Washington Adds Teeth to Law Governing Access to Personnel Files

Washington employers must provide personnel files to employees within 21 calendar days of receiving a request, under a bill that will go into effect July 27.

HB 1308 clarifies that personnel files include all job application records, performance evaluations, disciplinary records, leave and accommodations requests, payroll records, and employment agreements.

Existing state law already requires employers to provide personnel files to employees upon request, but employers often violate this law or refuse to disclose the records, according to a bill analysis of HB 1308.

Upon request from a former employee, an employer must also furnish a signed written statement within ...