FINAL BILL REPORT
SHB 1217
C 243 L 23
Synopsis as Enacted
Brief Description: Concerning wage complaints.
Sponsors: House Committee on Labor & Workplace Standards (originally sponsored by Representatives Ortiz-Self, Fosse, Berry, Reed, Simmons, Gregerson, Ramel, Macri and Pollet).
House Committee on Labor & Workplace Standards
Senate Committee on Labor & Commerce
Background:

An individual who is owed wages may file a wage complaint with the Department of Labor and Industries (Department) under the Wage Payment Act (WPA).  Unless the complaint is otherwise resolved, the Department must issue either a citation and notice of assessment (NOA) or a determination of compliance. 

 

When the Department issues a citation and NOA, it may order the employer to pay the employee all wages owed, including interest of 1 percent per month, calculated from the first date wages were owed.

 

The WPA does not have a provision allowing for the collection of interest when a complaint is resolved before the issuance of a citation and NOA.
Summary:

For all wage complaints filed on or after January 1, 2024, if the Department offers the employer the option to resolve the complaint without a citation and NOA, and the employer accepts the offer, any settlement must include interest of 1 percent per month on amounts owed.  The employee may request a waiver or reduction of interest as part of the settlement process.
Votes on Final Passage:
House 53 43
Senate 33 16 (Senate amended)
House 62 34 (House concurred)
Effective:

July 23, 2023