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Bill

HB 1313

Addressing mass layoffs, relocations, and terminations.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Emily Alvarado and 13 co-sponsors

Washington bill requiring employers to provide advance notice and planning for mass layoffs, relocations, and terminations to protect workers and communities.

Referred to Rules 2 Review.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1313

Legislative bill overview

HB 1313 establishes new requirements for employers in Washington State when conducting mass layoffs, relocations, or terminations. The bill creates notification and planning obligations designed to give workers and communities advance warning of significant employment disruptions and opportunities to seek alternatives or transition assistance.

Why is this important

Mass layoffs can devastate individual workers, families, and local economies with little warning. This bill attempts to balance employer flexibility with worker protections by requiring advance notice and potentially creating pathways for worker buyouts, retraining, or community economic planning before jobs disappear.

Potential points of contention

  • Business compliance costs: Employers argue that advance notice requirements add administrative burden and may incentivize companies to relocate operations to states with fewer restrictions, potentially harming Washington's competitiveness
  • Definition scope: Disagreement over what constitutes a "mass layoff" or "relocation"—thresholds that are too broad burden small businesses; thresholds too narrow fail to protect workers
  • Enforceability and penalties: Unclear consequences for non-compliance; weak penalties may render the law ineffective while harsh ones could face legal challenges or business pushback

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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