Several new labor and employment laws passed during the 2026 Washington legislative session will impact employers across the state in the coming months and years.
Beginning June 11, 2026, employers must notify employees if I-9 inspections identify deficiencies and provide workers an opportunity to correct the information under HB 2105. Another new law, HB 2479, expands the state’s authority to investigate wage violations, removes certain penalty caps for willful violations, and allows broader company-wide investigations stemming from individual complaints.
SB 5420 expands military leave protections by broadening the definition of uniformed services and clarifying reinstatement and seniority rights for returning employees.
HB 2471 establishes a state collective bargaining framework that could apply if federal labor law no longer governs certain private sector labor relations.
Additional laws take effect in future years. HB 1155, effective June 30, 2027, significantly limits noncompete agreements for employees and independent contractors, while allowing limited exceptions. HB 2355, effective July 1, 2027, extends wage, overtime, and earned sick leave protections to domestic workers.
Washington also enacted HB 2303, which prohibits employers from requiring or coercing employees to receive implanted microchips as a condition of employment.
