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 state rules, and "registered apprentice," which outlines the criteria for apprentices in approved programs. Additionally, the bill clarifies the definition of "skilled and trained workforce" and "skilled journeyperson," emphasizing the requirement for workers to be either registered apprentices or skilled journeypersons, and stipulating that their wages must be at least commensurate with typical wages for their occupation in the geographic area.

Furthermore, the bill establishes that failure to comply with the skilled and trained workforce requirements, excluding wage payment rates, 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 requirements. 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
Session Law: 49.80.010, 49.80.040