Monday, September 28, 2026
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Washington
Key Takeaways
Impacted Employers: Certain employers with 50 or more employees in Washington (excluding part-time employees). See below for further details.
Effective Date: March 17, 2026
Summary: The state of Washington has enacted legislation that amends certain layoff protections under state law.
Next Steps: Review Washington STABLE Act and federal WARN Act requirements when planning layoffs or business closures, and update layoff policies and processes.
The Details
The state of Washington has enacted legislation (ESB 6106), which amends certain layoff protections under state law. The law took effect March 17, 2026.
Background
The Securing Timely Notification and Benefits for Laid-off Employees Act (STABLE Act) requires employers with 50 or more employees to comply with certain notice requirements when conducting layoffs or business closures.
ESB 6106
The law amends the STABLE Act by removing federally recognized Native American tribes as covered employers.
Additionally, the law reduces public disclosure of the names and addresses of employees affected by layoffs and business closures by:
- Requiring affected employees' names to be listed individually only for employees who are not represented by a union;
- Including affected employees’ names only on notices to the employees’ bargaining representative and the Employment Security Department (ESD); and
- Exempting the affected employees’ names and addresses from public disclosure under the Public Records Act.
Next Steps
- Review the Washington STABLE Act and the federal WARN Act requirements when planning layoffs or business closures.
- Update layoff policies and processes, including notices to help ensure employee names and addresses are included only where required by law.