Washington Business Fall 2015 | Legislative Review | Page 10

2015 legislative review Employment & Workplace Robert Battles: Labor & Employment Law, Workers’ Compensation labor & employment law The record-setting 2015 legislative session, complete with three special sessions, included passionate debate over divisive issues like minimum wage, paid safe and sick leave and anti-retaliation laws. Much of the legislation was backed by labor unions. These issues resulted in a spirited debate in both the House and Senate committees, and while most of the bills ultimately failed, the House did pass an increase in the minimum wage to $12 and a mandatory safe and sick leave bill. Both bills failed to move in the Senate. Although the Legislature has adjourned, these issues continue to be debated in local city council chambers. We are seeing a concerted effort to push local jurisdictions to raise the minimum wage and require employers to pay mandatory sick leave. This has created a patchwork of local regulations, making it difficult for employers to continue to do business in Washington state. We expect to see several of these issues on local and statewide ballots in either 2015 or 2016, and the Legislature will likely continue to debate them in the short 2016 session. AWB continues to seek balanced legislation that promotes business opportunities for all Washington residents. We will continue to oppose regulations that indiscriminately add to the cost of doing business without considering the impact on employers. HB 1006 providing for damages for wage violations Failed/AWB Opposed House Bill 1006, sponsored by Rep. David Sawyer, D-Tacoma, would have increased the penalty on employers found willfully withholding wages from workers from double to triple damages. Labor officials claimed the legislation was reworked from a bill introduced in 2014, yet it was almost identical to the 2014 version, House Bill 2332. Supporters provided no basis for changing the double damages provision that has been the law for decades. It failed to get a vote in the House. ESHB 1078 consumer financial information Passed/AWB Neutral Rep. Zack Hudgins, D-Tukwila, introduced this legislation as part of the attorney general’s request legislation. 8 association of washington business This bill implements new requirements for businesses to report data breaches to consumers. AWB raised concerns over the type of data included and the timelines provided for notification and worked with the attorney general and the sponsors to address those concerns. The result is a bill that passed both chambers unanimously. HB 1163 paid vacation leave Failed/AWB Opposed House Bill 1163, sponsored by Rep. Gael Tarleton, D-Ballard, would have required employers with 10 or more employees to provide paid vacation leave. The legislation required covered employers to provide two hours leave for every 40 hours worked, after working for an employer for six month ˈ\