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BILL · 2025–26 SESSION

HB 2264: Unemployment ins./layoffs

Concerning unemployment insurance benefits for workers separated from employment as a result of employer-initiated layoffs or workforce reductions.

Summary

Allows a person to access unemployment insurance benefits when voluntarily participating in an employer-initiated layoff or reduction in force plan so long as their termination is the result of the plan.

From the House Bill Report (HB 2264), written by the Legislature's nonpartisan staff. Read the full report ↗

Enacted Enacted · Chapter 150, Laws of 2026

IntroducedJan 12, 2026
Out of committeeJan 20, 2026
Passed HouseFeb 10, 2026
Passed SenateMar 6, 2026
GovernorMar 23, 2026
LawMar 23, 2026

Prime sponsor: Liz Berry (D-36)
Introduced: January 12, 2026 in the House
Last action: March 23, 2026
Session law: Chapter 150, Laws of 2026
Budget: Has a fiscal note

AN ACT Relating to unemployment insurance benefits for workers separated from employment as a result of employer-initiated layoffs or workforce reductions;

Sponsors

Prime sponsor: Liz Berry (D-36)

8 co-sponsors (8 Democrats, 0 Republicans)

Shaun Scott D-43 Julia Reed D-36 Edwin Obras D-33 Lisa Parshley D-22 Brianna Thomas D-34 Timm Ormsby D-3 Mary Fosse D-38 Gerry Pollet D-46

Votes

House · 3rd Reading & Final Passage

Passed February 10, 2026

Version voted on: HB 2264

94 Yea 0 Nay 0 Absent 4 Excused

Party	Yea	Nay	Absent	Excused
Democrat	56	0	0	3
Republican	38	0	0	1

How each member voted

Yea (94)

Excused (4)

Permalink to this vote

Senate · 3rd Reading & Final Passage

Passed March 6, 2026

Version voted on: HB 2264

48 Yea 0 Nay 0 Absent 1 Excused

Party	Yea	Nay	Absent	Excused
Democrat	30	0	0	0
Republican	18	0	0	1

How each member voted

Yea (48)

Excused (1)

Jeff Wilson R-19

Permalink to this vote

History

Mar 23, 2026Effective date 6/11/2026.
Mar 23, 2026Chapter 150, 2026 Laws.
Mar 23, 2026Governor signed.
Mar 12, 2026Delivered to Governor.
Mar 11, 2026President signed.
Mar 11, 2026Speaker signed.
Mar 6, 2026Third reading, passed; yeas, 48; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 1.
Mar 6, 2026Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.
Mar 5, 2026Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.
Feb 24, 2026Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.
Feb 23, 2026Minority; without recommendation.
Feb 23, 2026LC - Majority; do pass.
Feb 12, 2026First reading, referred to Labor & Commerce.
Feb 10, 2026Third reading, passed; yeas, 94; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 4.
Feb 10, 2026Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.
Jan 27, 2026Rules Committee relieved of further consideration. Placed on second reading.
Jan 20, 2026Referred to Rules 2 Review.
Jan 16, 2026LAWS - Executive action taken by committee.
Jan 16, 2026LAWS - Majority; do pass.
Jan 12, 2026First reading, referred to Labor & Workplace Standards.
Jan 6, 2026Prefiled for introduction.

HB 2264 in other sessions

Bill numbers restart every two years, so the same number is a different bill in each session.

HB 2264 (2023–24) Family home-based child care · Did not pass · died in committee
HB 2264 (2019–20) Accrued vacation leave cap · Did not pass · stalled on the House floor
HB 2264 (2017–18) Hospitals/ARNPs & PAs · Did not pass · passed House, stalled in Senate
HB 2264 (2015–16) Customer energy use info · Enacted · Chapter 21, Laws of 2015, 3rd Special Session
HB 2264 (2013–14) B&O tax relief · Did not pass · died in committee
HB 2264 (2011–12) Child welfare/contracting · Enacted · Chapter 205, Laws of 2012
HB 2264 (2009–10) Gun show firearms sales · Did not pass · died in committee
HB 2264 (2007–08) Public facilities · Did not pass · died in committee

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