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WashingtonHB 21052025-2026 Regular SessionHouse

Concerning immigrant worker protections.

Sponsored By: Lillian Ortiz-Self (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Workers gain protection from immigration-related retaliation

Beginning October 1, 2026, employers cannot interfere with or punish workers for using rights under this law. Banned retaliation includes firing, demotion, cutting or delaying pay, reducing hours, changing schedules, or targeting a worker’s or family member’s immigration status. Actions required by state or federal law remain allowed. Employers do not have to audit their own I-9 forms. Voluntary audits must follow laws against discrimination and retaliation, plus applicable union agreements. Employers cannot demand work-authorization checks or repeat checks beyond federal requirements.

Workers get notice of immigration inspections

Beginning October 1, 2026, Washington employers must display the Attorney General’s worker-rights poster where workplace notices are usually posted. After receiving a federal inspection notice for I-9 work-authorization forms or related records, employers have five business days to notify workers and their authorized representatives. Notices must use English and Washington’s five most-used non-English languages, be sent directly with proof, and stay posted until the inspection ends. They must identify the agency, notice date, records requested, purpose, and an approved immigrant or refugee rights group’s contact information. Employers also have five business days after receiving written inspection results to notify workers flagged for possible authorization or document problems. Each affected worker and their representative must receive the federal notice and an explanation in the worker’s usual workplace language. That explanation must cover the worker’s duties, document problems, correction period, a mutually agreed meeting during that period, and representation rights. Notices must cover only that worker, with other workers’ personal information removed.

Employers get guidance on worker protections

The law’s early duties take effect June 11, 2026. By September 1, 2026, Washington’s Attorney General must publish a workplace poster, model inspection notice, and employer guidance. The poster and model notice must use English and Washington’s five most-used non-English languages. Guidance must explain employers’ rights concerning federal access to nonpublic work areas and certain worker records. The Attorney General must conduct outreach to businesses, employers, and community members through October 1, 2027. The entire act is null and void unless the omnibus appropriations act provides specific funding referencing it by June 30, 2026.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Lillian Ortiz-Self

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Alex Ramel

    Democratic • House

  • Beth Doglio

    Democratic • House

  • Brianna Thomas

    Democratic • House

  • Chipalo Street

    Democratic • House

  • Chris Stearns

    Democratic • House

  • Cindy Ryu

    Democratic • House

  • Darya Farivar

    Democratic • House

  • Davina Duerr

    Democratic • House

  • Edwin Obras

    Democratic • House

  • Gerry Pollet

    Democratic • House

  • Janice Zahn

    Democratic • House

  • Joe Fitzgibbon

    Democratic • House

  • Julia Reed

    Democratic • House

  • Julio Cortes

    Democratic • House

  • Kristine Reeves

    Democratic • House

  • Lauren Davis

    Democratic • House

  • Lisa Callan

    Democratic • House

  • Lisa Parshley

    Democratic • House

  • Liz Berry

    Democratic • House

  • Mary Fosse

    Democratic • House

  • Mia Gregerson

    Democratic • House

  • Monica Jurado Stonier

    Democratic • House

  • My-Linh Thai

    Democratic • House

  • Natasha Hill

    Democratic • House

  • Nicole Macri

    Democratic • House

  • Osman Salahuddin

    Democratic • House

  • Roger Goodman

    Democratic • House

  • Sharlett Mena

    Democratic • House

  • Sharon Tomiko Santos

    Democratic • House

  • Sharon Wylie

    Democratic • House

  • Shaun Scott

    Democratic • House

  • Steve Bergquist

    Democratic • House

  • Strom Peterson

    Democratic • House

  • Tarra Simmons

    Democratic • House

  • Timm Ormsby

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 163 • No: 122

House vote • 3/11/2026

Final Passage as Amended by the Senate

Yes: 58 • No: 38 • Other: 2

Senate vote • 3/5/2026

885 Gildon Pg 7 Ln 10

Yes: 22 • No: 25 • Other: 2

Senate vote • 3/5/2026

3rd Reading & Final Passage as Amended by the Senate

Yes: 27 • No: 21 • Other: 1

House vote • 2/13/2026

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 56 • No: 38 • Other: 4

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective date 6/11/2026*.

    3/30/2026House

  2. Chapter 240, 2026 Laws.

    3/30/2026House

  3. Governor signed.

    3/30/2026legislature

  4. Speaker signed.

    3/12/2026legislature

  5. President signed.

    3/12/2026legislature

  6. Delivered to Governor.

    3/12/2026legislature

  7. Passed final passage; yeas, 58; nays, 38; absent, 0; excused, 2.

    3/11/2026House

  8. House concurred in Senate amendments.

    3/11/2026House

  9. Third reading, passed; yeas, 27; nays, 21; absent, 0; excused, 1.

    3/5/2026House

  10. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    3/5/2026House

  11. Committee amendment(s) adopted with no other amendments.

    3/5/2026House

  12. Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.

    3/3/2026House

  13. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.

    3/2/2026House

  14. Minority; do not pass.

    3/2/2026House

  15. WM - Majority; do pass with amendment(s).

    3/2/2026House

  16. Referred to Ways & Means.

    2/23/2026House

  17. Minority; do not pass.

    2/20/2026House

  18. And refer to Ways & Means.

    2/20/2026House

  19. LC - Majority; do pass.

    2/20/2026House

  20. First reading, referred to Labor & Commerce.

    2/17/2026House

  21. Third reading, passed; yeas, 56; nays, 38; absent, 0; excused, 4.

    2/13/2026House

  22. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    2/13/2026House

  23. 2nd substitute bill substituted.

    2/13/2026House

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

    2/11/2026House

  25. Referred to Rules 2 Review.

    2/9/2026House

Bill Text

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