On Apr. 22, WAS LEG enacted bill relating to call center retention.
WAS LEG enacted bill SB 5459, adding new chapter to WAS LEG 50 to require notification from, deny State grants to, employers that move call centers overseas.
Document dated Apr. 22, 2025, was received on May 16, 2025 due to a fixed feed.
Bill Provisions
The bill creates and enacts provisions of the Washington call center jobs act.
An employer that intends to relocate a call center from WA to a foreign country must notify the Employment Security Department at least 120 days before a relocation.
Includes a facility within a call center comprising at least 25% of the call center's total volume over previous 12-month average or a substantially similar operation.
This notice requirement does not apply to a State agency with a facility or operation in which the primary activity or work is providing language interpretation services.
Violation subjects employer to a civil penalty not to exceed $10,000 for each day.
Employment Security Department (ESD) commissioner must compile a semiannual list of all employers that have notified ESD commissioner and post list on ESD's website.
A call center employer that appears on the list is ineligible for any direct or indirect grants or loans awarded by a state agency for 5 years after appearing on the list.
Legislative History
On Jan. 23, 2025, bill introduced in Senate; on Mar. 3, 2025, bill passed in Senate.
On Mar. 5, 2025, bill introduced in House; on Apr. 10, 2025, bill passed in House.
On Apr. 17, 2025, delivered to Governor; on Apr. 22, 2025, Governor signed, Ch. 114.
Effectiveness
Bill becomes effective Jul. 27, 2025
Regulators
WAS LEG
Entity Types
Corp
Reference
Ch. 114, Bill SB5459, 4/22/2025; Citation: WAS LEG 50;
