(1) The grants under this chapter must be funded from the family and medical leave insurance account.

(2) An application for a grant under this chapter must be submitted no later than 12 months after the employee's first day of leave under this title. A third-party administrator or other agent authorized by the employer may submit an application on the employer's behalf.

(3) The department shall submit payment to the employer within 14 calendar days after the qualifying employer's completed application is received by the department.

(4) The department shall:

(a) Promptly notify an employer with fewer than 50 employees of the grants under this chapter if one or more of its employees receives benefits under this title;

(b) Make available on its website information on the grants under this chapter and include a link to grant applications within the existing website portal; and

(c) Include information on the grants under this chapter when notifying employers and employees of changes to the premium rate under RCW 50A.10.030.

(5) The commissioner shall adopt rules as necessary to implement this chapter.

Effective date—2025 c 304: See note following RCW 50A.05.020.