On May 10, 2021, Washington Governor Jay Inslee signed legislation (SB 5097) expanding the family members who are covered by the state’s Paid Family and Medical Leave law to include any individual who regularly resides in the employee’s home, or whose relationship with the employee creates an expectation of care, and who depends on the employee for care. The expanded coverage does not include individuals who regularly reside in the employee’s home but have no expectation that the employee care for them. The law is effective July 25, 2021.
Washington employers should review their existing leave policies and procedures to ensure compliance with this change and ensure that human resources and supervisor/managers are trained on what constitutes a family member.
