Starting August 1, 2025, Washington State will implement several significant new laws affecting various areas including employment, housing, and transportation. Key employment-related laws include expanded wage transparency and anti-discrimination protections under HB 1905 and SB 5104, which also prevent worker coercion based on immigration status with penalties up to $20,000. HB 1308 grants employees access to detailed personnel files within 21 days, while HB 1747 expands “Fair Chance Act” protections by limiting background checks to after a conditional job offer. In housing, HB 1217 caps rent increases at 7% plus CPI (maximum 10%), enforces notice requirements, and establishes landlord parity rules.
Additionally, a new law mandates religious leaders to report child abuse, except in confessional contexts, and limits local parking mandates to one space per two housing units. The Washington State Department of Transportation is now required to adjust transportation funding caps annually for inflation. These laws reflect Washington’s ongoing efforts to enhance worker protections, regulate housing affordability, and update infrastructure funding.
