Yes: 28 • No: 20 • Other: 1
House vote • 3/11/2025
3rd Reading & Final Passage
Yes: 55 • No: 41 • Other: 2
House vote • 3/10/2025
715 Jacobsen Pg 14 Ln 20
Yes: 44 • No: 51 • Other: 3
Actions Timeline
Effective date 1/1/2026.
5/17/2025HouseChapter 304, 2025 Laws.
5/17/2025HouseGovernor signed.
5/17/2025legislatureDelivered to Governor.
4/23/2025legislaturePresident signed.
4/23/2025legislatureSpeaker signed.
4/22/2025legislaturePassed final passage; yeas, 57; nays, 38; absent, 0; excused, 3.
4/19/2025HouseHouse concurred in Senate amendments.
4/19/2025HouseThird reading, passed; yeas, 28; nays, 20; absent, 0; excused, 1.
4/15/2025HouseRules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.
4/15/2025HouseCommittee amendment(s) adopted with no other amendments.
4/15/2025HousePlaced on second reading by Rules Committee.
4/11/2025HousePassed to Rules Committee for second reading.
4/8/2025HouseMinority; do not pass.
4/8/2025HouseWM - Majority; do pass with amendment(s).
4/8/2025HouseReferred to Ways & Means.
3/31/2025HouseAnd refer to Ways & Means.
3/28/2025HouseMinority; do not pass.
3/28/2025HouseLC - Majority; do pass with amendment(s).
3/28/2025HouseFirst reading, referred to Labor & Commerce.
3/13/2025HouseThird reading, passed; yeas, 55; nays, 41; absent, 0; excused, 2.
3/11/2025HouseRules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.
3/11/2025HouseFloor amendment(s) adopted.
3/11/2025HouseHeld on calendar.
3/10/2025House2nd substitute bill substituted.
3/10/2025House
Bill Text
Session Law
5/22/2025
Bill as Passed Legislature
4/23/2025
Engrossed Second Substitute
3/11/2025
Second Substitute
2/28/2025
Substitute Bill
2/12/2025
Original Bill
1/13/2025
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