Expansion of PFML Program in Washington State

Washington state expanded protections of its Paid Family Medical Leave (PFML) program by reducing the minimum claim duration – to four hours from eight - and adjusting restoration requirements for small employers (previously the law’s employment protections only applied to employers with >50 employees). The bill also included grants of up to $3,000 to small businesses to help offset costs linked to employees using PFML. However, the act – set to go into effect January 2026 – will become null and void if specific funding is not appropriated by June 30, 2025.