The bill amends Washington's unemployment insurance laws to enhance eligibility for benefits for workers impacted by strikes or lockouts. It modifies RCW 50.20.090 to disqualify individuals from receiving benefits if their unemployment is due to a strike at their last place of employment, unless they are not participating in or financing the strike. Additionally, it introduces a provision allowing individuals to receive benefits for up to six calendar weeks due to a strike, with certain limitations, and requires the department to inform employers about mediation services available when benefits are issued for strike-related unemployment.

Further amendments to RCW 50.20.160, 50.29.021, and 50.29.026 clarify the determination and appeal processes for unemployment benefits, stating that benefit amount determinations are not grounds for appeal but can be reconsidered within a year. The bill also ensures that benefits paid to individuals later deemed ineligible will not affect employers' experience rating accounts, with some exceptions. It establishes deadlines for voluntary contributions from employers, introduces provisions for evaluating employer eligibility for contributions related to strikes, and mandates annual reporting on the impact of strikes on the unemployment insurance trust fund. The majority of the act is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, with certain sections expiring on December 31, 2035.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 50.20.090, 50.20.160, 50.29.021
Substitute Bill: 50.20.090, 50.20.160, 50.29.021
Engrossed Substitute: 50.20.090, 50.20.160, 50.29.021
Bill as Passed Legislature: 50.20.090, 50.20.160, 50.29.021, 50.29.026, 49.08.060
Session Law: 50.20.090, 50.20.160, 50.29.021, 50.29.026, 49.08.060