Washington passed a paid parental leave program in 2007 which, when it goes into effect, will provide $250 per week to either parent who works full time. The program also offers job protection to workers who have been with their employers for one year and worked at least 1,250 hours. Washington’s family leave law also includes domestic partners. The state allows both state and private-sector workers flexible use of their sick leave, though Washington does not require employers to provide time off to care for a new child. Eligible state workers can get up to six months off to care for a newborn or newly adopted child.
The law was supposed to be implemented in 2009 but has been delayed twice because of budget shortfalls. It currently is scheduled to take effect in 2015.
