Vigilant Blog

SB 5445 sets up the basic framework for the health insurance exchange, but many details remain to be sorted out. Vigilant will update its members on further developments (2011 Wash Laws Chap 317).

Employers generally will be required to promptly correct unsafe conditions even while they are in the process of appealing safety citations, under a new law signed by Governor Gregoire. Currently, the time clock for correcting unsafe conditions doesn’t start ticking until any appeals have worked their way through the system. The new law changes that…

Governor Chris Gregoire has signed EHB 1091, companion bills that lower unemployment insurance tax rates for many Washington employers. This legislation caps employer taxes in some areas, adjusts tax rates, expands the unemployment insurance training benefits program, and allows long-term unemployed people to access federally funded extended benefits. The legislation also authorizes the use of…

Gross misconduct: the rules now provide examples of conduct that will automatically be considered “flagrant and wanton” conduct for purposes of meeting the “gross misconduct” standard under the unemployment rules. Examples include: a medical provider found to be under the influence of illegal narcotics while at work, a health care worker who steals money or…

final rules implementing Washington’s law on leaves of absence and reasonable accommodation for victims of domestic violence. Under the new rules, employees have the right to take leave if they or a member of their family have been a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking. Vigilant submitted 3912) for more information on this…

2010 Wash Laws Ch 223). Tips: The law still allows some exceptions, such as reporting illegal activity, summoning emergency help or preventing injury to people or property. The new law also adds an exception for relaying time-sensitive information between a transit or for-hire operator and the operator’s dispatcher, if the mobile device is permanently attached…

recently updated its wage payment rules, most importantly clarifying its requirements for giving wage statements to employees. The rules took effect March 15, 2010. With each paycheck, you must give a separate written statement that identifies the pay period by month, day, year, and payment date. You may provide these statements electronically as long as…