Bills affecting W-2 worker (non-union) in Washington — 2026 session

Enacting an excise tax on large operating companies on the amount of payroll expenses above the minimum wage threshold of the additional medicare tax to fund services to benefit Washingtonians and establishing the Well Washington fund account.

Concerning unemployment insurance benefits for workers separated from employment as a result of employer-initiated layoffs or workforce reductions.

Concerning labor standards and the Washington minimum wage act.

Creating a wage replacement program for certain Washington workers excluded from unemployment insurance.

Authorizing agricultural employers to select 12 weeks a year to employ workers for up to 50 hours a week before overtime applies.

Concerning students' eligibility to receive unemployment insurance benefits.

Concerning unemployment insurance benefits for striking or lockout workers.

Concerning part-time workers in the unemployment insurance system.

Creating a narrow exemption from overtime provisions for certain nonprofits and small businesses.

Concerning notice to striking workers applying for unemployment insurance benefits of potential overpayment assessment upon receipt of retroactive wages.

Authorizing agricultural employers to select 26 weeks a year to employ workers for up to 50 hours a week before overtime applies.

Allowing agricultural employees to voluntarily waive overtime requirements for up to 15 workweeks in a calendar year.

Linking increases in the minimum wage to the federal minimum wage.