The Washington State Legislature made a handful of changes to personnel-related laws in the 2026 legislative session. This blog will cover the 2026 changes (and also remind readers of approaching deadlines for personnel-related laws passed in 2025). Local governments should review their personnel policies to ensure consistency with the changes to the various personnel laws.

Washington State Paid Family and Medical Leave: SB 5292 and HB 2345

Almost 10 years ago now, Washington State adopted its mandatory Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) program, which provides paid leave to employees for various family and medical circumstances, including birth or placement of a child and care of family members with serious health conditions.

SB 5292 – Changing the premium payment formula change

Local governments must collect premium payments for the PFML program and remit those payments to the Employment Security Department (ESD). The premium rate is set by ESD based on the statutory formula set forth in RCW 50A.10.030. Effective January 1, 2028, the PFML premium rate will be based on the annual report submitted by the Washington State Office of Actuarial Services rather than the statutory formula. See SB 5292.

HB 2345 – Shifting the employer premium payment share to family leave

The IRS released guidance that both family and medical leave benefits are subject to federal income taxes, while only medical leave is subject to federal employment taxes. See IRS Bulletin 2025-7 and Notice...

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