BILL · 2019–20 SESSION

HB 1601: Worker protections

Creating the universal worker protections act.

Summary

Creates the Employee Fair Classification Act, which creates new provisions prohibiting the misclassification of employees as independent contractors and creates remedies, including civil penalties and damages.
Provides for the creation of workers' boards, when certain thresholds are met, to set minimum pay rates and other labor standards for workers in certain industries.
Establishes procedures for creating portable benefits for workers in certain industries.
Specifies certain rights for workers and prohibits retaliation.
Requires contributing agents to provide data and reports about workers.
Requires the Department of Labor and Industries to investigate complaints, impose sanctions, conduct surveys, and fulfill other duties.

From the House Bill Analysis 2019 (HB 1601), written by the Legislature's nonpartisan staff. Read the full report ↗

Did not pass Did not pass · died in committee

AN ACT Relating to creating the universal worker protections act;

No recorded floor votes. This measure never reached a floor vote.

Bill numbers restart every two years, so the same number is a different bill in each session.

HB 1601 (2025–26) Crime victims/capital gains · Did not pass · died in committee
HB 1601 (2023–24) Parental rights · Did not pass · died in committee
HB 1601 (2021–22) Student homelessness pilot · Did not pass · died in committee
HB 1601 (2017–18) Beginning educator support · Did not pass · died in committee
HB 1601 (2015–16) Actions by or against county · Enacted · Chapter 138, Laws of 2015
HB 1601 (2013–14) Traffic infraction penalties · Did not pass · passed House, stalled in Senate
HB 1601 (2011–12) Middle-income households · Did not pass · died in committee
HB 1601 (2009–10) Retiremnt sys plan 2 members · Did not pass · died in committee