The proposed bill establishes a wage replacement program for Washington workers who are not eligible for unemployment insurance, introducing a new chapter to Title 50 RCW. It defines key terms and sets eligibility criteria, requiring applicants to be Washington residents, have worked at least 680 hours in their base year, and be unemployed through no fault of their own. The program will be managed by a third-party administrator selected by the employment security department, which will also oversee the newly created Washington wage replacement account. An advisory committee will be formed to provide input on the program, and there are provisions to protect applicants' confidentiality and limit the solicitation of personal data regarding nationality or immigration status.

Additionally, the bill amends existing laws related to employment security and unemployment benefits, clarifying that waivers of rights under the chapter are void and granting the Department of Employment Security authority to implement necessary rules. It specifies that there is no entitlement to services or payments, nor a private right of action against the department or third-party administrators. The bill modifies employer contribution rates, removing the solvency surcharge for certain years and establishing new surcharges for wage replacement programs starting in 2026. It also allows for the appropriation of funds for poverty reduction programs during the 2023-2025 fiscal biennium and ensures that any conflicting provisions with federal requirements will be inoperative, while the rest of the act remains effective.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 50.29.041, 50.24.014
Substitute Bill: 50.29.041, 50.24.014