DECEMBER 7
TOP STORIES
Are You Ready for PFML?
The first phase of Washington’s Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) begins the first of the year for nearly all employers in the state. Small businesses and companies need to report wages and hours worked and collect premiums for their employees starting Jan. 1, 2019.

Quick Facts About PFML for Employers of All Sizes

  • In 2019, employers must begin collecting premiums for the program. In 2020, eligible employees will be able to begin to use leave benefits.
  • Employers must report employee wages, hours worked and other information every quarter.
  • Premiums are 0.4% of gross wages paid each quarter starting in 2019.
  • Workers can take leave for qualifying events for up to 12 weeks generally, and up to 18 weeks under exceptional circumstances.
  • Businesses with fewer than 50 employees are not required to pay the employer portion of the premium. However, they will be required to report employee hours and wages and collect the employee portion of the premium in 2019.

Reporting Wages and Hours

Employers will use SecureAccess.wa.gov to manage their user information and report data. The first required reporting will be for the first quarter of 2019 and must be reported by April 30, 2019.

Premium Due Dates

PFML premiums will be due the last day of the calendar month following the end of a quarter. ESD is requiring that PFML premiums be provided separately from unemployment insurance payments.

Visit PaidLeave.wa.gov/Employers for more information or join one of BIAW's upcoming PFML classes that explain the requirements for employers with 50 or fewer employees .  Register today »
Be a Part of Washington's Future
In 2016, Washington state legislators allocated funds to the William D. Ruckelshaus Center (Center) and outlined a scope, schedule and general process for "A Road Map to Washington's Future" with the purpose of articulating a vision of Washington's desired future.

The Center has created an online survey for your input to better understand how the framework aligns with, creates barriers to and/or supports the desired future of the communities it is meant to serve.

Share your perspectives by taking their online survey, open till Jan. 31, here »
Final Buildable Lands Guidelines
In 2017, BIAW supported SB 5254 which required the Washington State Department of Commerce to update its “Buildable Lands Guidance” and also included Whatcom County into the requirement in order to complete the Buildable Lands Analysis as a part of their Growth Management Act planning requirements.

BIAW participated on the steering committee, which was run by an outside consultant (an important piece of the legislation was that the Department not be the lead drafter).

In order to implement the changes in the guidance, there will need to be funding allocated in 2019 for local governments to comply. Review the process here »
New Certified Builder Trailblazers
BIAW is proud to announce two new Certified Builders . This program was created to recognize and designate achievement to those in the industry whose work experience and business practices exceed state standards.  

Want to become a Certified Builder? There is no better time than now! If you're a member, you'll receive 50% off your approved application when you apply before Feb. 1, 2019.
Meet our Newest Certified Builders:
Nathan Coons
MBAKS
John Erwin
OMB
If you have any questions about BIAW's Certified Builder designation, contact Jan Rohila at 360-352-7800 ext. 101 or Hillary Vanatta 360-352-7800 ext. 106.
MEMBERS MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Every day BIAW members are working hard to make their community a better place. We're looking for inspirational stories, testimonials, photos and videos where you're building for charity, cooking up kindness or fueling fundraisers.
 
Email your inspirational stories to Leah Jaber »
ICYMI: WA STATE NEWS
BIAW CLASSES
 
If you haven't already, sign up for the upcoming Washington Paid Family and Medical Leave class in Bremerton before it fills up! This class discusses basic elements of the Family Leave Act (FLA) for companies with 50 or fewer employees. 
 
This class will teach you the importance of how to identify existing or predictable hazards on the job-site that may be unsanitary, hazardous or dangerous to employees.
 
Did you know your company is required to comply with WAC 296-155-Part C-1, fall protection requirements? If you or your employer have not, this class will help you gain a better understanding of the use and design of fall protection systems.
FRIDAY FUN
The Ultimate Construction Holiday Gift Guide 2018

Another year is about ready to wrap up as the holiday season is upon us. It's the most wonderful time of the year, but it can be stressful for those in your life that are hard to buy for, especially those in the construction ideas.

Read more
www.constructionjunkie.com
Building Industry Association of Washington  
111 21st Avenue SW | Olympia, WA 98501
360.352.7800 |  www.BIAW.com

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