Washington lawmakers were busy this year, and a wave of new laws will have a major impact on the workplace. Employers must be aware of significant workplace laws taking effect within the next year, including 11 new laws that kicked in this month. Nearly all add more compliance requirements to your plate, and the changes even ramp up the penalties for failures to comply. Here’s a quick guide to help you keep track of it all and prepare for the changes.
11 New Washington Workplace Laws Taking Effect in July 2025
Effective July 1, 2025
- Major Expansion of the Equal Pay and Opportunities Act (HB 1905 - 2024). Washington’s pay transparency law adds age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, and honorably discharged veteran or military status. It also includes the presence of sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability to the gender-based protections. The legislature also made important amendments to the EPOA’s job posting rules this year, as discussed below.
- Penalties for Workplace Coercion Based on Immigration Status (SB 5104). Employers may now face civil penalties – up to $10,000 per violation for repeat offenders – for exploiting employees based on their (or their family member’s) immigration status to cover up wage payment and labor violations.
Effective July 27, 2025
- Paid Sick Leave Expanded to Immigration...
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