The bill aims to protect employees from coercion in the workplace based on their immigration status by amending existing labor laws and introducing new provisions. It defines "coercion" and "threat" in relation to an employee's immigration status, establishing that any employer who coerces an employee in violation of wage payment or labor condition requirements will face civil penalties. The penalties for coercion are tiered, with fines increasing for repeated violations, and the bill mandates that the Department of Labor and Industries investigate complaints of coercion filed by employees within 180 days of the alleged incident.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions for the confidentiality of personal information related to employees and their families during investigations. It allows the Department to take action if coercion is discovered during other investigations, and it outlines the appeals process for employers who receive citations. The bill also stipulates that penalties will be adjusted for inflation every three years and grants the Department authority to adopt rules for implementation. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and is deemed necessary for the immediate preservation of public peace, health, or safety.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 49.46.010
Substitute Bill: 49.46.010
Bill as Passed Legislature: 49.46.010
Session Law: 49.46.010