The proposed bill seeks to enhance labor market protections for domestic workers in Washington State, addressing their historical exclusion from fundamental labor rights. It guarantees essential protections such as health and safety standards, wage rights, meal and rest breaks, sick leave, and safeguards against discrimination and harassment. The bill defines key terms related to domestic work, including "domestic worker," "hiring entity," and "casual labor," while outlining the responsibilities of hiring entities, which include minimum wage requirements and the necessity of written employment agreements. It also prohibits discriminatory practices, the retention of personal documents, and interference with workers' rights, establishing a framework for enforcement through the Department of Labor and Industries.

Additionally, the bill introduces measures to protect domestic workers from retaliation by hiring entities for exercising their rights, establishing a rebuttable presumption of retaliation if adverse actions occur within 90 days of such exercise. It details procedures for handling complaints, including the issuance of citations and civil penalties for retaliatory actions, and empowers the department to conduct investigations and issue subpoenas. The bill amends various definitions within Washington state law to clarify the treatment of domestic workers and casual labor, updates gender-specific language for inclusivity, and expands definitions related to service animals and discrimination. It also mandates the formation of a work group to explore industrial insurance coverage for domestic workers, with a report due by October 1, 2026, and sets an effective date of July 1, 2026, for various sections.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 49.46.010, 49.60.040, 51.12.020
Substitute Bill: 49.46.010, 49.60.040, 49.60.230
Engrossed Substitute: 49.46.010, 49.60.040, 49.60.230