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 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, and a maximum of $20,000. The bill also outlines conditions under which civil penalties may be waived or reduced, and it clarifies that the statute of limitations for civil actions is tolled during the department's investigation of a wage complaint. Lastly, it mandates that any settlement offered to employers must include interest on amounts owed, with the option for employees to request a waiver or reduction of that interest.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 49.48.040, 49.48.083