All Washington employers are now subject to new child labor laws, which went into effect on July 1, 2026. Under the legislation, 16- and 17-year-old workers who are enrolled in college programs or qualifying career/technical education programs may work additional hours during the school year.

Amendments to the Fair Chance Act also took effect, affecting employers with 15+ employees. Expansions to the law provide additional protections for current employees and applicants, better aligning with the Fair Chance Employment Ordinance in Seattle.

This article is informational and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Consult with an employment lawyer or accountant for additional clarification on how these changes impact your company.