The proposed bill aims to enhance protections for immigrant workers in Washington State by establishing a new chapter in Title 49 RCW, known as the Immigrant Worker Protection Act. The legislation recognizes the significant contributions of immigrant workers to the state's economy and seeks to mitigate the disruptive effects of federal immigration enforcement actions, such as workplace raids. Key provisions include requirements for employers to notify workers of federal inspections of I-9 forms and related records within 72 hours, as well as to provide information about their rights and the inspection process in multiple languages. Employers are also mandated to post notices regarding these rights in conspicuous locations and to maintain communication with affected workers throughout the inspection process.

Additionally, the bill outlines penalties for non-compliance, allowing the attorney general to investigate violations and pursue legal action against employers who fail to adhere to the notice requirements. Statutory damages of $1,000 per violation are stipulated, with potential doubling for willful violations. Workers are granted the right to bring private actions against employers for violations, with damages potentially reaching up to 80 times the state minimum wage per violation. The bill emphasizes that it does not restrict employers from complying with federal laws regarding worker verification and aims to ensure that immigrant workers can exercise their rights without fear of retaliation.