Bill > HB2355

This bill establishes labor protections for domestic workers in Washington State, defining a "domestic worker" as someone paid for services like nannying, childcare, housekeeping, or household management in a private residence for at least four hours a month, excluding casual labor or family members. The bill mandates that hiring entities, which are individuals or businesses that pay domestic workers, must pay at least the state minimum wage and overtime for hours exceeding 40 in a week, and prohibits them from collecting rebates or intentionally paying less than agreed upon. It also requires written agreements detailing terms of employment, including pay rates, schedules, and benefits, and mandates a minimum two-week (or four-week for live-in workers) written notice period before termination, with severance pay required if notice is not given, and requires employers to maintain records of hours and pay. Furthermore, the bill prohibits hiring entities from creating a hostile work environment, possessing a domestic worker's personal effects, or monitoring private activities like bathroom use or communications, and prohibits requiring workers to waive their rights or agree to mandatory arbitration or noncompete clauses. It also makes it illegal for employers to retaliate against domestic workers for exercising their rights, including reporting violations or disclosing their immigration status, with a presumption of retaliation if adverse action is taken within 90 days of a worker asserting their rights. The Department of Labor and Industries will develop model disclosure statements and agreements in multiple languages to inform workers of their rights, and the bill outlines procedures for investigating complaints, issuing citations, and appealing decisions, with penalties for violations including back pay, restoration of employment, and civil penalties. Finally, it clarifies that these protections are minimum standards and do not preclude more favorable rights under other laws, and allows domestic workers to bring civil actions for damages and attorney fees if injured by a violation.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry, Labor and Employment

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=2355&Year=2025&Initiative=false