Bill > SB5852

This bill, known as the Immigrant Worker Protection Act, aims to protect immigrant workers by requiring employers to provide notice to their employees when federal agencies conduct inspections related to work authorization, specifically focusing on the Form I-9, which is used to verify an employee's identity and eligibility to work in the United States. The bill mandates that employers must notify all workers and their representatives within 72 hours of receiving notice of an inspection, providing details about the inspecting agency, the date of notification, and the types of records being sought, and this notice must be provided in English and the five most commonly used non-English languages in the state. Furthermore, if an inspection reveals deficiencies, employers must inform affected workers about these issues, the timeframe for correction, and their right to representation during meetings to address these deficiencies, with all communication to affected workers being in the language they most regularly use. The bill also prohibits employers from retaliating against workers for exercising their rights under this act and establishes penalties for violations, including statutory damages for failure to provide required notices and allows workers to bring private lawsuits for damages and other relief. The Attorney General is tasked with developing informational materials, including posters and model notices, and conducting outreach to ensure compliance.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5852&Year=2025&Initiative=false