This bill aims to enhance labor market protections for domestic workers in Washington State, addressing their historical exclusion from basic labor rights. It establishes that domestic workers are entitled to health, safety, wage protections, and general welfare, including meal and rest breaks, sick time, and protection from discrimination and harassment. Key definitions are introduced, such as "domestic worker," "hiring entity," and "casual labor," while the bill outlines the rights and responsibilities of both domestic workers and hiring entities, including wage payment requirements and the necessity for written employment agreements. It also prohibits discriminatory practices by hiring entities and establishes penalties for violations, including civil penalties for willful infractions.

Additionally, the bill provides protections against retaliation for domestic workers exercising their rights, defining adverse actions and establishing a rebuttable presumption of retaliation if such actions occur within 90 days of a worker asserting their rights. It outlines complaint handling procedures, including the issuance of citations and penalties for hiring entities found to have retaliated. The bill modifies existing definitions related to employment and housing rights, clarifying the scope of domestic service and employment classifications. It also introduces new definitions related to service animals and discrimination in domestic service employment, while removing previous exclusions for domestic servants from mandatory coverage. The bill sets an effective date of July 1, 2026, for its provisions.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 49.46.010, 49.60.040, 51.12.020