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WashingtonHB 11412025-2026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Concerning collective bargaining for agricultural cannabis workers.

Sponsored By: Lillian Ortiz-Self (Democratic)

Became Law

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

6 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 3 mixed.

Bargaining and arbitration for cannabis farms

Employers must bargain in good faith with the exclusive representative. If talks fail and the employer implements its last and best offer, disputes go to grievance arbitration under the last contract or the implemented offer. Contract terms stay in place for up to one year after expiration, until a new deal starts, unless both sides agree otherwise. After one year, the employer may change terms under law. Contracts can include binding arbitration to resolve disputes. The Commission can appoint an arbitrator on request and cannot charge the employer or union for that service.

How cannabis farm workers choose unions

The Commission decides the right bargaining unit based on duties, skills, conditions, history, and worker wishes. An election happens when at least 30% sign; any group with 10% is on the ballot. A “no representative” option is on the ballot. If no choice wins a majority, the top two go to a runoff. With no incumbent and 50% support, the Commission may use a cross‑check against employer records. The majority choice is the exclusive representative and must represent all workers. Workers can still bring grievances; the union must be allowed at the first meeting. Challenges are blocked for 12 months, and during a contract only 60–90 days before it ends.

Unfair labor protections for cannabis farm workers

Employers and others cannot interfere with, threaten, or spy on organizing. They cannot refuse to bargain or punish workers who file charges or testify. Unions also must not coerce workers, push employers to break the law, or refuse to bargain. The Commission can order back pay, reinstatement, and cease‑and‑desist orders, and ask a court to enforce them. You must file any unfair labor practice complaint within six months of the act.

Union rights for cannabis farm workers

Beginning July 27, 2025, workers who do cannabis farm tasks can form a union and bargain. Covered work includes on‑farm jobs like cultivating, harvesting, trimming, drying, and loading. Covered employers are licensed cannabis producers and processors that are colocated on the farm. Supervisors with real hiring or firing power are not covered. People who do not do the listed farm tasks are not covered. The Public Employment Relations Commission runs the process.

Commission rules to run this system

The Public Employment Relations Commission may write rules to run this law. An existing state labor statute (RCW 41.56.037) also applies to this chapter.

Cannabis farm worker data and union dues

Employers must give the union an editable file with names, hire dates, contact info, job titles, pay, and worksites. For new hires, send it within 21 business days; for all workers, send it every 120 business days. The union may use the data only to represent workers, not for sale or ads. It can sue to enforce and recover costs and attorneys’ fees. After a union is certified, if you authorize it, your employer must deduct monthly union dues and send them to the union. You can revoke in writing to the union; the employer stops by the second payroll after confirmation.

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Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Lillian Ortiz-Self

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Alex Ramel

    Democratic • House

  • Beth Doglio

    Democratic • House

  • Chipalo Street

    Democratic • House

  • Chris Stearns

    Democratic • House

  • Cindy Ryu

    Democratic • House

  • Dan Bronoske

    Democratic • House

  • Darya Farivar

    Democratic • House

  • Edwin Obras

    Democratic • House

  • Joe Fitzgibbon

    Democratic • House

  • Julia Reed

    Democratic • House

  • Julio Cortes

    Democratic • House

  • Liz Berry

    Democratic • House

  • Mari Leavitt

    Democratic • House

  • Mary Fosse

    Democratic • House

  • Mia Gregerson

    Democratic • House

  • Natasha Hill

    Democratic • House

  • Nicole Macri

    Democratic • House

  • Roger Goodman

    Democratic • House

  • Sharon Wylie

    Democratic • House

  • Shaun Scott

    Democratic • House

  • Shelley Kloba

    Democratic • House

  • Strom Peterson

    Democratic • House

  • Tarra Simmons

    Democratic • House

  • Timm Ormsby

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 84 • No: 60

Senate vote • 4/14/2025

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 29 • No: 20

House vote • 3/11/2025

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 55 • No: 40 • Other: 3

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective date 7/27/2025.

    4/22/2025House

  2. Chapter 106, 2025 Laws.

    4/22/2025House

  3. Governor signed.

    4/22/2025legislature

  4. Delivered to Governor.

    4/17/2025legislature

  5. President signed.

    4/16/2025legislature

  6. Speaker signed.

    4/15/2025legislature

  7. Third reading, passed; yeas, 29; nays, 20; absent, 0; excused, 0.

    4/14/2025House

  8. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    4/14/2025House

  9. Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.

    4/9/2025House

  10. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.

    4/8/2025House

  11. Minority; do not pass.

    4/8/2025House

  12. WM - Majority; do pass.

    4/8/2025House

  13. Referred to Ways & Means.

    4/2/2025House

  14. And refer to Ways & Means.

    4/1/2025House

  15. Minority; do not pass.

    4/1/2025House

  16. LC - Majority; do pass.

    4/1/2025House

  17. First reading, referred to Labor & Commerce.

    3/13/2025House

  18. Third reading, passed; yeas, 55; nays, 40; absent, 0; excused, 3.

    3/11/2025House

  19. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    3/11/2025House

  20. Floor amendment(s) adopted.

    3/11/2025House

  21. 1st substitute bill substituted.

    3/11/2025House

  22. Rules Committee relieved of further consideration. Placed on second reading.

    3/10/2025House

  23. Referred to Rules 2 Review.

    1/24/2025House

  24. LAWS - Executive action taken by committee.

    1/22/2025House

  25. Minority; do not pass.

    1/22/2025House

Bill Text

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