Description
In 2025, the legislature passed Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill (ESSB) 5525. The bill created an Act relating to protecting workers facing unemployment loss due to businesses closing or mass layoffs. The bill added the new act to Title 49 RCW. The bill outlines that, absent specific exceptions, an employer of 50 or more full-time employees may not order a business closing or mass layoff until 60 days after the employer provides written notice to the Employment Security Department and to the affected employees, or, if the employees are represented, to the employee’s bargaining representative. The bill also sets out civil penalties for employers who do not comply with the notice requirements.
The Department is engaging in rulemaking to implement ESSB 5525.
Documents
Phase 1:
The first phase of this rulemaking updates the Department's rule governance statement in WAC 192-01-001 to add Title 49 RCW to the list of RCWs for which the Department has authority to create rules.
Phase 2:
The second phase of this rulemaking adds a new rule explaining that employee information that the Department receives in employer notices will be used to administer and provide services under the Employment Security Act.