SB 5540 Washington Senate · 2025-2026 Regular Session

Concerning students' eligibility to receive unemployment insurance benefits.

SB 5540 repeals a Washington state law (RCW 50.20.095) that previously disqualified students enrolled in school from receiving unemployment insurance benefits. This change directly affects students attending school or higher education who are otherwise eligible for unemployment benefits. The bill removes the automatic disqualification, allowing these students to receive benefits without losing eligibility solely due to their enrollment. The policy change simplifies access to unemployment support for student workers who meet other eligibility criteria.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 12, 2026 Last action Jan 12, 2026
Floor votes

How they voted

No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
9
Key actions
5
Committee
5
Jan 12, 2026
Introduced
By resolution, reintroduced and retained in present status.
upper
Feb 14, 2025
Upper · Passed
Minority; without recommendation.
upper
Feb 14, 2025
Upper · Passed
Minority; do not pass.
upper
Feb 14, 2025
Upper · Passed
LC - Majority; do pass.
upper
Feb 14, 2025
Upper · Passed
Executive action taken in the Senate Committee on Labor & Commerce at 8:00 AM.
upper
Feb 11, 2025
Upper · Passed
Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Labor & Commerce at 10:30 AM.
upper
1 primary · 1 co-sponsor

Sponsors