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WashingtonSB 55012025-2026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Concerning employer requirements for driving.

Sponsored By: Derek Stanford (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Fewer license barriers for workers and applicants

Beginning July 27, 2025, Washington employers cannot require a valid driver’s license for employment or in job ads. An exception applies when driving is an essential job duty or serves a legitimate business purpose. The Department of Labor and Industries can investigate complaints and require testimony and documents. For violations, it can order employers to pay actual damages, plus statutory damages equal to actual damages or $5,000, whichever is greater. It can also order 1% monthly interest on all compensation owed, investigation and enforcement costs, and other appropriate relief. Wages and interest are calculated starting four years before the last violation preceding the complaint. Separate civil penalties paid to the department can reach $500 for a first violation. For repeat violations, the maximum is $1,000 or 10% of damages, whichever is greater. These penalties go into the supplemental pension fund. When a complaint cannot be substantiated, the department must send both sides a closure letter explaining its finding. The director’s decision can be appealed through the state administrative appeal process; a prevailing employee receives costs and reasonable attorney fees. The department can adopt rules to carry out the full chapter containing these protections.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Derek Stanford

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Bob Hasegawa

    Democratic • Senate

  • Rebecca Saldaña

    Democratic • Senate

  • T'wina Nobles

    Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 94 • No: 51

House vote • 4/9/2025

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 61 • No: 36 • Other: 1

Senate vote • 2/26/2025

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 33 • No: 15 • Other: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective date 7/27/2025.

    4/22/2025Senate

  2. Chapter 115, 2025 Laws.

    4/22/2025Senate

  3. Governor signed.

    4/22/2025legislature

  4. Delivered to Governor.

    4/17/2025legislature

  5. Speaker signed.

    4/15/2025legislature

  6. President signed.

    4/14/2025legislature

  7. Third reading, passed; yeas, 61; nays, 36; absent, 0; excused, 1.

    4/9/2025Senate

  8. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    4/9/2025Senate

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

    4/8/2025Senate

  10. Referred to Rules 2 Review.

    3/25/2025Senate

  11. LAWS - Executive action taken by committee.

    3/21/2025Senate

  12. Minority; without recommendation.

    3/21/2025Senate

  13. LAWS - Majority; do pass.

    3/21/2025Senate

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

    2/28/2025Senate

  15. Third reading, passed; yeas, 33; nays, 15; absent, 0; excused, 1.

    2/26/2025Senate

  16. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    2/26/2025Senate

  17. 1st substitute bill substituted.

    2/26/2025Senate

  18. Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.

    2/19/2025Senate

  19. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.

    2/18/2025Senate

  20. Minority; without recommendation.

    2/14/2025Senate

  21. Minority; do not pass.

    2/14/2025Senate

  22. LC - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.

    2/14/2025Senate

  23. First reading, referred to Labor & Commerce.

    1/27/2025Senate

  24. Introduced

    1/27/2025Senate

Bill Text

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