Washington lawmakers closed out the 2024–2025 legislative session with a series of bills that directly affect employers operating in the state. The new legislation touches nearly every stage of the employment lifecycle, from job postings and background checks to layoff procedures and personnel file access.
The following measures have been passed by the Washington State Legislature and, with the exception of SB 5408, have already been signed into law by Governor Bob Ferguson. SB 5408, which refines Washington’s pay transparency law, is expected to be signed by May 20, 2025.
Employers should review the legislation closely and begin preparing for the effective dates ahead.
Washington’s Fair Chance Act has been significantly amended through HB 1747, imposing new requirements on employers that consider criminal history in employment decisions. The law prohibits policies that categorically exclude individuals based on conviction type, such as blanket bans on all felonies, and instead requires employers to assess the relevance of a conviction on a case-by-case basis.
To proceed with an adverse employment decision based on criminal history, employers must now demonstrate a legitimate business reason for doing so. This includes assessing and documenting how the conviction impacts the specific role. Relevant factors include:
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