On May 13, WAS LEG enacted bill on worker protections during layoffs.
WAS LEG enacted SB 5525 re worker protections during business closing, mass layoffs.
Adds a new chapter to WAS LEG 49, strengthening labor regulations, defines penalties.
This document dated May 13, 2025, was received on May 22, 2025 due to a fixed feed.
Bill Provisions
Employers with 50 full-time employees must provide 60 days' written notice to affected employees and to Employment Security Department before business closing.
Notice must include WARN Act elements plus site details, contact info, permanency of the action, job titles/names of affected workers, and if operations are being relocated.
Notice is not required if action is caused by unforeseeable natural, business events.
Employers who fail to give notice may owe up to 60 days of back pay, lost benefits, and face a $500/day civil penalty, waived if full payment to is made within 3 weeks.
Employees currently on paid family or medical leave cannot be included in mass layoff.
Legislative History
On Jan. 27, 2025, bill introduced in Senate; on Mar. 4, 2025, bill passed in the Senate.
On Mar. 6, 2025, bill introduced in House; on Apr. 9, 2025, bill passed in the House.
On Apr. 27, 2025, bill sent to governor; on May 13, 2025, bill signed, became Ch. 277.
Effectiveness
Bill becomes effective Jul. 27, 2025.
Regulators
WAS LEG
Entity Types
Corp
Reference
Ch 277, Bill SB5525, 5/13/2025; Citation: WAS LEG 49;
