FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 2, 2021 Senate approves Robinson bill to expand paid family and medical leave coverage The Senate today approved legislation that would expand paid family and medical leave coverage to Washington families by broadening the definition of family member. “We want this benefit to work for modern families,” said Sen. June Robinson (D-Everett), the sponsor of SB 5097. “Paid Family and Medical Leave will better serve everyone in our state if it accommodates close caretaking relationships for our neighbors. This bill today closes gaps in coverage and expands access to support, which is especially important during a pandemic that has upended so many lives.” Since its initial passage in 2017 and its implementation in 2020, the Paid Family and Medical ...