Bill > SB5626

This bill creates a new wage replacement program for Washington workers who are excluded from traditional unemployment insurance, primarily those who are not authorized to work in the United States. The program, to be administered by a third-party administrator selected by the Employment Security Department by July 1, 2026, will provide financial assistance to eligible applicants. To qualify, individuals must be Washington state residents, have worked at least 680 hours in their base year, be unemployed through no fault of their own, and be ineligible for standard unemployment benefits solely due to their immigration status. Applicants can receive weekly payments equal to their calculated unemployment benefit amount, with a maximum of 26 weeks or one-third of their base year wages. The program will be funded through a new wage replacement account, which will be supported by a small employer surcharge starting in 2026. The bill includes strong privacy protections, prohibiting the administrator from soliciting immigration status information and requiring the destruction of applicant records. An 11-member advisory committee will oversee the program's implementation, representing immigrants, workers, employers, and state commissions. The goal is to provide financial support to workers who are currently excluded from traditional unemployment insurance systems.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5626&Year=2025&Initiative=false