BILL REQ. #:  S-4052.1 

Read first time 01/27/2004.   Referred to Committee on Commerce & Trade.

     AN ACT Relating to the exclusive authority of the state to establish minimum wage and hour standards; amending RCW 49.46.120; and providing an effective date.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

Sec. 1   RCW 49.46.120 and 1961 ex.s. c 18 s 4 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) This chapter establishes ((a)) minimum wage and hour standards for ((wages and working conditions of)) all employees in this state, unless exempted herefrom, and is in addition to and supplementary to any other federal((,)) or state((, or local)) law ((or ordinance)), or any rule or regulation issued thereunder. Any wage or hour standards ((relating to wages, hours, or other working conditions)) established by any applicable federal((,)) or state((, or local)) law ((or ordinance)), or any rule or regulation issued thereunder, which are more favorable to employees than the minimum standards applicable under this chapter, or any rule or regulation issued hereunder, shall not be affected by this chapter and such other laws, or rules or regulations, shall be in full force and effect and may be enforced as provided by law.
     (2) This chapter and chapter 39.12 RCW constitutes the exclusive state authority for the establishment of minimum wage and hour standards for employees in this state, and the state hereby fully occupies and preempts any such authority of any county, city, town, or other municipality. Any ordinance, resolution, or other legislative act by any county, city, town, or other municipality relating to minimum wage and hour standards on July 1, 2004, is, as of that date, null and void and of no effect, regardless of the nature of the home rule, charter, or code status of such county, city, town, or other municipality.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   This act takes effect July 1, 2004.