Washington State Enacts Paid Family Leave Program

Private-sector workers in Washington state will be able to get up to 12 weeks of paid family or medical leave starting in 2020, under legislation expected to be signed into law by Gov. Jay Inslee (D).

By so doing, the state will join only four other states and the District of Columbia in providing paid family and medical leave. Multiple other states are considering adopting their own programs.

The Washington leave bill (S.G. 5975) cleared the state Senate on June 30 by a vote of 37-12 after passing the House 65-29 earlier that day. The state insurance program ...