The bill amends existing Washington state laws regarding wage enforcement actions, specifically RCW 49.48.040 and 49.48.083, to provide the Department of Labor and Industries with greater discretion in handling wage complaints. Key changes include allowing the department to conduct investigations based on information suggesting employer violations of wage laws, and to order the payment of amounts owed to workers, including interest and potential penalties. The bill specifies that the department may not order payment for amounts owed more than three years prior to the date they obtained information about the violations. Additionally, it introduces provisions for the department to issue subpoenas, administer oaths, and take depositions to facilitate investigations.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the process for handling wage complaints by allowing the department to accept complaints and issue citations or determinations within a specified timeframe, with the possibility of extending this period. It establishes penalties for willful violations of wage payment requirements, including a minimum civil penalty of $1,000 or 10% of unpaid wages, with a maximum penalty of $20,000. The bill also outlines conditions under which penalties may be waived and clarifies that the statute of limitations for civil actions is tolled during the department's investigation of a wage complaint. Lastly, it allows for settlements that include interest on amounts owed if the employer opts to resolve a complaint without a citation.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 49.48.040, 49.48.083