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WashingtonSB 59442025-2026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Concerning language access providers' collective bargaining.

Sponsored By: Adrian Cortes (Democratic)

Became Law

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 4 mixed.

Bargaining rights and limits for interpreters

Spoken‑language interpreters bargain with the governor over pay, payments for canceled jobs, training, and health and welfare benefits. Mediation and interest arbitration are available, and a contract overrides conflicting agency rules or policies; any term that breaks a statute is invalid. Interpreters are public employees only for bargaining and are not state employees for other benefits or rights. Interpreters cannot strike. Arbitration panels must consider the state’s ability to pay, and awards need legislative funding to take effect.

How interpreter pay deals get funded

After a contract is negotiated, the governor includes funding for pay and benefits in the budget. The budget office must get the request by October 1 and certify it as financially feasible or reflecting an arbitration award before it goes to lawmakers. The legislature approves or rejects the funding as a whole; rejection forces reopening talks only on money. When a contract expires, its terms stay in place for up to one year until a new deal starts. If a significant revenue shortfall is officially declared after approval, both sides must reopen talks to adjust the deal, and agreements must preserve federal compliance and the legislature’s rights.

How interpreters are grouped and represented

Interpreters are placed into three statewide bargaining units: (1) DSHS, DCYF, or Medicaid appointments; (2) L&I injured worker or crime‑victim cases; and (3) other state agencies through DES. Workers choose an exclusive representative by a state‑run election, and authorization cards are confidential under public records law. If one union represents multiple units, it can ask to merge units, and the governor and the union can agree to one contract covering all units.

Interpreter lists and 2020 agency report

Contractors and subcontractors that provide interpreter services for DSHS, DCYF, L&I, or DES must give the agency an accurate list of language access providers each year by January 30. Agencies must share the list with a union that asks for it. By December 1, 2020, these agencies also reported to lawmakers on how they buy interpreter services, barriers, and ways to improve access.

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Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Adrian Cortes

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Bob Hasegawa

    Democratic • Senate

  • Claire Wilson

    Democratic • Senate

  • Emily Alvarado

    Democratic • House

  • Javier Valdez

    Democratic • Senate

  • Rebecca Saldaña

    Democratic • Senate

  • Steve Conway

    Democratic • Senate

  • T'wina Nobles

    Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 130 • No: 15

House vote • 3/4/2026

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 86 • No: 10 • Other: 2

Senate vote • 2/11/2026

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 44 • No: 5

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective date 6/11/2026.

    3/18/2026Senate

  2. Chapter 109, 2026 Laws.

    3/18/2026Senate

  3. Governor signed.

    3/18/2026legislature

  4. Delivered to Governor.

    3/9/2026legislature

  5. Speaker signed.

    3/5/2026legislature

  6. President signed.

    3/5/2026legislature

  7. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    3/4/2026Senate

  8. Third reading, passed; yeas, 86; nays, 10; absent, 0; excused, 2.

    3/4/2026Senate

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

    3/3/2026Senate

  10. Referred to Rules 2 Review.

    3/2/2026Senate

  11. Minority; do not pass.

    2/27/2026Senate

  12. APP - Majority; do pass.

    2/27/2026Senate

  13. APP - Executive action taken by committee.

    2/27/2026Senate

  14. Referred to Appropriations.

    2/23/2026Senate

  15. LAWS - Executive action taken by committee.

    2/20/2026Senate

  16. LAWS - Majority; do pass.

    2/20/2026Senate

  17. First reading, referred to Labor & Workplace Standards.

    2/14/2026Senate

  18. Third reading, passed; yeas, 44; nays, 5; absent, 0; excused, 0.

    2/11/2026Senate

  19. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    2/11/2026Senate

  20. Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.

    2/4/2026Senate

  21. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.

    1/26/2026Senate

  22. Minority; without recommendation.

    1/23/2026Senate

  23. Minority; do not pass.

    1/23/2026Senate

  24. LC - Majority; do pass.

    1/23/2026Senate

  25. First reading, referred to Labor & Commerce.

    1/12/2026Senate

Bill Text

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