WA HB1773

Creates a wage replacement program for Washington workers who are ineligible for standard unemployment insurance solely due to lack of work authorization in the United States, requiring 680 hours of work in the base year and one week waiting period

Establishes the Washington Wage Replacement Account funded by a new employer surcharge of 0.01% for rate years 2026-2027, with subsequent rates capped at 0.08% combined with existing contributions

Requires the Employment Security Department to contract with a third-party administrator by July 1, 2026, with payments beginning January 1, 2027; eligible applicants receive up to 26 weeks of benefits calculated using standard unemployment formulas

Implements strict confidentiality protections prohibiting disclosure of applicant information for immigration enforcement purposes, requiring destruction of eligibility records within 15 days of program exit, and barring administrators from contacting employers

Creates an 11-member advisory committee including representatives of immigrant interests, workers, employers, and state commissions on African American, Hispanic, and Asian Pacific American affairs