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Washington – 2024 – New Laws


  1. ‘Stealthing’ Protections: A new law establishes a legal framework for civil action against individuals who remove or tamper with sexually protective devices (such as condoms) without consent during sexual activity. Courts may award compensatory damages, punitive damages, and other appropriate relief12.
  2. Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls: Vehicle inspection facilities and the Department of Licensing in Washington State are now required to notify vehicle owners of any open safety recalls during inspections or registration/renewal1.
  3. Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Exemptions: Families facing hardships (such as homelessness, high unemployment rates, domestic violence, or having a child under two years old) can now receive TANF benefits beyond the previous 60-month limit1.
  4. Hospital Staffing Standards: The bill expands staffing committees in hospitals to include additional nursing staff, modifies staffing committee requirements, and clarifies standards for mandatory overtime and uninterrupted meal and rest breaks1.
  5. Warehouse Worker Safety: Regulations have been established for warehouse distribution center employers in Washington state to protect warehouse employees. These rules cover work quotas, monitoring work speed data, and rest and meal periods1.
  6. LGBTQ+ Education in Schools (SB 5462): Public schools in Washington now teach students about the contributions of the LGBTQ+ community and their perspectives1.
  7. Increased Funding for Special Education (HB 2180): Funding for special education has been raised based on student enrollment in school districts1.
  8. Liability Coverage for Gun Stores (HB 2118): Gun stores are now required to carry $1 million in liability coverage and implement extensive security measures1.
  9. Religious and Political Views in the Workplace (SB 5778): Employers can no longer force employees to attend meetings discussing their religious or political views1.
  10. Professional Licenses Regardless of Immigration Status (HB 1889): The state can no longer deny professional licenses based on immigration status1.
  11. Increased Funding for Paraeducators (SB 5882): Approximately $700 million will be allocated to hire more paraeducators in public schools, aiming to lower student-teacher ratios1.
  12. Hate Crime Hotline (SB 5427): The Attorney General’s Office will create a hate crime hotline for reporting and advice1.
  13. Washington Carbon Linked to Canada and California (SB 6058): This measure aims to streamline carbon reduction efforts and lower costs1.
  14. Washington Saves (SB 6069): Automatically creates individual retirement accounts (IRAs) for workers without access to employer 401K plans1.
  15. Penalties for Failing to Report Lost or Stolen Guns (HB 1903): Gun owners must report lost or stolen firearms within 24 hours1.