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

• HB 1069: Allowing collective bargaining over contributions for certain supplemental retirement benefits.
• SHB 1105: Exempting exclusive bargaining representatives for department of corrections employees from certain provisions related to coalition bargaining.
• 2SHB 1128: Establishing a child care workforce standards board.
• EHB 1185: Concerning membership on the correctional industries advisory committee.
• E2SHB 1549: Modifying the responsible bidder criteria for public works projects.