Washington HB2695: Layoff notices/agricultural

What the bill says

An act Relating to exempting certain agricultural activities from mass layoff notice requirements; and amending RCW 49.45.010 and 49.45.030.

From the introduced text:

AN ACT Relating to exempting certain agricultural activities from mass layoff notice requirements; and amending RCW 49.45.010 and 49.45.030. Sec. 1. RCW 49.45.010 and 2025 c 277 s 1 are each amended to read as follows: The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise. (1) "Affected employee" means an employee who may reasonably expect to experience an employment loss because of a proposed business closing or mass layoff by an employer. (2) "Aggrieved employee" means an employee who has worked for the employer ordering the business closing or mass layoff and who, because of the employer's failure to comply with the requirements of chapter 277, Laws of 2025, did not receive timely notice either directly or through the employee's representative. (3) "Bargaining representative" means an exclusive representative of employees under the national labor relations act, 29 U.S.C. Sec. 151 et seq., or the railway labor act, 45 U.S.C. Sec. 151 et seq. (4) "Business closing" means the permanent or temporary shutdown of a single site of employment of one or more facilities or operating units that will result in an employment loss for 50 or more employees, excluding part-time employees. (5) "Commissioner" means the commissioner of the employment security department. (6) "Department" means the employment security department. (7) "Employee" means a person employed …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Jeremie Dufault (R) · primary sponsor
• Chris Corry (R)
• Carolyn Eslick (R)
• Gloria Mendoza (R)
• Deb Manjarrez (R)
• Andrew Engell (R)

Latest actions

1. January 28, 2026: First reading, referred to Labor & Workplace Standards.

Common questions

What is HB2695?

HB2695 is a bill in the Washington Legislature (2025-26 Regular Session): Layoff notices/agricultural.

What does HB2695 do?

In its own words: An act Relating to exempting certain agricultural activities from mass layoff notice requirements; and amending RCW 49.45.010 and 49.45.030.

What is the status of HB2695?

In committee as of January 28, 2026. Latest action: First reading, referred to Labor & Workplace Standards. (January 28, 2026).

Who sponsored HB2695?

Jeremie Dufault (R), with 5 co-sponsors.

Where is the official record for HB2695?

On the Washington Legislature website: https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=2695&Year=2025