Bill > HB2478

This bill modifies existing laws in Washington State (RCW 49.48.040 and 49.48.083) to grant the Department of Labor and Industries more discretion in wage enforcement actions, allowing them to investigate potential violations of wage laws and associated rules, order the payment of all amounts owed to workers, and take assignments of claims to pursue collection. Importantly, the bill introduces a three-year lookback period for calculating owed amounts and interest, meaning employers will not be required to pay wages or interest that were owed more than three years before the department received information about the violation. Additionally, the department is now permitted, but not required, to investigate wage complaints, and they must establish and publicize a system for prioritizing these complaints based on factors like harm to employees and severity. The bill also clarifies penalties for willful violations, allowing for civil penalties of at least $1,000 or 10% of unpaid wages, whichever is greater, up to a maximum of $20,000, with provisions for waiving penalties if employers promptly pay owed wages and interest. Finally, the statute of limitations for civil actions related to wage complaints will be tolled from the date a complaint is filed with the department until it is finally resolved or the department decides not to accept it.

Labor and Employment

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=2478&Year=2025&Initiative=false