issue area reports | employment law & privacy
required the Department of Labor and Industries to regulate and enforce hospital staffing committees and minimum staffing standards . It established minimum staffing standards for specific patient units . In addition , it would amend the meal and rest breaks and overtime provisions for health care employees . It further provided for a private right of action which could result in increased frivolous lawsuits . This was one of many bills that would allow the state to interfere with the day-to-day operations of business without any legitimate purpose . The bills failed to move .
SB 5891 concerning warehouse distribution centers
Failed / AWB Opposed
Senate Bill 5891 was introduced by Sen . Steve Conway , D-Tacoma . This bill would expand the use of private rights of action for safety and health matters . This bill would have micromanaged the use of employees in some warehouse settings , resulting in a broad overreach by the state . It creates retaliation presumptions undermining the at-will laws of the state . The bill was unnecessary — workers already have full protections under the law . Performance metrics and productivity standards should remain between employers and employees . Further , the bill would impact the supply chain and disproportionately harm small businesses . Like the hospital staffing legislation , this bill is another example of the state interfering in day-to-day operation of employers . The bill failed to move . It is likely that similar legislation will be introduced in 2023 .
SB 5517 concerning employment of individuals who lawfully consume cannabis
Failed / AWB Opposed
Senate Bill 5517 was introduced by Sen . Karen Keiser , D-Kent . This bill would have prohibited an employer from refusing to hire a prospective employee and discharging a current employee , with certain exceptions , due to a positive cannabis test . To pass this type of law could jeopardize employers who have federal contracts . It also opens employers to potential liability if there are accidents involving employees or third parties . The consumption of cannabis is still illegal at the national level . This bill did not make it out of committee . AWB continues to oppose any legislation that would restrict zero-tolerance drug policies .
SB 5559 concerning verification for use of paid sick leave
Failed / AWB Opposed
Sen . Karen Keiser , D-Des Moines , is chair of the Senate Labor , Commerce & Tribal Affairs Committee .
Senate Bill 5559 was introduced by Sen . Kevin Van De Wege , D-Sequim . SB 5559 would have required that an employer who does not offer a health insurance plan as an employee benefit and pays at least 85 percent of the cost of the insurance may only require an oral or written explanation provided by the employee as verification
Bill considered as part of AWB ’ s voting record
Favorable outcome for Washington businesses
Missed Opportunities
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