SB 5681 - DIGEST

(SEE ALSO PROPOSED 1ST SUB)

Provides that an employer may pay a new employee an initial wage rate equal to the greater of seventy-five percent of the rate required under RCW 49.46.020 or the federal minimum wage rate for the first ninety days of employment by the employee.

Provides that an employer shall not terminate the employment of employees after the ninety-day period for the primary purpose of obtaining the reduced wage rate under this act. If the department determines that an employer has engaged in this practice, the employer must remit the entire amount of wages for all employees that would have been paid under chapter 49.46 RCW without regard to this act.

Provides that an employer may pay a new employee, who is not an emancipated minor under chapter 13.64 RCW, an initial wage rate equal to the greater of seventy-five percent of the rate required under RCW 49.46.020 or the federal minimum wage rate.

Provides that no political subdivision shall modify, in any respect, the minimum wage requirements of this chapter through ordinance, resolution, or other legislative action.

Declares that for the purposes of this act, "political subdivision" means a county, city, special purpose district, agency of the state, or any other municipality or public body created under state law.