Beginning January 2026, a wide range of new Washington State laws will take effect, impacting employers, employees, health care providers, small businesses, drivers, and families across the Evergreen State. These laws—passed during the 2023–2025 legislative sessions—address workplace safety, employee leave, criminal justice, public health, and consumer protections.
Understanding these changes now can help you stay compliant, protect your rights, and avoid costly legal issues.
Employment & Workplace Law Changes
Workplace Violence Prevention – HB 1162
Health care employers must:
- Investigate workplace violence incidents promptly
- Analyze systemic causes of violence
- Update workplace violence prevention plans annually
Why it matters: Health care employers face increased compliance and documentation requirements, while employees gain stronger safety protections.
Paid Family & Medical Leave Expansion – HB 1213
Key PFML updates include:
- Job protection for employees after 180 days of employment
- Lower employer size threshold for protections
- Expanded health insurance continuation
- More grant funding for small employers
Isolated Worker Protections – SSHB 1524
This law expands protections for workers who spend 50% or more of their time alone, including:
- Hotel and motel staff
- Janitorial and housekeeping employees
- Security guards and retail workers
Employers must:
- Provide panic buttons
- Conduct and document training
- Produce records upon L&I request
Only 17% of workplaces were previously compliant—this law increases enforcement.
Criminal Law & Public Safety Updates
DUI & Impaired Driving Changes – HB 1493
Effective in 2026, this law:
- Extends DUI look-back period from 10 to 15 years
- Expands “serious traffic offense” classifications
- Clarifies ignition interlock and probationary license rules
- Creates a sentencing alternative for felony DUI convictions
Impact: Higher penalties and longer consequences for repeat offenses.
Seizure & Forfeiture Reform – HB 1440
This law strengthens due process by:
- Requiring notice within 15 days
- Establishing a hearing process
- Clarifying how proceeds are distributed
Business, Licensing & Consumer Laws
Cannabis Advertising – SB 5206
- Retailers may display up to four advertising signs
- Trade name signs are excluded from the count
- Tobacco and vapor businesses may not advertise cannabis
Collector Vehicle & Horseless Carriage Plates – SB 5127
New requirements include:
- Specialized insurance
- Proof of a separate daily-use vehicle
Movie Theater Accessibility – SB 5486
Movie theaters must:
- Provide closed captioning devices
- Offer open-captioned screenings
- Advertise captioned showtimes
Health, Transportation & Recreation
- SB 5498: Health plans must cover a 12-month contraceptive supply
- SB 5528: Certified installers required for EV chargers at state facilities
- SB 5689: Optional blood type info on driver’s licenses
- HB 2003: Columbia River salmon & steelhead fishing endorsement
Delayed Until 2029
Child Support & TANF – ESHB 1652
This law, delayed until July 1, 2029, will require the state to pass through 100% of child support payments to families receiving TANF benefits.
Why Legal Guidance Matters
These 2026 Washington State laws create new compliance obligations and legal risks for employers, employees, and individuals. Failing to understand or prepare for these changes could result in penalties, lawsuits, or lost rights.
At Althauser Rayan Abbarno, our attorneys stay on top of legislative changes affecting employment law, criminal defense, business regulation, and family law throughout Washington State.
📞 Have questions about how these new laws affect you or your business?
Contact Althauser Rayan Abbarno for experienced legal guidance as Washington enters 2026.
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