Several new laws are taking effect in 2025. As a business owner in the Washington state, it's important to stay on top of new laws and regulations. Here are some of the most notable new laws that business owners should be aware of.
State Minimum Wage
According to the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries, the state minimum wage is being raised in 2025. Increasing 2.35% from 2024, the new minimum wage is now $16.66 for ages 16 and up. Workers aged 14 and 15 have a minimum wage of $14.16.
Non-Compete Agreements
You can only utilize non-competition agreements if you pay more than $123,394.17 per year to workers or $308,485.43 per year for independent contractors.
Employer Incentives
In order to help injured workers return to work within their medical restrictions, maximum wage reimbursements for Stay at Work and Preferred Worker programs will increase to $25,000 per claim. This offers greater support for retaining employees and reducing workers compensation costs!
Paid Sick Leave
Washington is now going to expand the paid sick leave to cover more caregiving situations. Employees will now be able to use paid sick leave to care for anyone living in their home or anyone they have a caregiving relationship with. This will benefit many, especially workers who may have to use it for emergency closures with school or daycare. Also, upon termination employers are not required to pay out unused sick leave, except for certain construction workers.
In addition,...
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