July Is the New January – 2025 (Washington)
States and cities are as busy as ever passing new workplace regulations throughout the calendar year. Here is our mid-year report summarizing the notable labor and employment laws that take effect from roughly July through October. Washington Bill / Ordinance / Regulation Main Topic Summary Effective Date Washington Final Rule re Equal Pay and Opportunities Act (WAC 296-123) Pay Equity Implements statutory amendments to the Equal Pay and Opportunities Act that extend protections to additional protected classes; clarifies and implements the state's pay range disclosure requirements and salary history inquiry prohibition. 7/1/2025 Washington HB 1308 Personnel Files Requires employers to provide a copy of a personnel file to an employee or former employee upon request; defines “personnel file.” 7/27/2025 Washington HB 1395 (SB 5531) Healthcare Background Checks Requires fingerprint-based background checks for certain long-term care workers in certain circu...