The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries recently launched the rulemaking process for a new law establishing labor protections for domestic workers. The legislation, often referred to as the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights, takes effect July 1, 2027.
The law applies to hiring entities that employ domestic workers in private residences for four or more hours per month. Covered work may include childcare, housekeeping, home care, personal care, cooking, gardening, and household management. The requirements could affect both businesses and individual households that hire workers for these services.
L&I issued a preproposal notice on May 5, 2026, and is encouraging employers, workers, and community members to provide feedback as rules are developed. The agency says the process is intended to clarify how the law will be implemented and to help stakeholders better understand upcoming policy changes before they take effect.
Questions and comments may be submitted to [email protected] by 5 p.m. on June 1. Draft rules are expected to be released later this year, and additional opportunities for public comment will follow.
