This bill aims to enhance labor market protections for domestic workers in Washington State by addressing historical exclusions from basic labor rights. It establishes comprehensive guarantees for health, safety, wage protections, and general welfare, including provisions for meal and rest breaks, sick time, and protections against discrimination and harassment. The bill mandates that all employment terms be documented in a written agreement and ensures that domestic workers are compensated for overtime. It also prohibits hiring entities from engaging in discriminatory practices, monitoring personal activities, or interfering with a domestic worker's rights, while establishing penalties for violations and a grant program to educate both workers and hiring entities about their rights and responsibilities.

Additionally, the bill introduces new definitions related to employment and discrimination laws, including "casual labor" and "domestic service," while clarifying the definition of "employee" to exclude certain individuals unless a formal employer-employee relationship is established. It modifies the definition of "employer" to include those hiring for domestic services and expands the definition of "service animal." The legislation also addresses retaliation against domestic workers for exercising their rights, outlining adverse actions that may be considered retaliatory and creating a framework for filing complaints. Overall, the bill seeks to ensure fair treatment and legal protections for domestic workers, with a future effective date of July 1, 2026, for its provisions.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 49.46.010, 49.60.040, 51.12.020