Bill > HB1779

This bill provides agricultural employers the flexibility to select 26 weeks per calendar year where they can employ workers for up to 50 hours before overtime rates apply, instead of the current standard of 40 hours. The legislation acknowledges the unique challenges facing agricultural workers and farmers, including economic pressures, seasonal labor demands, and the potential unintended consequences of strict overtime regulations. Specifically, the bill requires agricultural employers to provide advance written notice to workers about which 26 weeks will be designated as "special circumstance weeks" and maintain records of these weeks. The bill cites research from California showing that similar overtime laws led to decreased working hours and earnings for agricultural workers. The legislature's rationale includes protecting the agricultural industry, which is Washington's second-largest economic driver, and addressing concerns raised by farm workers about reduced employment opportunities. The bill aims to balance worker protections with the economic viability of farms by offering limited seasonal exemptions from standard overtime requirements, while still maintaining worker compensation standards.

Labor and Employment

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1779&Year=2025&Initiative=false