The bill mandates the Washington Employment Security Department to conduct a comprehensive study examining the relationship between delays in unemployment benefits and homelessness. The study will evaluate various factors affecting the timeliness of unemployment benefits, including call wait times, claim backlogs, and payment timeliness since 2019. Based on the findings, the department is required to propose actionable recommendations aimed at reducing wait times, which may involve process improvements, resource allocation, and technology upgrades. Additionally, the department will analyze data on claimants' housing security status to assess the impact of benefit delays on housing stability, particularly for vulnerable populations.

Furthermore, the bill establishes a new section requiring the department to create an escalation pathway for individuals experiencing prolonged benefit delays due to exceptional circumstances, such as imminent housing insecurity. Claimants will be asked about their housing security status during the claims process, and those identified as housing insecure will be connected to relevant local services, including housing vouchers and rental assistance programs. The department is also tasked with maintaining data on claimants' housing insecurity and the services provided. The initial report on the study's findings is due by December 1, 2025, with a final report by December 1, 2028, and the provisions of this section will expire on July 1, 2029.