The governor of Washington signed House Bill 1879 into law, modifying rest and meal break requirements for hospital workers. It goes into effect on January 1, 2026.
An employer and employee may agree to waive the meal period in any shift that lasts less than eight hours, or the second or third meal break in a shift lasting eight hours or longer. They may also adjust the timing requirements, as long as the meal break begins between the third hour worked and the second-to-last hour scheduled. Waivers must be made in writing or in a form that can be kept electronically. Waivers must also be made voluntarily and expressed as such. The employer or the employee may revoke the waiver at any time.
