BILL · 2025–26 SESSION · LATEST VERSION SHB 2478

HB 2478: Wage enforcement discretion

Adding discretion to wage enforcement actions.

Summary

Gives the Department of Labor and Industries (Department) discretion to investigate wage complaints under the Wage Payment Act.
Allows the Department to assess penalties for willful violations when the Department initiates an administrative investigation and orders an employer to pay wages and interest.

From the House Bill Report (HB 2478), written by the Legislature's nonpartisan staff. Read the full report ↗

Did not pass Did not pass · stalled on the House floor

AN ACT Relating to adding discretion to wage enforcement actions;

No recorded floor votes.

Feb 19, 2026Returned to Rules Committee for second reading. (SHB 2478)
Feb 19, 2026House Rules "X" file. (SHB 2478)
Feb 19, 2026House Rules "X" file.
Feb 19, 2026Returned to Rules Committee for second reading.
Feb 10, 2026Rules Committee relieved of further consideration. Placed on second reading. (SHB 2478)
Feb 10, 2026Rules Committee relieved of further consideration. Placed on second reading.
Feb 3, 2026Referred to Rules 2 Review. (SHB 2478)
Feb 3, 2026Referred to Rules 2 Review.
Jan 30, 2026LAWS - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. (SHB 2478)
Jan 30, 2026LAWS - Executive action taken by committee.
Jan 30, 2026LAWS - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.
Jan 14, 2026First reading, referred to Labor & Workplace Standards.

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

HB 2478 (2023–24) Postconviction review · Did not pass · died in committee
HB 2478 (2019–20) Sports wagering · Did not pass · died in committee
HB 2478 (2017–18) Write-in voting · Did not pass · died in committee
HB 2478 (2015–16) Pollinator forage preserv. · Enacted · Chapter 44, Laws of 2016
HB 2478 (2013–14) Water pollution control · Did not pass · died in committee
HB 2478 (2011–12) Higher ed student auditing · Did not pass · died in committee
HB 2478 (2009–10) Health care providers · Did not pass · died in committee
HB 2478 (2007–08) Military parents' children · Did not pass · passed House, stalled in Senate