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Senate committee hears bill to let pilots use state paid leave while awaiting FAA medical determinations
Summary
Lawmakers heard testimony on Senate Bill 5396, which would allow pilots applying for or appealing Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) medical-certificate decisions to use Washington's Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) and require employers to pay regular wages after PFML is exhausted while the FAA review is pending.
Senate Bill 5396 would let pilots take Washington Paid Family and Medical Leave while they pursue or appeal an FAA medical-certificate decision, and would require employers to continue paying pilots their normal compensation after PFML exhaustion for scheduled hours until a final FAA determination is reached.
The bill's sponsor, State Senator Marco Leah, said the proposal grew from safety and workforce concerns after a 2023 incident originating at Paine Field and from surveys showing pilots delay or avoid care because of financial risk. "We want to make sure that our pilots are also eligible for it," Leah said, adding that most pilots who disclose mental-health care do eventually return to flying.
Supporters described long FAA review timelines and the financial harm to aviators. Brian…
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