Bill > HB1335

This bill aims to protect military spouses from employment discrimination by amending several sections of Washington state law to explicitly include "military spouse status" as a protected characteristic in various anti-discrimination statutes. Specifically, the bill adds military spouse status to existing laws that prohibit discrimination in employment, labor organizations, and employment agencies. The legislation defines "military spouse status" as any person currently or previously married to a service member during their active duty military service, using the definitions from RCW 38.42.010. The bill ensures that employers cannot refuse to hire, discharge, bar from employment, or discriminate against an individual in compensation or employment terms because of their military spouse status. By adding this protection, the legislature intends to support military families by preventing workplace discrimination based on a spouse's military service. The changes are part of Washington's broader "law against discrimination," which aims to protect individuals from unfair treatment in various aspects of public life and promote equal opportunities for all residents.

Budget and Finance, Labor and Employment

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1335&Year=2025&Initiative=false