The bill amends existing Washington state laws regarding wages for journeypersons working in high-hazard facilities. It introduces new definitions, including "applicable occupation," which refers to the specific trade or occupation as defined by relevant work descriptions and classifications. The bill also clarifies the criteria for a "registered apprentice," requiring written notification from employers regarding applicable occupations and wage rates, and establishes that a "skilled journeyperson" must either have graduated from an approved apprenticeship program or possess equivalent on-the-job experience. Additionally, it sets wage payment requirements, ensuring that workers are compensated at rates consistent with the prevailing wages in their geographic area, with a minimum threshold based on the seventy-fifth percentile of wages for their occupation.

Furthermore, the bill outlines compliance requirements for the skilled and trained workforce, stating that failure to meet these requirements, except for wage rate compliance, constitutes a violation of existing labor laws. It also specifies that workers in apprenticeable occupations who do not meet the definitions of registered apprentices or skilled journeypersons will still be considered skilled journeypersons for wage purposes. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 49.80.010
Engrossed Bill: 49.80.010, 49.80.040
Bill as Passed Legislature: 49.80.010, 49.80.040