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Bill

SB 5525

Concerning employment loss due to businesses closing or mass layoffs.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Annette Cleveland and 7 co-sponsors

Washington now requires businesses closing or conducting mass layoffs to provide advance notice to workers and the state to enable job transition support.

Effective date 7/27/2025.
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Bill Summary · SB 5525

Legislative bill overview

SB 5525 establishes new requirements for businesses in Washington that close or conduct mass layoffs, requiring them to provide advance notice to affected workers and the state. The bill creates notification timelines and procedures to help workers prepare for job loss and allows the state to coordinate support services.

Why is this important

Mass layoffs and business closures can devastate workers and communities with little warning. This bill gives employees time to seek new employment, access retraining programs, and plan financially while allowing the state to mobilize unemployment benefits and job transition services more effectively.

Potential points of contention

  • Business compliance burden: Employers may view mandatory advance notice requirements as administratively burdensome, particularly for small businesses facing sudden financial crises
  • Definition disputes: The bill's thresholds for what constitutes a "mass layoff" could be ambiguous, creating uncertainty about which employers must comply
  • Economic impact concerns: Businesses worried that advance notice could trigger additional employee departures, customer flight, or supplier concerns before the closure is publicly announced

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

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