2SHB 2479 — Concerning the recovery of unpaid wages.

What this bill does

Creates the Wage Recovery Program and Wage Recovery Account to allow unpaid low-wage workers to receive disbursements if certain conditions are met. Gives the Department of Labor and Industries discretion to investigate complaints under the Wage Payment Act. Increases the minimum civil penalty amount and removes the maximum cap for willful violations, and requires penalties for repeat willful violators and willful violators that have previously settled or resolved prior wage complaints.

From the Washington State Legislature's nonpartisan staff bill analysis. Read the full analysis ↗

Floor votes

• House — 3rd Reading & Final Passage · February 13, 2026
  94 yea · 0 nay · 4 not voting
• Senate — 3rd Reading & Final Passage · March 4, 2026
  49 yea · 0 nay

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Other bills sponsored by Fosse

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