The bill aims to enhance access to personnel records for employees and former employees in Washington State by amending RCW 49.12.250. Key provisions include a requirement for employers to provide a complete, unredacted copy of an employee's personnel file within 14 calendar days of a request, at no cost to the employee. Additionally, the bill establishes that former employees can request a signed written statement regarding their discharge, including the effective date and reasons for the discharge, also within 14 calendar days. The bill introduces statutory damages for non-compliance, with penalties escalating based on the duration of the delay in providing the requested information.

Furthermore, the bill clarifies the definition of "personnel file" to include various records such as job applications, performance evaluations, and disciplinary records. It also outlines the rights of employees and former employees to challenge erroneous information in their files and mandates that employers must furnish information about their obligations and employees' rights annually. The legislation emphasizes the importance of transparency and equitable compliance across all employment settings, while also providing a private cause of action for individuals to enforce their rights under this section.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 49.12.250
Substitute Bill: 49.12.250