Bill > HB1747

This bill expands protections for job applicants and employees under the Washington Fair Chance Act by introducing more comprehensive regulations around how employers can use criminal records in hiring and employment decisions. The bill adds several key definitions, including terms like "adult conviction record," "arrest record," and "legitimate business reason," and establishes more detailed requirements for how employers can consider criminal histories. Specifically, employers are now prohibited from automatically excluding individuals with criminal records, cannot ask about criminal history until after initially determining an applicant is qualified, and must provide a written explanation with specific documentation if they decide to take adverse employment action based on a criminal record. The bill requires employers to give applicants at least two business days to explain or provide context about their criminal record before making a final decision. Additionally, the bill increases potential penalties for violations, with escalating monetary sanctions ranging from $1,500 for a first violation to $15,000 for subsequent violations. The new regulations will phase in, applying to employers with 15 or more employees starting July 1, 2026, and to smaller employers beginning January 1, 2027, with the goal of providing more fair employment opportunities for individuals with criminal histories.

Business and Industry, Labor and Employment

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1747&Year=2025&Initiative=false