Bill > SB5549

This bill expands protections for job applicants and employees under the Washington Fair Chance Act by modifying several key definitions and employment practices related to criminal records. The bill introduces more comprehensive definitions for terms like "adult conviction record," "arrest record," and "legitimate business reason," which now require employers to conduct a nuanced, multi-factor assessment before taking adverse employment actions based on criminal history. Specifically, employers are now prohibited from automatically excluding individuals with criminal records, cannot inquire about criminal backgrounds until after determining an applicant is otherwise qualified and making a conditional job offer, and must provide written explanation and a two-business-day opportunity for an applicant to explain or contextualize their criminal record before taking any negative employment action. The bill also increases potential penalties for violations, with escalating monetary sanctions ranging from $1,500 for a first violation to $15,000 for subsequent violations, and allows these penalties to be paid directly to the affected job applicant or employee. Additionally, the bill strengthens protections by preventing employers from taking adverse actions based on arrest records or juvenile conviction records, and from retaliating against employees who report potential violations of these regulations.

Business and Industry

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5549&Year=2025&Initiative=false