Bill > HB1561

This bill provides comprehensive labor market protections for domestic workers by establishing a new set of rights and standards for their employment. The legislation defines domestic workers as individuals who work in private homes performing tasks like childcare, housekeeping, home care, cooking, gardening, and other household services. The bill requires hiring entities to provide written employment agreements that specify work expectations, pay rates, overtime compensation, meal and rest breaks, and other key employment terms. Hiring entities must pay at least minimum wage, provide overtime pay, allow uninterrupted meal and rest breaks, and are prohibited from discriminating against or retaliating against domestic workers. The law also protects domestic workers' personal rights, such as retaining their identification documents and preventing monitoring of private activities. The bill includes enforcement mechanisms through the Department of Labor and Industries, with potential civil penalties for violations, and allows domestic workers to file complaints or pursue legal action. Significantly, the legislation recognizes that domestic workers have historically been excluded from many basic labor protections and aims to guarantee their health, safety, wage protections, and overall welfare. The law will take effect on July 1, 2026, and applies to a wide range of domestic service roles while excluding certain casual or familial care arrangements.

Labor and Employment

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1561&Year=2025&Initiative=false