All Roll Calls
Yes: 123 • No: 22
WashingtonHB 15242025-2026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET
Concerning workplace standards and requirements applicable to employers of isolated employees.
Sponsored By: Edwin Obras (Democratic)
Became Law
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Enforcement and fines for employers
Labor and Industries runs and enforces this law and will write rules and an appeals process. It investigates complaints or suspected violations and then issues a citation with a civil penalty or a closure letter; notices are sent by service or trackable delivery. Fines are $1,000 per willful violation; repeat willful violations within three years are $2,000–$10,000 each. The department may reduce penalties if you fix the problem; collected fines go to the supplemental pension fund. If you do not provide records in a reasonable time, you cannot use those records on appeal. “Willful” means a knowing and intentional act, not an accident or bona fide dispute. These rules apply beginning January 1, 2026 and only if the state budget provided the required funding by June 30, 2025.
Harassment policies and training for isolated workers
Employers of isolated workers in hotels, motels, retail, security, and janitorial services must have a sexual harassment policy. Managers, supervisors, and isolated employees must get training on stopping sexual assault, harassment, and discrimination, protections for reporting, and how to use panic buttons. Employers must give a resource list with the EEOC, the Washington State Human Rights Commission, and local advocacy groups. Employers must keep proof workers finished the training and give it to Labor and Industries if asked. These duties apply beginning January 1, 2026 and only if the state budget provided the required funding by June 30, 2025.
Panic buttons for isolated workers
Each isolated employee must get a carryable panic button. The device must be easy to trigger without passwords, send a clear signal, get immediate help, and show the worker’s location. Employers must keep records of buying and using these devices and share them with Labor and Industries if asked. The department will publish guidance for employers with 50 or fewer employees. Licensed contracted security guard companies do not have to provide panic buttons. These rules apply beginning January 1, 2026 and only if the state budget provided the required funding by June 30, 2025.
Who is an isolated employee
An isolated employee is a janitor, security guard, hotel or motel housekeeper, or room service attendant who either works where two or more coworkers or supervisors cannot immediately respond, or spends at least 50% of work hours alone. This definition decides who gets the policies, training, and panic buttons. It applies beginning January 1, 2026 and only if the state budget provided the required funding by June 30, 2025.
Start date and funding trigger
The law takes effect January 1, 2026. It is null and void if the omnibus budget did not provide specific funding naming this act by June 30, 2025.
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Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Edwin Obras
Democratic • House
Cosponsors
Gerry Pollet
Democratic • House
Julia Reed
Democratic • House
Lisa Parshley
Democratic • House
Liz Berry
Democratic • House
Mary Fosse
Democratic • House
Mia Gregerson
Democratic • House
Natasha Hill
Democratic • House
Nicole Macri
Democratic • House
Osman Salahuddin
Democratic • House
Shaun Scott
Democratic • House
Strom Peterson
Democratic • House
Tarra Simmons
Democratic • House
Timm Ormsby
Democratic • House
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 4/4/2025
3rd Reading & Final Passage
Yes: 37 • No: 12
House vote • 3/5/2025
3rd Reading & Final Passage
Yes: 86 • No: 10 • Other: 2
Actions Timeline
Chapter 47, 2025 Laws.
4/16/2025HouseGovernor signed.
4/16/2025legislatureEffective date 1/1/2026.
4/16/2025HouseDelivered to Governor.
4/11/2025legislaturePresident signed.
4/10/2025legislatureSpeaker signed.
4/9/2025legislatureThird reading, passed; yeas, 37; nays, 12; absent, 0; excused, 0.
4/4/2025HouseRules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.
4/4/2025HousePlaced on second reading by Rules Committee.
3/26/2025HousePassed to Rules Committee for second reading.
3/24/2025HouseMinority; without recommendation.
3/21/2025HouseMinority; do not pass.
3/21/2025HouseLC - Majority; do pass.
3/21/2025HouseFirst reading, referred to Labor & Commerce.
3/7/2025HouseThird reading, passed; yeas, 86; nays, 10; absent, 0; excused, 2.
3/5/2025HouseRules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.
3/5/2025House2nd substitute bill substituted.
3/5/2025HouseRules Committee relieved of further consideration. Placed on second reading.
3/4/2025HouseReferred to Rules 2 Review.
2/28/2025HouseAPP - Executive action taken by committee.
2/25/2025HouseMinority; without recommendation.
2/25/2025HouseAPP - Majority; 2nd substitute bill be substituted, do pass.
2/25/2025HouseMinority; do not pass.
2/25/2025HouseReferred to Appropriations.
2/12/2025HouseLAWS - Executive action taken by committee.
2/7/2025House
Bill Text
Session Law
4/17/2025
Bill as Passed Legislature
4/9/2025
Second Substitute
3/3/2025
Substitute Bill
2/12/2025
Original Bill
1/22/2025
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