Bill > SB5130

This bill amends the existing law in Washington state to enhance the rights of employees and former employees regarding their personnel files and disciplinary actions. Key provisions include: 1. Requiring employers to provide employees or former employees, or their authorized representatives, a complete and unredacted copy of their personnel file within 14 calendar days of a request, at no cost. 2. Allowing employees to petition annually to have the employer review their personnel file and remove any irrelevant or erroneous information, with the ability to add a rebuttal or correction. 3. Requiring employers to provide a written statement explaining the reasons for and effective date of a former employee's discharge within 14 business days of a written request. 4. Allowing employees to enforce these rights through a private cause of action in court, with the ability to recover statutory damages and attorney fees for violations. 5. Defining "personnel file" to include a broad range of employment-related records, and clarifying that the law does not create a record retention schedule or entitle employees to access the employer's protected legal file. This bill aims to increase transparency and accountability regarding employee personnel records and termination decisions.

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https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5130&Year=2021&Initiative=false