Bill > HB1297

This bill requires service recipients (such as businesses or digital platforms) to report information about service providers (independent contractors or gig workers) to the Washington state support registry when certain payment thresholds are met, with the primary goal of helping track and enforce child support obligations. Specifically, service recipients must report a service provider's name, address, date of birth, and identifying number if they pay or contract with the provider for $600 or more in a calendar year. The reporting must occur within 20 days of reaching that threshold, and service recipients may be subject to civil penalties of $25 per month per service provider for non-compliance, or up to $500 if there is evidence of intentional conspiracy to avoid reporting. The bill also amends existing laws to clarify that service recipients must handle income withholding orders for child support in the same manner as traditional employers, though these actions do not create an employer-employee relationship. The reporting requirements are designed to help the Division of Child Support track and collect child support from self-employed workers and those in the gig economy, with the new reporting system set to take effect on January 1, 2027.

Justice

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1297&Year=2025&Initiative=false