Monday, September 28, 2026
|
Washington
Key Takeaways
Impacted Employers: Washington employers
Effective Date: June 11, 2026
Summary: Washington has enacted legislation that adds layoff protections.
Next Steps: Review the changes under the law and layoff policies and procedures to help with compliance.
The Details
The state of Washington has enacted legislation (House Bill 2264), which amends certain layoff protections under state law. The law applies to individuals who are separated from employment on or after June 14, 2026.
House Bill 2264:
Under the law, an individual separated from employment on or after June 14, 2026 may be found to be unemployed through no fault of their own when the commissioner finds that:
- A separating employer took the first action in the separation process by announcing in writing to its employees that:
- The separating employer planned to reduce its workforce through a layoff or reduction in force (RIF); and
- Employees could offer to be among those included in the layoff or RIF;
- The individual offered to be one of the employees included in the layoff or RIF; and
- The separating employer terminated the individual's employment as a result of the layoff or RIF plans under the law.
When conducting a layoff or RIF, a separating employer may allow employees to rescind an offer. The availability of an option to rescind an offer does not disqualify an individual from benefits, provided that a separation from employment meets the requirements of the law.
Exceptions
The law contains exceptions for when an employer modifies benefits or otherwise encourages early retirement or early separation, and the employer and employee do not comply with the law. See the text of the law for further details.
Next Steps
Review the changes under the law and layoff policies and procedures to help comply with the law.