Bill > HB1173

This bill modifies existing Washington state law regarding wages for workers in high-hazard facilities by updating definitions and clarifying requirements for apprentices and skilled journeypersons. The bill introduces a new term "applicable occupation" and expands the definition of a "registered apprentice" to include requirements such as receiving written notification from the employer about occupation and wage rates. It also refines the definition of a "skilled journeyperson" by specifying that workers must have either graduated from an approved apprenticeship program or have equivalent on-the-job experience, and must be paid at a wage rate consistent with the seventy-fifth percentile for their occupation in their geographic area. The bill further clarifies that failure to comply with skilled and trained workforce requirements constitutes a violation of workplace safety regulations, and uniquely provides that workers in apprenticeable occupations who do not meet the strict definitions of registered apprentices or skilled journeypersons will still be considered skilled journeypersons for wage payment purposes. The bill is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, and aims to ensure fair compensation and proper classification of workers in high-hazard facilities.

Business and Industry, Labor and Employment

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1173&Year=2025&Initiative=false