Several significant laws will go into effect in Washington state beginning January 1, 2025. These changes cover key areas such as workers’ rights, health care, road safety, and financial penalties. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what to expect:
Negligent Driving Penalties to Increase
Starting January 1, Washington will impose stricter penalties for negligent driving that causes severe injuries or fatalities to vulnerable road users.
Who are considered vulnerable road users?
These include pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcyclists, scooter riders, wheelchair users, and others not protected by a vehicle’s frame.
What constitutes negligent driving?
Negligent driving occurs when a motorist fails to take reasonable precautions, endangering people or property.
Penalties:
- First-degree negligent driving: Up to 364 days in jail, a $5,000 fine, and a 90-day license suspension for causing a fatality.
- Second-degree negligent driving: A $5,000 fine, up to 100 hours of community service, a 90-day license suspension, and mandatory traffic safety education for causing significant injuries.
Paid Sick Leave Expansion
Under Senate Bill 5793, employees, including app-based workers, will gain access to paid sick leave.
Key Provisions:
- Employees earn 1 hour of paid sick leave for every 40 hours worked.
- Leave can be used for personal or family illness, medical care, or emergencies.
- Workers may carry over up to 40 unused hours annually.
App-based drivers (e.g., Uber, Lyft):
- Paid sick leave accrues at the same rate.
- Compensation for leave is based on average hourly earnings.
- Protections against retaliation for using sick leave are included.
App-Based Worker Protections
Seattle’s Council Bill No. 120580 strengthens rights for app-based workers, particularly regarding job deactivation.
Deactivation Protections:
- Workers must receive a 14-day notice before deactivation, except in cases of serious misconduct.
- Companies must provide evidence and conduct investigations before deactivating workers.
Challenge and Appeal Process:
- Workers can contest deactivation within 90 days.
- Companies must respond within 14 days or face legal complaints.
Coverage:
Applies to companies with 250+ workers completing 10% of their tasks in Seattle within the last six months.
License Plate and Parking Violation Fines
- Covered license plates: Starting January 1, fines will be issued for vehicles with obscured license plates.
- Parking fines in Seattle: Rates will rise to $43–$78, up from $29–$53, marking the first increase since 2011.
Health Care Laws for Smoke Evacuation Systems
Substitute House Bill 1779 mandates the use of smoke evacuation systems during surgical procedures to protect staff from harmful smoke.
Compliance Requirements:
- Hospitals and surgical centers must implement these systems by January 1.
- Smaller hospitals have until July 1.
Reimbursements of up to $1,000 per operating room are available for eligible facilities.
Prohibition of Mandatory Overtime for Health Care Workers
A new law will ban mandatory overtime for hospital staff, including nurses and surgical technicians, except in emergencies or specific circumstances.
Compliance Timeline:
- Most hospitals: January 1 deadline.
- Critical access hospitals: July 1 deadline.
Non-compliance may result in fines of up to $5,000 per violation.
Minimum Wage Increase
The state’s minimum wage will increase to $16.66 per hour, reflecting a 2.35% rise from 2024.
Free College Tuition for Low-Income Families (Effective 2026)
House Bill 2214 ensures automatic eligibility for free college tuition through the Washington College Grant program.
Who qualifies?
- Low-income students in grades 10–12 who receive state food assistance benefits.
- Eligibility requires completing FAFSA or WASFA applications.
