The proposed bill aims to enhance labor standards and minimum wage regulations in Washington State by amending the Revised Code of Washington (RCW). Key provisions include defining the "Department" as the Department of Labor and Industries and implementing a structured minimum wage increase schedule that will raise the minimum wage from $17.50 to $25.00 by January 1, 2026, with annual adjustments for inflation thereafter. Additionally, starting January 1, 2027, employers will be required to provide paid vacation and bereavement leave, alongside existing paid sick leave mandates. The bill also introduces penalties for non-compliance, including civil penalties of up to $5,000 per day and stop-work orders, while ensuring that tips and service charges do not count towards minimum wage.

Furthermore, the legislation introduces specific protections for employees in the transportation network industry, mandating that transportation network companies (TNCs) remit all tips directly to drivers and provide them with written notices of their rights. TNCs will also be required to establish a driver resource center fund and create a fair appeals process for account deactivations. The bill ensures that drivers receive earned paid sick and vacation time, with specific accrual rates and usage conditions, while prohibiting penalties for taking such leave. Overall, the bill seeks to improve worker rights, compensation, and protections across various sectors in Washington State.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 49.46.010, 49.46.020, 34.05.550, 49.46.210