Washington legislation · 2025-26 Regular Session
Washington HB2264: Unemployment ins./layoffs
Status: Signed into law, March 23, 2026
Concerning unemployment insurance benefits for workers separated from employment as a result of employer-initiated layoffs or workforce reductions.
What the bill says
An act Relating to unemployment insurance benefits for workers separated from employment as a result of employer-initiated layoffs or workforce reductions; and adding a new section to chapter 50.20 RCW. NEW SECTION.
From the enrolled text:
AN ACT Relating to unemployment insurance benefits for workers separated from employment as a result of employer-initiated layoffs or workforce reductions; and adding a new section to chapter 50.20 RCW. NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. A new section is added to chapter 50.20 RCW to read as follows: (1) An individual separated from employment on or after June 14, 2026, is deemed to be unemployed through no fault of their own if the commissioner finds that: (a) The separating employer took the first action in the separation process by announcing in writing to its employees and (ii) Employees could offer to be among those included in the layoff or reduction in force; (b) The individual offered to be one of the employees included in the layoff or reduction in force; and (c) The separating employer terminated the individual's employment as a result of the layoff or reduction in force plans under this section. (2) When undertaking a layoff or reduction in force, a separating employer may allow employees to rescind an offer under subsection (1)(b) of this section. The availability of an option to rescind an offer does not disqualify an individual from benefits, provided that the separation from employment met the requirements in subsection (1) of this section. (3) This section does not apply when the employer modifies benefits or …
Sponsors
- Liz Berry (D) · primary sponsor
- Shaun Scott (D)
- Julia Reed (D)
- Edwin Obras (D)
- Lisa Parshley (D)
- Brianna Thomas (D)
- Timm Ormsby (D)
- Mary Fosse (D)
- Gerry Pollet (D)
Latest actions
- : Effective date 6/11/2026.
- : Chapter 150, 2026 Laws.
- : Governor signed.
- : Delivered to Governor.
- : President signed.
- : Speaker signed.
- : Third reading, passed; yeas, 48; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 1.
- : Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.
- : Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.
- : Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.
Votes
- 3rd Reading & Final Passage (March 6, 2026): 48 yea, 0 nay, passed
- Senate Committee on Labor & Commerce: Do pass (February 23, 2026): 7 yea, 0 nay, passed
- 3rd Reading & Final Passage (February 10, 2026): 94 yea, 0 nay, passed
- House Committee on Labor & Workplace Standards: Do pass (January 16, 2026): 9 yea, 0 nay, passed
Subjects: UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION
Common questions
- What is HB2264?
- HB2264 is a bill in the Washington Legislature (2025-26 Regular Session): Unemployment ins./layoffs.
- What does HB2264 do?
- In its own words: An act Relating to unemployment insurance benefits for workers separated from employment as a result of employer-initiated layoffs or workforce reductions; and adding a new section to chapter 50.20 RCW. NEW SECTION.
- What is the status of HB2264?
- Signed into law as of March 23, 2026. Latest action: Effective date 6/11/2026. (March 23, 2026).
- Who sponsored HB2264?
- Liz Berry (D), with 8 co-sponsors.
- Where is the official record for HB2264?
- On the Washington Legislature website: https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=2264&Year=2025
Source: official Washington record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.