Washington Update: Key Laws Impacting Your Business in 2025
As we welcome 2025, new laws and regulations come into effect that could significantly impact businesses in Washington State. Below is a summary of key legislative updates. If you have questions about how these changes may affect your business, feel free to schedule a consultation with us.
Paid Sick Leave for App-Based Workers
Starting January 1, 2025, Washington’s new Paid Sick Leave law (SB 5793) extends benefits to app-based workers, including drivers for services like Uber and Lyft. Under this law:
Workers accrue one hour of paid sick leave for every 40 hours worked.
Eligibility criteria mirror those of traditional employees.
Sick leave compensation is calculated based on average hourly earnings.
Unused sick leave, up to 40 hours, can be carried over to the next year.
Workers are protected from retaliation for using their sick leave benefits.
Warehouse Employees: Quota Notices and Record-Keeping Requirements
Employers of warehouse workers must comply with new requirements related to quotas, effective January 1, 2025. These include:
Clear communication of productivity quotas to employees.
Retention of detailed records related to quotas and employee performance.
Protections for employees who fail to meet quotas due to lawful breaks or other protected activities.
Employers should ensure they understand and adhere to these provisions to avoid penalties and maintain compliance.
Minimum Wage Increase
Effective January 1, 2025, Washington’s minimum wage rises from $16.28 to $16.66 per hour. This increase reflects adjustments tied to inflation.
Employers operating in Seattle or SeaTac should note that these jurisdictions maintain higher local minimum wage rates, which must be followed.
Protections for App-Based Workers in Seattle
Seattle’s Council Bill No. 120580 introduces protections for app-based workers, effective January 1, 2025. The law aims to promote fairness and transparency by:
Requiring network companies (e.g., rideshare and delivery platforms) to establish clear deactivation policies.
Providing workers with protections against unfair or arbitrary deactivation.
Ensuring app-based workers have recourse if deactivation occurs.
Businesses operating in Seattle should review and update their policies to ensure compliance with this new law.
My Health My Data Act (MHMDA)
Washington’s My Health My Data Act, which became fully enforceable on March 31, 2024, continues to require compliance in 2025. Key provisions include:
Businesses must obtain explicit consumer consent before collecting, sharing, or selling health data.
Companies must provide clear privacy notices regarding their handling of consumer health information.
Businesses handling consumer health data should perform regular audits to ensure they meet these stringent privacy requirements.
Revisions to Washington Agency Law
Although implemented on January 1, 2024, the revisions to Washington’s agency law continue to be a critical area of compliance for real estate professionals in 2025. Key changes include:
Requirements for brokerage service agreements.
Clarifications on dual agency relationships.
Enhanced duties brokers owe to their clients.
Real estate professionals should remain vigilant in maintaining compliance with these regulations to avoid legal issues.
These updates reflect Washington’s ongoing efforts to balance worker protections, privacy concerns, and business responsibilities. If you’re unsure how these changes apply to your business, our team at Buckley Law, P.C. is here to help you navigate the legal landscape and ensure your compliance.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and safeguard your business in 2025.
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