The Daily Populous Friday July 17th, 2026 night edition
Authored by senatedemocrats.wa.gov and submitted by ArgentineBeauty

OLYMPIA — Washington state domestic workers will now have statewide labor protections under the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights, signed into law Monday by Gov. Bob Ferguson.

House Bill 2355, sponsored by Rep. Brianna Thomas (D-Seattle) and championed in the Senate by Sen. Rebecca Saldaña (D-Seattle), who sponsored the Senate companion bill, ensures that nannies, housekeepers, cooks, home care providers, and other domestic workers receive fair pay, written agreements, privacy protections, and legal recourse — rights they have been denied for decades.

“This bill is the result of years of work, especially by the domestic workers who have advocated tirelessly for their needs,” Thomas said. “They deserve to be recognized as a beacon of hope for all workers, especially at a time when hope can feel distant. Their light cannot be dimmed, and I am proud to stand with them today.”

Domestic workers have historically been excluded from many state and federal labor protections. Most are women, immigrants, and people of color, and they face higher rates of wage theft, harassment, and workplace discrimination than other workers. National studies show domestic workers earn, on average, 25% less than other service workers, and more than half report harassment or mistreatment on the job.

“I am deeply grateful to the domestic workers, advocates, and community leaders who have spent years organizing, sharing their stories, and fighting tirelessly for justice,” Saldaña said. “This new law recognizes the essential work domestic workers do every day and guarantees them the fairness, respect, and protections they have always deserved. This victory belongs to them.”

Key protections under the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights include:

Minimum wage and overtime: Workers must be paid at least the state minimum wage and 1.5 times their regular rate for hours over 40 per week.

Written agreements: Employers must provide clear contracts in a language the worker understands, including pay rate, hours, and terms of employment.

Notice and severance: Employers must give advance written notice before terminating employment; failure to do so requires severance pay.

Privacy protections: Employers cannot monitor workers in bathrooms, bedrooms, or private communications, nor take possession of personal documents.

Anti-retaliation and anti-discrimination: Workers may exercise their rights without fear of retaliation and can take legal action if discriminated against based on race, gender, national origin, or other protected status.

“The Washington State Domestic Worker Coalition celebrates the signing of the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights as a long-overdue victory for the workers who make care and home life possible across Washington,” said CJ Garcia on behalf of the Washington Domestic Workers Coalition. “For too long, domestic workers have been excluded from basic protections despite the essential role they play in supporting families and communities. This law sets clear standards for dignity, safety and fairness on the job, and is the result of years of organizing and leadership from domestic workers across the state.”

The law builds on Seattle’s domestic worker protections and extends them statewide, providing clarity for both workers and employers. Domestic workers can file complaints with the Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) or pursue private legal action to enforce their rights.

The law takes effect July 1, 2027, giving L&I time to develop model agreements and guidance for employers.

dennismfrancisart on July 16th, 2026 at 15:10 UTC »

Washington state. Let's be clear.

Poosley_ on July 16th, 2026 at 14:56 UTC »

And, surprise, local Republicans tried to talk this bill down. I'm so glad I live in a place that is entirely allergic to electing R's in any substantial volume

Doro_Gurl on July 16th, 2026 at 14:28 UTC »

This is a real glimmer of hope in times of ever more precarious jobs.