Bill > SB5924

This bill amends the existing law (RCW 49.12.240 and 49.12.250) regarding access to personnel records. The key provisions are: 1. Employers must allow employees to inspect their personnel files at least annually upon request, and the definition of "personnel file" is expanded to include various types of employment records. 2. Employers must provide a copy of the employee's personnel file within 21 calendar days of the employee's request, at no cost to the employee. 3. Employees can petition to have irrelevant or erroneous information removed from their personnel file, and former employees have the right to provide a rebuttal or correction for a period of up to two years. 4. Employers must provide a written statement to former employees within 21 calendar days of their request, stating the effective date of discharge, whether the employer had a reason for the discharge, and if so, the reasons. 5. Employees or former employees can enforce these provisions through a private cause of action in superior court, and are entitled to equitable relief, statutory damages, and reasonable attorneys' fees and costs for violations.