BILL · 2025–26 SESSION · LATEST VERSION SSB 5626

SB 5626: Wage replacement

Creating a wage replacement program for certain Washington workers excluded from unemployment insurance.

Summary

Establishes a Wage Replacement Program to provide benefits to claimants, who are ineligible for unemployment benefits and who meet certain qualifications.
Requires the Employment Security Department to select a third-party administrator for the Wage Replacement Program.
Creates a Wage Replacement Account to be funded by a wage replacement surcharge on employers and reduces an unemployment administrative rate contribution.
Creates an advisory committee to review issues related to wage replacement.

From the Senate Bill Report (Orig.) (SB 5626), written by the Legislature's nonpartisan staff. Read the full report ↗

Did not pass Did not pass · died in committee

AN ACT Relating to creating a wage replacement program for certain Washington workers excluded from unemployment insurance;

No recorded floor votes. This measure never reached a floor vote.

Jan 12, 2026By resolution, reintroduced and retained in present status. (SSB 5626)
Jan 12, 2026By resolution, reintroduced and retained in present status.
Feb 21, 2025Minority; do not pass. (SSB 5626)
Feb 21, 2025LC - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. (SSB 5626)
Feb 21, 2025And refer to Ways & Means. (SSB 5626)
Feb 21, 2025Referred to Ways & Means. (SSB 5626)
Feb 21, 2025Referred to Ways & Means.
Feb 21, 2025And refer to Ways & Means.
Feb 21, 2025LC - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.
Feb 21, 2025Minority; do not pass.
Jan 31, 2025First reading, referred to Labor & Commerce.

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

SB 5626 (2023–24) K-12 media literacy · Did not pass · passed Senate, stalled in House
SB 5626 (2021–22) Water system plans/climate · Did not pass · passed Senate, stalled in House
SB 5626 (2019–20) Cultivation of shellfish · Did not pass · died in committee
SB 5626 (2017–18) Step therapy/stage 4 cancer · Did not pass · died in committee
SB 5626 (2015–16) Health benefit exchange data · Did not pass · died in committee
SB 5626 (2013–14) Midwifery · Did not pass · died in committee
SB 5626 (2011–12) Education & arts access prog · Did not pass · died in committee
SB 5626 (2009–10) Additional cigarette tax · Did not pass · died in committee