House advances actuarial rate‑setting, four‑month reserve for paid family and medical leave

Second Substitute Senate Bill 5292, which changes how Washington'state'paid family and medical leave rates are set and requires a four‑month reserve, won final passage in the House after brief floor remarks and a roll‑call vote.

Representative Berry (36th District) urged the chamber to "please vote yes," calling the program "wildly popular" and arguing an actuarial model would stabilize rate setting and require a four‑month reserve. Representative McIntyre (19th District), who said he worked on the bill in committee, described the proposed actuarial table as a "more responsible way" to calculate benefits and urged members to support the bill.

After brief debate, the House clerk reported a roll‑call: 95 yays, 1 nay, and 2 excused. Having received a constitutional majority, the presiding officer declared Second Substitute Senate Bill 5292 passed.

The bill takes effect on a date specified in the bill (Section 3: 01/01/2028). The measure was advanced under unanimous consent to third reading before the final vote.

The House signed the bill for enrollment and moved to the next item on the calendar.