New rules adopted by Washington State’s Department of Labor and Industries will bring updates to employer hiring and job posting practices under the Equal Pay and Opportunities Act beginning May 22, 2026. The changes are designed to clarify existing law and implement legislation approved in 2025.
One of the most notable updates limits when employers may require a valid driver’s license as a condition of employment. Under the new rule, businesses may only require a driver’s license if driving is an essential duty of the job. Employers are also prohibited from listing a driver’s license as a job requirement in postings unless it is directly tied to core job responsibilities.
The updated rules also provide additional clarity around wage and salary disclosure requirements in job postings. Guidance has been refined on what qualifies as a posting, who is considered an applicant, and how employers should communicate compensation ranges.
In addition, the rules outline procedures for complaints, investigations, appeals, and resolving violations, offering employers clearer direction on compliance expectations.
For WR members, these updates may require a review of job descriptions, hiring criteria, and posting language to ensure policies align with the revised standards before the rules take effect later this spring.
