The State of Washington has enacted legislation (Senate Bill 5104), which adds immigration status protections. Senate Bill 5104 is effective July 1, 2025.
The Details
Senate Bill 5104 prohibits an employer from coercing a worker based on the worker’s immigration status.
The law defines coercion as a threat to compel or induce an individual to engage in conduct which the individual has a lawful right to refuse, or to abstain from conduct in which the individual has the lawful right to engage.
The law defines a threat as any implicit or explicit communication that specifically relates to an employee's or their family member's immigration status that is made by the employer to deter an employee from engaging in protected activities or exercising their rights under the law.
Penalties
Employers that are found to have violated the law may face penalties.
Next Steps
Review policies and procedures related to immigration status and train supervisors on the changes under the law by July 1, 2025.