The bill seeks to modernize communication methods used by the Department of Labor and Industries in Washington State, specifically regarding notifications to contractors and certificate holders about suspensions, infractions, and penalties. It amends various sections of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) to allow for electronic communication, requiring the department to notify contractors of registration suspensions through methods that can be tracked or confirmed. Contractors will have the option to choose their preferred communication method, and notices of infractions and penalties can also be served electronically. The bill also updates definitions and clarifies the roles of contractors while adjusting penalties for violations, including a minimum penalty of $50 and a maximum of $500 for certain infractions.

Additionally, the bill introduces a structured framework for civil penalties related to minor work permit regulations and workplace safety standards, allowing for waivers or reductions for first-time violations if corrective actions are taken. It specifies penalties for various violations, including a minimum of $100 for nonserious violations and up to $71,000 for violations resulting in the death of a minor. The bill emphasizes the importance of workplace safety, particularly for minors, and includes provisions for the revocation of minor work permits in cases of serious violations. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance compliance, accountability, and communication between the department and employers while ensuring the protection of employees in the workforce.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 18.27.010, 18.27.060, 18.27.230, 18.106.100, 18.106.180, 19.28.131, 19.28.271, 19.28.161, 19.28.490, 43.22.435, 43.22A.080, 43.22A.130, 49.12.145, 51.44.033, 49.17.040, 49.17.140, 49.17.160, 49.26.110, 49.40.060, 49.46.320, 49.46.330, 49.46.310, 49.46.370, 49.48.083, 49.60.515, 49.84.045, 51.04.082, 51.12.120, 51.14.060, 51.14.090, 51.24.060, 51.24.070, 51.24.080, 51.32.210, 51.48.180, 51.52.050, 70.79.320, 70.87.125, 70.87.185, 70.87.170
Substitute bill: 18.27.010, 18.27.060, 18.27.230, 18.106.100, 18.106.180, 19.28.131, 19.28.271, 19.28.161, 19.28.490, 43.22.435, 43.22A.080, 43.22A.130, 49.12.145, 51.44.033, 49.17.040, 49.17.140, 49.17.160, 49.26.110, 49.40.060, 49.46.370, 49.48.083, 49.60.515, 49.84.045, 51.04.082, 51.12.120, 51.14.060, 51.24.060, 51.24.070, 51.24.080, 51.32.210, 51.48.180, 51.52.050, 70.79.320, 70.87.125, 70.87.185, 70.87.170
Bill as passed Legislature: 18.27.010, 18.27.060, 18.27.230, 18.106.100, 18.106.180, 19.28.131, 19.28.271, 19.28.161, 19.28.490, 43.22.435, 43.22A.080, 43.22A.130, 49.12.145, 51.44.033, 49.17.040, 49.17.140, 49.17.160, 49.26.110, 49.40.060, 49.46.370, 49.48.083, 49.60.515, 49.84.045, 51.04.082, 51.12.120, 51.14.060, 51.24.060, 51.24.070, 51.24.080, 51.32.210, 51.48.180, 51.52.050, 70.79.320, 70.87.125, 70.87.185, 70.87.170
Session law: 18.27.010, 18.27.060, 18.27.230, 18.106.100, 18.106.180, 19.28.131, 19.28.271, 19.28.161, 19.28.490, 43.22.435, 43.22A.080, 43.22A.130, 49.12.145, 51.44.033, 49.17.040, 49.17.140, 49.17.160, 49.26.110, 49.40.060, 49.46.370, 49.48.083, 49.60.515, 49.84.045, 51.04.082, 51.12.120, 51.14.060, 51.24.060, 51.24.070, 51.24.080, 51.32.210, 51.48.180, 51.52.050, 70.79.320, 70.87.125, 70.87.185, 70.87.170