Compliance Stuff

On May 20, 2025, Washington Governor Bob Ferguson took the final step toward implementing  House Bill (HB) 1213 ’s expansion of the state’s paid family and medical leave program when he greenlit funding for the program as part of the state appropriations budget for the 2025-2027 biennium. With this funding, the new law will take effect on January 1, 2026. Quick Hits Washington State’s HB 1213 expands job protection rights under the state’s paid family and medical leave program. The amended leave program reduces the minimum increment of time off from eight consecutive hours to four consecutive hours. HB 1213 also broadens health insurance coverage requirements, along with a variety of other miscellaneous changes. HB 1213 expands the Washington Paid Family and Medical Leave (WPFML) program, which is a state-administered program that provides Washington employees with paid time off from work for serious personal and family medical leave. Here is an overview of the key changes to WPFML...

Reductions in force and furloughs are on the rise. Recent layoff numbers are climbing. We’re seeing some of the highest monthly totals ever recorded. If your company is considering a RIF, thorough preparation is key. Identify and document the reason for the layoff and the criteria that will be used to select impacted employees. Determine whether there will be union notice and bargaining requirements. Review severance plans, employment agreements, and offer letters to assess separation entitlements. And don’t forget about the federal WARN Act and the 13 state mini-WARN Acts, which require as much as 90 days’ notice for some layoffs. Once selections are made, consider whether a statistical adverse impact analysis is needed to identify risks. Prepare Older Worker Benefit Protection Act disclosures. Establish a process for how to deal with employees on leaves and visas. And confirm timing of final pay and PTO payouts, which may vary from state to state. Finally, have a clear and consis...