In 2025, the Washington State Legislature passed Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5525, establishing new requirements intended to protect workers facing unemployment due to business closures or mass layoffs. The law created a new act within Title 49 RCW and outlines advance notice obligations for certain employers.
Under the legislation, employers with 50 or more full-time employees generally may not proceed with a business closing or mass layoff until 60 days after providing written notice to the Employment Security Department and to affected employees. If employees are represented, notice must be provided to the applicable bargaining representative. The law also authorizes civil penalties for employers that do not comply with these notice requirements, subject to specific exceptions outlined in the statute.
The Employment Security Department is implementing the law through a phased rulemaking process. As part of the first stage, the Department has permanently adopted new language in WAC 192 01 001, the rule governance statement. This rule clarifies the Department’s authority and approach to administering the new act.
The updated rule will take effect on January 11, 2026. Additional rulemaking phases are expected as implementation continues.
