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WashingtonHB 22642025-2026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Concerning unemployment insurance benefits for workers separated from employment as a result of employer-initiated layoffs or workforce reductions.

Sponsored By: Liz Berry (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Unemployment benefits for workers volunteering for layoffs

The law takes effect June 11, 2026, and covers job separations on or after June 14, 2026. Washington presumes qualifying layoff volunteers lost their jobs through no fault of their own for unemployment benefits. The employer must start the process with a written layoff or workforce reduction notice inviting employees to volunteer. The worker must volunteer, and the employer must end the worker's job because of that plan. The state commissioner decides whether these steps occurred. An employer's option to let workers withdraw their offers does not disqualify workers whose separations meet these requirements. The rule excludes benefit changes or employer efforts to encourage early retirement or separation when these steps are not followed.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Liz Berry

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Brianna Thomas

    Democratic • House

  • Edwin Obras

    Democratic • House

  • Gerry Pollet

    Democratic • House

  • Julia Reed

    Democratic • House

  • Lisa Parshley

    Democratic • House

  • Mary Fosse

    Democratic • House

  • Shaun Scott

    Democratic • House

  • Timm Ormsby

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 142 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/6/2026

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 48 • No: 0 • Other: 1

House vote • 2/10/2026

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 94 • No: 0 • Other: 4

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective date 6/11/2026.

    3/23/2026House

  2. Chapter 150, 2026 Laws.

    3/23/2026House

  3. Governor signed.

    3/23/2026legislature

  4. Delivered to Governor.

    3/12/2026legislature

  5. Speaker signed.

    3/11/2026legislature

  6. President signed.

    3/11/2026legislature

  7. Third reading, passed; yeas, 48; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 1.

    3/6/2026House

  8. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    3/6/2026House

  9. Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.

    3/5/2026House

  10. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.

    2/24/2026House

  11. Minority; without recommendation.

    2/23/2026House

  12. LC - Majority; do pass.

    2/23/2026House

  13. First reading, referred to Labor & Commerce.

    2/12/2026House

  14. Third reading, passed; yeas, 94; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 4.

    2/10/2026House

  15. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    2/10/2026House

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

    1/27/2026House

  17. Referred to Rules 2 Review.

    1/20/2026House

  18. LAWS - Executive action taken by committee.

    1/16/2026House

  19. LAWS - Majority; do pass.

    1/16/2026House

  20. First reading, referred to Labor & Workplace Standards.

    1/12/2026House

  21. Prefiled for introduction.

    1/6/2026House

Bill Text

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