Title 50A — Title 50A FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE

(1) An employer may apply to the commissioner for approval of a voluntary plan for the payment of either family leave benefits or medical leave benefits, or both. The application must be submitted on a form and in the manner as prescribed by the commissioner in rule. The fee for …

The employer must have the voluntary plan approved by the commissioner annually for the first three years. After the first three years, the employer is only required to have the approval if the employer makes changes to the plan that were not mandated by changes to state law.[ 20…

(1) To be eligible for any family and medical leave, an employee must be in employment for eight hundred twenty hours during the qualifying period, by an employer with a voluntary plan or an employer utilizing the state family and medical leave plan. An employee qualifies for ben…

(1) An employee is no longer covered by an approved voluntary plan if family leave or the employee's medical leave occurred after the employment relationship with the voluntary plan employer ends, or if the commissioner terminates a voluntary plan.(2) An employee who has ceased t…

An employer with a voluntary plan must provide a notice prepared by or approved by the commissioner regarding the voluntary plan consistent with the provisions of RCW 50A.20.020.[ 2020 c 125 s 10; 2017 3rd sp.s. c 5 s 25. Formerly RCW 50A.04.620.]Notes:

An employer may assume all or a greater part of the cost of the voluntary plan than required under the state program. An employer may deduct from the wages of an employee covered by the voluntary plan, for the purpose of providing the benefits specified in this title, an amount n…

All deductions from the wages of an employee remaining in the possession of the employer upon the employer's withdrawal of the voluntary plan as a result of plan contributions being in excess of plan costs, that are not disposed of in conformity with the department's rules, must …

Any employee contributions to and income arising from an approved voluntary plan received or retained by an employer under an approved voluntary plan are trust funds that are not considered to be part of an employer's assets. An employer must maintain a separate, specifically ide…

A voluntary plan in force and effect at the time a successor acquires the organization, trade, or business, or substantially all the assets thereof, or a distinct and severable portion of the organization, trade, or business, and continues its operation without substantial reduct…

(1) The commissioner must approve any amendment to a voluntary plan adjusting the provisions thereof, as to periods after the effective date of the amendment, when the commissioner finds: (a) That the plan, as amended, will conform to the standards set forth in this title; and (b…

(1) The commissioner may terminate any voluntary plan if the commissioner finds that there is risk that the benefits accrued or that will accrue will not be paid or for other good cause shown.(2) The commissioner must give notice of the commissioner's intention to terminate a pla…

(1) An employer of a voluntary plan found to have violated this title shall be assessed the following monetary penalties:(a) One thousand dollars for the first violation; and(b) Two thousand dollars for the second and subsequent violations.(2) The commissioner shall waive collect…

An employer may appeal any adverse decision by the department related to voluntary plans. An employee may appeal any adverse decision by an employer or the employer's agent related to voluntary plans. Appeals are subject to RCW 50A.50.010.[ 2019 c 13 s 63; 2017 3rd sp.s. c 5 s 24…

Employers whose employees are participating in an approved voluntary plan must maintain all reports, information, and records as relating to the voluntary plan and claims for six years and furnish for the commissioner upon request.[ 2017 3rd sp.s. c 5 s 26. Formerly RCW 50A.04.66…