WashingtonSB 54592025-2026 Regular SessionSenate

Concerning call center retention.

Sponsored By: Derek Stanford (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

State call center contracts require U.S. work

Washington state agency contracts for call center services entered into after July 27, 2025, must require all work within the United States. This requirement covers contractors, their agents, and subcontractors. Contracts for interpreter services are exempt. The rule reserves covered work for U.S. locations, not specifically Washington.

Listed call centers lose state funding access

Beginning July 27, 2025, call center employers on Washington's relocation list lose access to direct or indirect state grants and loans. The restriction lasts five years after listing. The Employment Security Department can waive it, consulting the relevant agency, if denial causes substantial Washington job losses or environmental harm. Employers found ineligible for awards made after July 27, 2025, must immediately repay the grant or loan's value.

Call centers must report overseas moves

Beginning July 27, 2025, covered employers must give Washington's employment security commissioner 120 days' notice before moving call centers overseas. Call centers include operations mainly providing customer help by phone or other electronic messages. Employers qualify with at least 50 workers excluding part-time workers, or 50 workers totaling at least 1,500 weekly hours, excluding overtime. For notice purposes, part-time workers average under 20 weekly hours or worked fewer than six of the preceding 12 months. Moving a facility or unit also requires notice if it handles at least 25% of volume, using the previous 12-month average. State agencies, including higher education institutions, are covered for foreign moves, except operations mainly providing language interpretation. Violations carry penalties up to $10,000 per day, which can be reduced during a governor- or president-declared emergency. The commissioner compiles a list twice yearly, posts it on the Employment Security Department website, and sends it to state agencies. The law does not authorize withholding payments or benefits under other laws from workers who move abroad.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Derek Stanford
Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

Bob Hasegawa
Democratic • Senate
Claire Wilson
Democratic • Senate
Javier Valdez
Democratic • Senate
Rebecca Saldaña
Democratic • Senate
Steve Conway
Democratic • Senate
T'wina Nobles
Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 204 • No: 35

House vote • 4/10/2025

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 85 • No: 10 • Other: 3

House vote • 4/10/2025

Final Passage on Reconsideration

Yes: 89 • No: 6 • Other: 3

Senate vote • 3/3/2025