OLYMPIA – A pair of pro-worker bills passed the House yesterday, providing some certainty for workers in an uncertain and tumultuous economic climate. Rep. Liz Berry (D-Seattle) passed HB 1155, banning noncompete agreements, and HB 2264, ensuring unemployment benefits for workers who voluntarily accept layoffs, with strong bipartisan support in the House on Tuesday.
HB 1155 is a priority bill for Berry, who introduced the measure last year to align Washington state law with a Biden-era Federal Trade Commission rule that banned noncompete agreements. The bill passed with a 65-29 bipartisan vote.
“Whether it’s taking a new job with better pay or leaving to start your own company, opportunities to pursue your passion shouldn’t be blocked by your old job. Banning noncompete agreements strengthens entrepreneurship, supports workers, and grows our economy,” said Berry.
HB 2264 passed out of the House with a unanimous vote. The bill clarifies that, when a company is issuing layoffs or engaging in workforce reductions and workers voluntarily participate in the layoff, the workers can still access unemployment insurance benefits. This is already in rule, but not statute, and some courts have disqualified those workers from benefits. Passing HB 2264 into law clarifies any ambiguity and ensures that these workers get the benefits they deserve.
Both bills now await consideration in the Senate.