WashingtonSB 60392025-2026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Modernizing methods of communications by the department of labor and industries.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

10 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 2 costs, 3 mixed.

Injured workers’ payments need not be mailed

The department can send temporary disability payments through methods other than mail. For eligible workers, it must send the first payment within 14 days after receiving the claim in its Olympia offices. Payments must continue at regular twice-monthly intervals. Payment amounts and eligibility rules do not change.

New delivery options for wage-claim notices

When a wage claim appears justified, the director can notify the employer or former employer electronically or nonelectronically. Wage-investigation citations, assessment notices, and compliance decisions must reach both parties through trackable or confirmed delivery. Hearing findings and awards can also use trackable delivery, with these documents sent to the parties’ last known addresses. Before first using electronic delivery under each rule, the department must offer the affected parties a nonelectronic option. Wage-investigation rules no longer list formal service as an alternative or expressly require written extension notices.

New delivery options for worker-protection notices

Immigration-status coercion citations and closure letters can use trackable delivery to both parties’ last known addresses. Isolated-worker harassment citations and closure letters can reach employers by formal service or trackable delivery at their last known address. For timely complaints under chapter 49.84, both parties must receive citations and assessment notices or compliance decisions through formal service, electronic delivery, or nonelectronic delivery. Before first using electronic delivery under each rule, the department must offer both parties a nonelectronic option. Chapter 49.84 investigation extensions require advance notice, but that notice no longer expressly requires writing.

Trackable notices for licensed trades and businesses

Beginning June 11, 2026, Washington Labor and Industries can use trackable electronic or nonelectronic delivery for covered trade notices. These include contractor, plumbing, electrical, manufactured-home, asbestos-certificate, and boiler or pressure-vessel penalty notices. Covered elevator license, permit, and penalty notices must use delivery that can be tracked or confirmed, as must arbitration requests. Notices go to the last known address or another address required by the specific rule. Before first using electronic delivery under each covered section, the department must offer a nonelectronic option; certain notices no longer expressly require writing.

Electronic injury-claim notices expand for employers

The department can securely send employers workers’ compensation notices and orders electronically, including claim closures, without a prior request. Covered out-of-state employers and insurers can receive claim notices and other legal documents by trackable delivery at their certificate address. Before first using electronic delivery under these rules, the department must offer a nonelectronic option. Self-insured employers can send claim-closure orders to the department through a separate, secure, verifiable method, including electronic delivery. They must follow department-service rules and include the required explanation of protest and appeal rights.

Manufactured-home penalty appeals start at issuance

A penalty appeal for altering a mobile or manufactured home without a required permit must be filed within 20 days. The clock starts when the department issues the penalty notice, rather than when it mails it. Recipients can therefore have less time after receiving notice to prepare their appeal.

Less advance notice for workplace-safety hearings

For workplace safety rule hearings, the director must give Washington newspapers hearing and written-comment details at least 20 days ahead. This replaces the previous 30-day advance-notice period. Interested workers, businesses, and others can have 10 fewer days of advance notice to prepare comments.

Electronic injury notices change workers’ appeal timing

People involved in workers’ compensation cases can choose secure electronic messages and legal notices, including claim-closure notices. Electronic notices count as received on the day sent, and the department must provide help for receiving them. Covered orders become final after 65 days for electronic communication or 60 days for nonelectronic communication, unless reconsideration or an appeal is sought. Specified provider-repayment orders keep their separate 20-day deadline. Orders distributing third-party recoveries still follow a separate service rule.

Injured workers get new lawsuit-notice rules

Injured workers and beneficiaries can choose secure electronic delivery of a department demand to decide whether to pursue a third-party claim. The department or self-insurer can still send the written demand by mail. The decision remains due within 60 days after receipt. Workers or beneficiaries who choose to seek damages must send their election notice by trackable or confirmed delivery. If they file a lawsuit, they must also send the complaint to the department or self-insurer using such delivery.

Employer collection notices gain electronic delivery options

Defaulting self-insurers can receive trackable electronic or nonelectronic notices before the department acts against their bond, securities, or deposit. The department must send notice at least 10 days before acting and offer a nonelectronic option before first electronic use. An unpaid workers’ compensation assessment can lead to seizure and sale of employer property 10 days after service or electronic or nonelectronic mailing of notice. Property exempt from execution remains protected. These delivery changes do not create new assessment debts.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Curtis King
Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

Marko Liias
Democratic • Senate
Steve Conway
Democratic • Senate
T'wina Nobles
Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 142 • No: 0

House vote • 3/3/2026

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 94 • No: 0 • Other: 4

Senate vote • 2/5/2026