Under House Bill 2105, or “the Immigrant Worker Protection Act,” applicable employers in Washington are required to provide notice regarding immigrant protections in the workplace. Most requirements go into effect on October 1, 2026, including displaying a poster in a visible place.
The poster will be available on the state attorney general’s website by September 1, 2026, and will inform workers of the requirements. The requirements of the law include providing written notice to workers and their authorized representatives within five business days of receiving a notification of a federal inspection of Form I-9 and related records. When providing written notice, an employer must also provide a copy of the notice from the federal agency, along with a description of any deficiencies identified in the written results.
Additionally, the law restricts against retaliation or discrimination based on immigration status. Employers cannot impose authorization verification or re-verification requirements that exceed federal requirements, interfere with any rights, or use the exercise of these rights as a factor when promoting, evaluating, or terminating employment.
Affected employers should monitor the attorney general’s website for additional details.
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.
