Signed into law by Governor Inslee on May 9, 2023 and effective January 1, 2024, new legislation allows certain interested parties to have access to information from the Washington Security Department, the state agency that administers the paid family and medical leave program, regarding an employee’s leave including:

• Type of leave being taken;
• Requested duration – including the approved dates – of the leave; and
• Whether the employee was approved for benefits and was paid benefits for any given week.

The law defines “interested parties” as an employee, a current employer, or a current employer’s third-party administrator. The information acquired under this law is to be used for the purpose of administering internal employer leave or benefit practices under established employer policies.