Key Takeaways
Impacted Employers: Employers with 15 or more employees
Effective Date: July 1, 2026
Summary: The State of Washington issued a revised guide on the Washington Fair Chance Act.
Next Steps: Distribute the updated guide where required and monitor the Attorney General's website for further notice materials from the state
The Details
The State of Washington has released an updated version of the guide that must accompany the requisite notice under the state’s amended Fair Chance Act.
Background
As a reminder, effective July 1, 2026, the state of Washington amended its Fair Chance Act (the “Act”) to require an employer with 15 or more employees to provide written notice of certain requirements of the Act and a copy of the Washington Attorney General’s Fair Chance Act Guide for Employers and Job Applicants when:
- The employer discloses that a position is subject to a background check after a conditional job offer; or
- An applicant voluntarily discloses their criminal history.
Washington has now posted a revised version of the guide on the Attorney General’s website, which employers should use to accompany the requisite notice.
Note: The Fair Chance Act amendments take effect for employers with fewer than 15 employees on Jan. 1, 2027.
Next Steps
Review the revised guide and monitor the Attorney General's website for further notice materials from the state to help satisfy employers’ Fair Chance Act requirements.