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WashingtonHB 13082025-2026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Concerning access to personnel records.

Sponsored By: Julia Reed (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Workers can challenge inaccurate personnel records

Beginning July 27, 2025, Washington workers can ask annually for a review of covered personnel-file information. This covers information kept as regular business records or used to give information to people outside the company. Employers must remove information they find irrelevant or wrong, and can remove it more often. Workers who disagree with the employer’s decision can ask to add a rebuttal or correction to the file. Former workers retain rebuttal or correction rights for up to two years; the law defines former workers as those who left within three years before the request.

Workers get free files and discharge details

Beginning July 27, 2025, Washington workers can request to inspect their personnel files at least annually. Covered employer-created records include job applications, performance reviews, closed or inactive discipline records, leave and accommodation records, payroll, and employment agreements. Employers outside Washington’s Public Records Act must provide free copies within 21 calendar days to workers, former workers, or their designated representatives. Former workers are those who left the employer within three years before the request. These employers must also answer a former worker’s written request for a signed discharge statement within 21 calendar days. The statement gives the discharge date and reasons, if any; employers do not have to have a reason. Employers covered by the Public Records Act follow that law’s copy and disclosure rules instead. The law preserves privacy protections and does not require employers to create records or set a record-retention schedule. Workers can enforce the 21-day requirements in superior court, seeking statutory damages, court-ordered relief, and reasonable attorney’s fees and costs. They must first give notice referencing their right to sue under Washington law, with the initial request or later. A lawsuit over an incomplete file cannot begin until five calendar days after that notice. Statutory damages are $250 when the complete file or required statement is not provided within 21 calendar days, and $500 when not provided within 28 calendar days. Damages are $1,000 when provided later than 35 calendar days, and $500 for other violations of these requirements.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Julia Reed

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Alex Ramel

    Democratic • House

  • Amy Walen

    Democratic • House

  • Beth Doglio

    Democratic • House

  • Chipalo Street

    Democratic • House

  • Davina Duerr

    Democratic • House

  • Edwin Obras

    Democratic • House

  • Emily Alvarado

    Democratic • House

  • Gerry Pollet

    Democratic • House

  • Greg Nance

    Democratic • House

  • Jamila Taylor

    Democratic • House

  • Julio Cortes

    Democratic • House

  • Kristine Reeves

    Democratic • House

  • Lillian Ortiz-Self

    Democratic • House

  • Lisa Parshley

    Democratic • House

  • Liz Berry

    Democratic • House

  • Mary Fosse

    Democratic • House

  • My-Linh Thai

    Democratic • House

  • Nicole Macri

    Democratic • House

  • Osman Salahuddin

    Democratic • House

  • Roger Goodman

    Democratic • House

  • Sharlett Mena

    Democratic • House

  • Shaun Scott

    Democratic • House

  • Tarra Simmons

    Democratic • House

  • Timm Ormsby

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 144 • No: 98

House vote • 4/17/2025

Final Passage as Amended by the Senate

Yes: 56 • No: 40 • Other: 2

Senate vote • 4/9/2025

3rd Reading & Final Passage as Amended by the Senate

Yes: 32 • No: 17

House vote • 3/7/2025

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 56 • No: 41 • Other: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective date 7/27/2025.

    5/13/2025House

  2. Chapter 273, 2025 Laws.

    5/13/2025House

  3. Governor signed.

    5/13/2025legislature

  4. Delivered to Governor.

    4/22/2025legislature

  5. President signed.

    4/19/2025legislature

  6. Speaker signed.

    4/18/2025legislature

  7. Passed final passage; yeas, 56; nays, 40; absent, 0; excused, 2.

    4/17/2025House

  8. House concurred in Senate amendments.

    4/17/2025House

  9. Third reading, passed; yeas, 32; nays, 17; absent, 0; excused, 0.

    4/9/2025House

  10. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    4/9/2025House

  11. Floor amendment(s) adopted.

    4/9/2025House

  12. Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.

    4/4/2025House

  13. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.

    3/29/2025House

  14. Minority; do not pass.

    3/28/2025House

  15. LC - Majority; do pass.

    3/28/2025House

  16. First reading, referred to Labor & Commerce.

    3/11/2025House

  17. Third reading, passed; yeas, 56; nays, 41; absent, 0; excused, 1.

    3/7/2025House

  18. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    3/7/2025House

  19. 1st substitute bill substituted.

    3/7/2025House

  20. Rules Committee relieved of further consideration. Placed on second reading.

    3/6/2025House

  21. Referred to Rules 2 Review.

    2/4/2025House

  22. Minority; do not pass.

    1/31/2025House

  23. Minority; without recommendation.

    1/31/2025House

  24. LAWS - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.

    1/31/2025House

  25. LAWS - Executive action taken by committee.

    1/31/2025House

Bill Text

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