Bill > SB6053

This bill establishes labor protections for domestic workers, defining a "domestic worker" as someone paid for services like nannying, childcare, home care, housekeeping, cooking, gardening, or household management in a private residence for at least four hours a month, excluding casual labor or family members. It mandates that hiring entities, which are individuals or businesses paying domestic workers, must pay at least the state minimum wage and overtime for hours exceeding 40 in a week, and prohibits employers from taking illegal rebates or intentionally paying less than agreed. The bill requires written agreements detailing terms of employment, including pay rates, schedules, and benefits, and mandates a two-week written notice for termination, or four weeks for live-in workers, with severance pay required if notice isn't given, and also requires employers to maintain records of hours and pay. Furthermore, it prohibits employers from creating hostile work environments, seizing personal belongings or identification, or illegally monitoring private activities, and prevents them from forcing workers to waive their rights or agree to mandatory arbitration or non-compete clauses. The bill also protects domestic workers from retaliation for exercising their rights, including a presumption of retaliation if adverse action is taken within 90 days of a worker asserting their rights, and establishes a process for the Department of Labor and Industries to investigate complaints and issue citations with penalties, including back pay and civil fines, with avenues for appeal. Additionally, it amends existing law to clarify that certain individuals residing at their place of employment are not exempt from minimum wage laws if they are domestic workers, and it adds a new section to prohibit discrimination against domestic workers based on age, sex, race, disability, or immigration status, allowing civil action for violations.

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https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=6053&Year=2025&Initiative=false