Employers with 15+ employees are now subject to revised regulations in the Fair Chance Act. As of July 1, 2026, eligible employers must provide written notice of the requirements under the Act, along with a copy of the Washington Attorney General’s Fair Chance Act Guide for Employers and Job Applicants if one of the following conditions is met:

• The applicant discloses criminal history voluntarily
• The employer discloses that a role is subject to a background check upon issuing a conditional offer of employment

On July 1, 2027, all employers (regardless of employee count) must follow these guidelines.

This article is informational and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Consult with an employment lawyer or accountant for additional clarification on how these changes impact your company.