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Washington State Boosts Worker Protections with New Laws

1/1/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Washington state will enact more than a dozen laws taking effect in January 2026 to enhance worker protections and adjust regulations.
House Bill 1162 requires timely investigations of workplace violence.
House Bill 1213 expands protections under the Paid Family and Medical Leave program.
Senate Bill 5498, Senate Bill 5689, and Senate Bill 5486 address contraceptive coverage, blood type information on driver's licenses, and captioning in theaters.

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Story summary

Washington state will enact more than a dozen laws taking effect in January 2026 to enhance worker protections and adjust regulations.
House Bill 1162 requires timely investigations of workplace violence.
House Bill 1213 expands protections under the Paid Family and Medical Leave program.
Senate Bill 5498, Senate Bill 5689, and Senate Bill 5486 address contraceptive coverage, blood type information on driver's licenses, and captioning in theaters.