Washington State Adds Domestic Worker Protections

The State of Washington has enacted legislation that adds wage, contract and other protections for domestic workers.

Washington Expands Work Hours for Minors in an Approved Career and Technical Education Program

The State of Washington has enacted legislation that provides employers greater scheduling flexibility for certain minor workers.

Washington 2026 Overtime Salary Threshold Announced

The Washington Department of Labor & Industries (WDOL) has announced an increase to the state’s white collar overtime exemption salary threshold.

Washington Updates Paid Family and Medical Leave Rate and Reminds Employers About Other Changes in 2026

The Washington State Employment Security Department (ESD) has announced a new Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) premium rate beginning Jan. 1, 2026. ESD also reminds employers about other PFML impacts occurring in 2026.

Washington Increases Safety Standards for Isolated Employees

The state of Washington has enacted legislation (House Bill 1524), which increases certain employer's workplace safety requirements for isolated employees. House Bill 1524 takes effect on Jan. 1, 2026.

Washington Expands Pregnancy Accommodations; Requires Paid Lactation Breaks

The state of Washington has enacted legislation (Senate Bill 5217), which expands pregnancy accommodation requirements and adds paid lactation break requirements. Senate Bill 5217 takes effect on Jan. 1, 2027.

Washington Expands Paid Family Leave Act

The state of Washington has enacted legislation (House Bill 1213), which expands protections under the Washington Paid Family Leave Act. House Bill 1213 takes effect on Jan. 1, 2026.

Washington Adds Leave for Victims of a Hate Crime

The State of Washington has enacted legislation (Senate Bill 5101), which requires an employer to provide safety accommodations and unpaid leave when an employee or their family member is a victim of a hate crime. Senate Bill 5101 takes effect on Jan. 1, 2026.

Washington State Modified Hospital Workers Meal and Rest Break Requirements

Washington state Governor Bob Ferguson has signed House Bill 1879 (HB 1879) into law, which modifies meal and rest break requirements for hospital workers. The law takes effect Jan, 1, 2026.

Washington Increases Child Labor Protections

The state of Washington has enacted legislation (House Bill 1644), which adds child labor protections. House Bill 1644 is effective July 1, 2026.

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