Several bills moved closer to the governor’s desk this weekend as Washington lawmakers passed legislation on wage theft enforcement, first responder survivor benefits, and workplace protections with less than a month remaining in the legislative session.
House Bill 2479 passed with bipartisan support Friday. The legislation strengthens the state’s response to wage theft by creating the Wage Recovery Program and Wage Recovery Account to allow unpaid low-wage workers to receive disbursements if certain conditions are met. The bill gives the Department of Labor and Industries discretion to investigate complaints under the Wage Payment Act, increases minimum civil penalty amounts, and removes the maximum cap for willful violations.
House Bill 2441 also drew bipartisan support. The legislation reimburses Medicare premiums for survivors of fallen first responders. Lawmakers said the policy closes gaps in state law that have left some families paying out-of-pocket healthcare costs during an already devastating time.
House Bill 2105, known as the Immigrant Workers Protection Act, passed along party lines with only Democrats voting in favor. The bill requires employers to provide timely written notice to employees when they learn there will be a federal I-9 investigation. A companion bill in the Senate signals the policy is a priority for the Democratic majority in Olympia.
House Bill 2303 received broad support with only a few members from each party voting against it. The legislation prohibits employers from requesting, requiring, or coercing employees to have a microchip implanted for any reason.
All bills must now move through Senate committee and pass the Senate floor before reaching the governor’s desk. Lawmakers adjourn the session on March 12.
