Numerous revisions to substantive laws will impact Pacific Northwest employers in 2026. These laws may necessitate changes to Washington employers’ policies and procedures.

What You Need to Know:

• Changes to Hiring Practices: New restrictions limit when employers can inquire about an applicant’s criminal background and impose conditions on taking adverse actions based on conviction history.

• Broader Leave and Accommodation Rights: Eligibility requirements for family and medical leave have been lowered, with additional entitlements established for individuals affected by hate crimes, pregnancy, and lactation.

• More Pay Transparency and Workplace Safety Rules: Employers must address stricter requirements for job posting transparency and implement updated safety protocols for employees working alone in certain industries.

This Insight highlights the most significant new legal obligations for employers in Washington, affecting many stages of the employment relationship. Unless indicated otherwise, the laws discussed below took effect on January 1, 2026. For a complete picture of the many changes affecting employers in the Pacific Northwest, please also see our companion piece covering new laws in Oregon.

Hiring

Changes to Criminal Background Check Restrictions

We have previously reported on HB 1747, which significantly amends the Washington Fair Chance Act (WFCA).

In a nutshell, the WFCA prohibits employers from obtaining any information about an applicant’s criminal...

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