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HB2264 • 2026

Unemployment ins./layoffs

Concerning unemployment insurance benefits for workers separated from employment as a result of employer-initiated layoffs or workforce reductions.

Labor
Passed Legislature

This bill passed both chambers and reached final enrollment, even if later executive action is not shown here.

Sponsor
Representative Berry, Representative Scott, Representative Reed, Representative Obras, Representative Parshley, Representative Thomas, Representative Ormsby, Representative Fosse, Representative Pollet
Last action
2026-03-23
Official status
C 150 L 26
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

Using official source text because the generated explanation was unavailable or could not be confirmed against the official bill text.

Unemployment ins./layoffs

Unemployment ins./layoffs

What This Bill Does

  • Unemployment ins./layoffs

Limits and Unknowns

  • This entry is temporarily using official source text because the generated explanation could not be confirmed against the official bill text during the last sync.

Bill History

  1. 2026-03-23 House

    Effective date 6/11/2026.

Official Summary Text

Unemployment ins./layoffs

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text 
AN ACT Relating to unemployment insurance benefits for workers 1
separated from employment as a result of employer-initiated layoffs 2
or workforce reductions; and adding a new section to chapter 50.20 3
RCW. 4
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:5
NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. A new section is added to chapter 50.20 6
RCW to read as follows: 7
(1) An individual separated from employment on or after June 14, 8
2026, is deemed to be unemployed through no fault of their own if the 9
commissioner finds that: 10
(a) The separating employer took the first action in the 11
separation process by announcing in writing to its employees that:12
(i) The separating employer planned to reduce its workforce 13
through a layoff or reduction in force; and 14
(ii) Employees could offer to be among those included in the 15
layoff or reduction in force; 16
(b) The individual offered to be one of the employees included in 17
the layoff or reduction in force; and 18
(c) The separating employer terminated the individual's 19
employment as a result of the layoff or reduction in force plans 20
under this section. 21
H-2641.1
HOUSE BILL 2264
State of Washington 69th Legislature 2026 Regular Session
By Representatives Berry, Scott, Reed, Obras, Parshley, Thomas,
Ormsby, Fosse, and Pollet
Prefiled 01/06/26. Read first time 01/12/26. Referred to Committee
on Labor & Workplace Standards.
p. 1 HB 2264
(2) When undertaking a layoff or reduction in force, a separating 1
employer may allow employees to rescind an offer under subsection 2
(1)(b) of this section. The availability of an option to rescind an 3
offer does not disqualify an individual from benefits, provided that 4
the separation from employment met the requirements in subsection (1) 5
of this section. 6
(3) This section does not apply when the employer modifies 7
benefits or otherwise encourages early retirement or early separation 8
and the employer and employee do not comply with subsection (1) of 9
this section. 10
--- END ---
p. 2 HB 2264