Bill > HB2264

This bill establishes new criteria for determining if an individual is eligible for unemployment insurance benefits when their employer initiates a layoff or workforce reduction. Specifically, starting June 14, 2026, an individual will be considered unemployed through no fault of their own if their employer first announces a planned workforce reduction in writing, offering employees the chance to volunteer for the layoff, and the individual volunteers for this reduction, with their employment ultimately being terminated as a result of these plans. The bill also clarifies that if an employer allows employees to withdraw their offer to be part of the layoff, this does not disqualify them from receiving benefits as long as the initial separation met the outlined requirements. Importantly, this new provision does not apply if the employer is simply modifying benefits or encouraging early retirement without following the specific steps outlined in the bill for a layoff or workforce reduction.

Business and Industry, Labor and Employment

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=2264&Year=2025&Initiative=false