Washington has enacted new legislation, effectiveJuly 1, 2027, establishing comprehensive labor protections for domestic workers across the state. The law extends minimum wage and overtime rights to domestic workers, requires written employment agreements, and creates new anti‑discrimination protections specific to this workforce. It also outlines prohibited employer conduct and authorizes the Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) to investigate and enforce violations.
A major change under the law is the removal of domestic workers from the live‑in employee exemption in RCW 49.46.010, ensuring they are fully covered by state minimum wage requirements. The legislation also adds a new section to chapter 49.60 RCW, expressly prohibiting discrimination against domestic workers and expanding civil rights protections to a group historically excluded from many labor standards.
Hiring entities must now pay domestic workers at least the state minimum wage and overtime at one and one‑half times the regular rate for hours worked over 40 in a week. Employers are also required to provide written agreements outlining job duties, pay rates, schedules, and benefits, and must give at least two weeks’ notice before termination (extended to four weeks for live‑in workers). The law further prohibits conduct such as creating hostile work environments, confiscating personal documents, engaging in unauthorized monitoring, or requiring workers to waive legal rights.
The law applies to domestic workers including nannies, home care workers, housekeepers, cooks, gardeners, and household managers who work at least four hours per month, as well as the individuals and entities that employ them. L&I is responsible for enforcement, and violations may result in civil penalties ranging from $1,000 for willful violations to $20,000 for initial offenses and $40,000 for repeat violations. Additional penalties apply for retaliation, including lost earnings with interest, job restoration, and civil fines, and domestic workers may bring private civil actions to recover damages and attorneys’ fees.