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HB2191 • 2026

Construction worker wages

Concerning workers' wages and benefits in the construction industry.

Labor Small Business
Passed Legislature

This bill passed both chambers and reached final enrollment, even if later executive action is not shown here.

Sponsor
Representative Cortes, Representative Obras, Representative Parshley, Representative Kloba, Representative Callan, Representative Ramel, Representative Mena, Representative Doglio, Representative Simmons, Representative Scott, Representative Peterson, Representative Berry, Representative Fosse, Representative Reed, Representative Salahuddin, Representative Santos, Representative Street, Representative Duerr, Representative Thomas, Representative Stonier, Representative Gregerson, Representative Ormsby, Representative Berg, Representative Goodman, Representative Macri, Representative Hill, Representative Pollet
Last action
2026-02-19
Official status
H Rules X
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

Using official source text because the generated explanation was unavailable or could not be confirmed against the official bill text.

Construction worker wages

Construction worker wages

What This Bill Does

  • Construction worker wages

Limits and Unknowns

  • This entry is temporarily using official source text because the generated explanation could not be confirmed against the official bill text during the last sync.

Amendments

These notes stay tied to the official amendment files and metadata from the legislature.

2191-S AMH COUT TANG 217

1581 • Couture

NOT CONSIDERED

Plain English: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 2191-S AMH COUT TANG 217 1 - Official Print By Representative Couture EFFECT: Allows an agreement to contain provisions to indemnify an owner or direct contractor when the contractor did not have direct control over the payroll practices of the subcontractor.

  • 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 2191-S AMH COUT TANG 217 1 - Official Print By Representative Couture EFFECT: Allows an agreement to contain provisions to indemnify an owner or direct contractor when the contractor did not have direct control over the payroll practices of the subcontractor.
  • 2191-S AMH COUT TANG 217 SHB 2191 - H AMD 1581 NOT CONSIDERED 03/12/2026 On page 5, line 11, after "invalid" insert ", except that an agreement may contain a provision that indemnifies an owner or direct contractor when the contractor did not have direct control over the payroll practices of the subcontractor" --- END
2191-S AMH COUT TANG 218

1582 • Couture

NOT CONSIDERED

Plain English: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 2191-S AMH COUT TANG 218 1 - Official Print By Representative Couture EFFECT: Provides that liability does not apply to a contractor that either uses a certified payroll compliance program or that conducts state-approved payroll audits.

  • 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 2191-S AMH COUT TANG 218 1 - Official Print By Representative Couture EFFECT: Provides that liability does not apply to a contractor that either uses a certified payroll compliance program or that conducts state-approved payroll audits.
  • 2191-S AMH COUT TANG 218 SHB 2191 - H AMD 1582 NOT CONSIDERED 03/12/2026 On page 4, line 7, after "(1)" strike "An" and insert "(a) Except as provided in (b) of this subsection, an" On page 4, line 14, after "contract." insert the following: "(b) This section does not apply to a contractor that either: (i) uses a certified payroll compliance program that can generate state- specified certified payroll reports and statements of compliance; or (ii) conducts payroll audits that have been approved by the state." --- END
2191-S AMH ABBA MORI 311

1584 • Abbarno

NOT CONSIDERED

Plain English: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 2191-S AMH ABBA MORI 311 1 - Official Print By Representative Abbarno EFFECT: Removes officers, directors, managing members, managers, and other individuals exercising substantial discretionary control from the definitions of "direct contractor," "owner," and "subcontractor." 2191-S AMH ABBA MORI 311 SHB 2191 - H AMD 1584 NOT CONSIDERED 03/12/2026 On page 2, line 18, after "(4)" strike "(a)" On page 2, beginning on line 22, strike all of subsection (b) On page 3, beginning on line 11, after "(b)" strike all material through "(c)" on line 15 On page 3, line 24, after "(9)" strike "(a)" On page 3, beginning on line 30, strike all of subsection (b) --- END

  • 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 2191-S AMH ABBA MORI 311 1 - Official Print By Representative Abbarno EFFECT: Removes officers, directors, managing members, managers, and other individuals exercising substantial discretionary control from the definitions of "direct contractor," "owner," and "subcontractor." 2191-S AMH ABBA MORI 311 SHB 2191 - H AMD 1584 NOT CONSIDERED 03/12/2026 On page 2, line 18, after "(4)" strike "(a)" On page 2, beginning on line 22, strike all of subsection (b) On page 3, beginning on line 11, after "(b)" strike all material through "(c)" on line 15 On page 3, line 24, after "(9)" strike "(a)" On page 3, beginning on line 30, strike all of subsection (b) --- END
2191-S AMH ABEL MORI 310

1585 • Abell

NOT CONSIDERED

Plain English: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 2191-S AMH ABEL MORI 310 1 - Official Print By Representative Abell EFFECT: Allows penalties and double damages to be awarded only if the failure to pay wages was willful, instead of regardless of whether the failure to pay wages was willful.

  • 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 2191-S AMH ABEL MORI 310 1 - Official Print By Representative Abell EFFECT: Allows penalties and double damages to be awarded only if the failure to pay wages was willful, instead of regardless of whether the failure to pay wages was willful.
  • 2191-S AMH ABEL MORI 310 SHB 2191 - H AMD 1585 NOT CONSIDERED 03/12/2026 On page 4, beginning on line 22, after "section" strike all material through "whether" on line 23 and insert "may be awarded only if" --- END
2191-S AMH MANJ RYAL 034

1586 • Manjarrez

NOT CONSIDERED

Plain English: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 2191-S AMH MANJ RYAL 034 1 - Official Print By Representative Manjarrez EFFECT: Removes fringe benefit contributions, compensation for missed meal and rest periods, reimbursements, penalties, and damages as recoverable in an action brought under the bill, thereby limiting the action to recovery of unpaid wages.

  • 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 2191-S AMH MANJ RYAL 034 1 - Official Print By Representative Manjarrez EFFECT: Removes fringe benefit contributions, compensation for missed meal and rest periods, reimbursements, penalties, and damages as recoverable in an action brought under the bill, thereby limiting the action to recovery of unpaid wages.
  • Removes the definition of "reimbursements." 2191-S AMH MANJ RYAL 034 SHB 2191 - H AMD 1586 NOT CONSIDERED 03/12/2026 On page 3, beginning on line 19, strike all of subsection (8) Renumber the remaining subsections consecutively and correct any internal references accordingly.
  • On page 4, beginning on line 9, after "wages" strike all material through "damages," on line 11 On page 4, beginning on line 18, after "wages" strike all material through "willful" on line 24 On page 4, beginning on line 25, after "wages" strike all material through "damages," on line 27 On page 4, beginning on line 28, after "wages" strike all material through "damages," on line 30 On page 5, beginning on line 28, after "wages" strike all material through "section" on line 32 On page 5, beginning on line 35, after "wages" strike all material through "section" on line 39 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 2191-S AMH MANJ RYAL 034 2 - Official Print --- END
2191-S AMH SCHM RYAL 035

1587 • Schmidt

NOT CONSIDERED

Plain English: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 2191-S AMH SCHM RYAL 035 1 - Official Print By Representative Schmidt EFFECT: Includes local and state government entities in the definition of "owner," establishing liability for these entities when a direct contractor or subcontractor fails to pay wages.

  • 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 2191-S AMH SCHM RYAL 035 1 - Official Print By Representative Schmidt EFFECT: Includes local and state government entities in the definition of "owner," establishing liability for these entities when a direct contractor or subcontractor fails to pay wages.
  • 2191-S AMH SCHM RYAL 035 SHB 2191 - H AMD 1587 NOT CONSIDERED 03/12/2026 On page 3, beginning on line 15, after "include" strike all material through "A" on line 18 and insert "a" --- END
2191-S AMH DUFA TANG 221

1588 • Dufault

NOT CONSIDERED

Plain English: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 2191-S AMH DUFA TANG 221 1 - Official Print By Representative Dufault EFFECT: Removes the requirement for a subcontractor, upon the owner's or direct contractor's request, to provide: (1) the name, address, and phone number of a contact for the subcontractor; (2) the names of all workers who performed work on the project and whether each worker is classified as an employee or independent contractor; (3) the names of any subcontractors with whom the first- tier subcontractor contracts; (4) the anticipated contract start date and duration of the work; and (5) affidavits attesting to whether the subcontractor has been the subject of any proceedings, citations, settlements, or investigations regarding wage violations, along with the outcomes or current status of those proceedings.

  • 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 2191-S AMH DUFA TANG 221 1 - Official Print By Representative Dufault EFFECT: Removes the requirement for a subcontractor, upon the owner's or direct contractor's request, to provide: (1) the name, address, and phone number of a contact for the subcontractor; (2) the names of all workers who performed work on the project and whether each worker is classified as an employee or independent contractor; (3) the names of any subcontractors with whom the first- tier subcontractor contracts; (4) the anticipated contract start date and duration of the work; and (5) affidavits attesting to whether the subcontractor has been the subject of any proceedings, citations, settlements, or investigations regarding wage violations, along with the outcomes or current status of those proceedings.
  • 2191-S AMH DUFA TANG 221 SHB 2191 - H AMD 1588 NOT CONSIDERED 03/12/2026 On page 6, beginning on line 30, after "provide" strike all material through "Certified" on line 32 and insert "to the owner or direct contractor certified" On page 6, beginning on line 36, after "compensation" strike all material through "investigation" on page 7, line 20 --- END
2191-S AMH COUT TANG 219

1589 • Couture

NOT CONSIDERED

Plain English: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 2191-S AMH COUT TANG 219 1 - Official Print By Representative Couture EFFECT: Excludes from the definition of "subcontractor" an entity that has received a Small Business Enterprise certification through the state's Office of Minority and Women's Business Enterprises; thus, exempting those subcontractors from the bill.

  • 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 2191-S AMH COUT TANG 219 1 - Official Print By Representative Couture EFFECT: Excludes from the definition of "subcontractor" an entity that has received a Small Business Enterprise certification through the state's Office of Minority and Women's Business Enterprises; thus, exempting those subcontractors from the bill.
  • 2191-S AMH COUT TANG 219 SHB 2191 - H AMD 1589 NOT CONSIDERED 03/12/2026 On page 3, after line 34, insert the following: "(c) "Subcontractor" does not include an entity, or any officer, director, managing member, manager, or other individual who exercises substantial discretionary control over the finances, overall management, or employment policies and practices of the entity, that has received a small business enterprise certification through the Washington state office of minority and women's business enterprises." --- END
2191-S AMH MCEN MORI 313

1590 • McEntire

NOT CONSIDERED

Plain English: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 2191-S AMH MCEN MORI 313 1 - Official Print By Representative McEntire EFFECT: Limits the extended liability only to wages and benefits that were knowingly unpaid.

  • 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 2191-S AMH MCEN MORI 313 1 - Official Print By Representative McEntire EFFECT: Limits the extended liability only to wages and benefits that were knowingly unpaid.
  • 2191-S AMH MCEN MORI 313 SHB 2191 - H AMD 1590 NOT CONSIDERED 03/12/2026 On page 4, line 9, after "any" insert "knowingly" On page 4, line 18, after "recover" insert "knowingly" --- END
2191-S AMH ABEL TANG 220

1591 • Abell

NOT CONSIDERED

Plain English: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 2191-S AMH ABEL TANG 220 1 - Official Print By Representative Abell EFFECT: Provides that liability does not apply when the unrepresented employee is working under a contract that provides for final binding arbitration for unpaid wages and fringe benefit contributions.

  • 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 2191-S AMH ABEL TANG 220 1 - Official Print By Representative Abell EFFECT: Provides that liability does not apply when the unrepresented employee is working under a contract that provides for final binding arbitration for unpaid wages and fringe benefit contributions.
  • 2191-S AMH ABEL TANG 220 SHB 2191 - H AMD 1591 NOT CONSIDERED 03/12/2026 On page 4, line 14, after "contract." insert "However, this section does not apply when the unrepresented employee is working under a contract that provides for final binding arbitration for claims to recover unpaid wages and fringe benefit contributions." --- END
2191-S AMH DUFA MORI 314

1592 • Dufault

NOT CONSIDERED

Plain English: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 2191-S AMH DUFA MORI 314 1 - Official Print By Representative Dufault EFFECT: Decreases the statute of limitations for a civil action to recover unpaid wages or benefits from three years to two years.

  • 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 2191-S AMH DUFA MORI 314 1 - Official Print By Representative Dufault EFFECT: Decreases the statute of limitations for a civil action to recover unpaid wages or benefits from three years to two years.
  • 2191-S AMH DUFA MORI 314 SHB 2191 - H AMD 1592 NOT CONSIDERED 03/12/2026 On page 4, line 28, after "within" strike "three" and insert "two" --- END
2191-S AMH ABBA RYAL 036

1593 • Abbarno

NOT CONSIDERED

Plain English: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 2191-S AMH ABBA RYAL 036 1 - Official Print By Representative Abbarno 2191-S AMH ABBA RYAL 036 SHB 2191 - H AMD 1593 NOT CONSIDERED 03/12/2026 On page 3, beginning on line 19, strike all of subsection (8) Renumber the remaining subsections consecutively and correct any internal references accordingly.

  • 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 2191-S AMH ABBA RYAL 036 1 - Official Print By Representative Abbarno 2191-S AMH ABBA RYAL 036 SHB 2191 - H AMD 1593 NOT CONSIDERED 03/12/2026 On page 3, beginning on line 19, strike all of subsection (8) Renumber the remaining subsections consecutively and correct any internal references accordingly.
  • On page 4, beginning on line 10, beginning with "compensation" strike all material through "damages," on line 11 On page 4, at the beginning of line 19, beginning with "compensation" strike all material through "witness fees," on line 21 and insert "interest, civil penalties as provided under state wage laws, reasonable attorney's fees," On page 4, beginning on line 22, after "action." strike all material through "willful" on line 24 On page 4, beginning on line 25, after "section" strike all material through "damages," on line 27 On page 4, beginning on line 28, after "wages" strike all material through "damages," on line 30 On page 5, beginning on line 28, after "contributions," strike all material through "witness fees," on line 31 and insert "interest, civil penalties as provided under state wage laws, reasonable attorney's fees," 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 2191-S AMH ABBA RYAL 036 2 - Official Print EFFECT: Removes compensation for missed meal and rest periods, reimbursements, double damages, noneconomic damages, and expert witness fees as recoverable in an action brought under the bill, thereby limiting the action to recovery of unpaid wages, fringe benefit contributions, interest, civil penalties as provided under state wage law, reasonable attorney's fees, and costs of the suit.
  • Removes mandatory penalties and mandatory double damages.
  • Removes the definition of "reimbursements." On page 5, beginning on line 36, after "contributions," strike all material through "witness fees," on line 38 and insert "interest, civil penalties as provided under state wage laws, reasonable attorney's fees," --- END
2191-S AMH WALJ TANG 222

1594 • Walsh

NOT CONSIDERED

Plain English: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 2191-S AMH WALJ TANG 222 1 - Official Print By Representative Walsh EFFECT: Removes the requirement for a subcontractor, upon the owner's or direct contractor's request, to provide affidavits attesting to whether the subcontractor has been the subject of any proceedings, citations, settlements, or investigations regarding wage violations, along with the outcomes or current status of those proceedings.

  • 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 2191-S AMH WALJ TANG 222 1 - Official Print By Representative Walsh EFFECT: Removes the requirement for a subcontractor, upon the owner's or direct contractor's request, to provide affidavits attesting to whether the subcontractor has been the subject of any proceedings, citations, settlements, or investigations regarding wage violations, along with the outcomes or current status of those proceedings.
  • 2191-S AMH WALJ TANG 222 SHB 2191 - H AMD 1594 NOT CONSIDERED 03/12/2026 On page 7, line 5, after "contracts;" insert "and" On page 7, beginning on line 7, after "work" strike all material through "investigation" on line 20 --- END
2191-S AMH SCHM MORI 312

1595 • Schmidt

NOT CONSIDERED

Plain English: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 2191-S AMH SCHM MORI 312 1 - Official Print By Representative Schmidt EFFECT: Requires a person to give upper-tier subcontractors (in addition to owners and direct contractors) 21 days to correct an alleged violation prior to commencing a civil action.

  • 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 2191-S AMH SCHM MORI 312 1 - Official Print By Representative Schmidt EFFECT: Requires a person to give upper-tier subcontractors (in addition to owners and direct contractors) 21 days to correct an alleged violation prior to commencing a civil action.
  • Clarifies that the prohibition against initiating a civil action during the 21 days applies to civil actions against owners, direct contractors, and subcontractors.
  • 2191-S AMH SCHM MORI 312 SHB 2191 - H AMD 1595 NOT CONSIDERED 03/12/2026 On page 4, beginning on line 31, after "owner" strike "or a direct contractor" and insert ", a direct contractor, or an upper-tier subcontractor" On page 4, line 34, after "owner" strike "and direct contractor" and insert ", direct contractor, and upper-tier subcontractor" On page 4, beginning on line 35, after "owner" strike "and the direct contractor" and insert ", the direct contractor, and the upper- tier subcontractor" On page 4, line 38, after "owner" strike "or direct contractor" and insert ", direct contractor, or upper-tier subcontractor" On page 5, line 3, after "initiated" insert "against an owner, direct contractor, or upper-tier subcontractor" On page 5, beginning on line 5, after "owner" strike "or direct contractor" and insert ", direct contractor, or upper-tier subcontractor" 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 2191-S AMH SCHM MORI 312 2 - Official Print --- END
2191-S AMH SCHM TANG 223

1596 • Schmidt

NOT CONSIDERED

Plain English: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 2191-S AMH SCHM TANG 223 1 - Official Print By Representative Schmidt 2191-S AMH SCHM TANG 223 SHB 2191 - H AMD 1596 NOT CONSIDERED 03/12/2026 Strike everything after the enacting clause and insert the following: "Sec.

  • 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 2191-S AMH SCHM TANG 223 1 - Official Print By Representative Schmidt 2191-S AMH SCHM TANG 223 SHB 2191 - H AMD 1596 NOT CONSIDERED 03/12/2026 Strike everything after the enacting clause and insert the following: "Sec.
  • 1.
  • RCW 49.48.083 and 2023 c 243 s 1 are each amended to read as follows: (1)(a) If an employee files a wage complaint with the department, the department ((shall)) may investigate the wage complaint.
  • In determining which complaints will be investigated, the department must establish a written process by which wage complaints will be prioritized based on factors including, but not limited to, the harm to the affected employee, the severity of the complaint, the number of employees potentially affected, and the probability of retaliation.
2191-S AMH CORR TANG 224

1597 • Corry

NOT CONSIDERED

Plain English: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 2191-S AMH CORR TANG 224 1 - Official Print By Representative Corry EFFECT: Exempts from the bill owners that are financial institutions that acquire property through foreclosure and enter construction contracts for minimal work to maintain or preserve property for purposes of protecting the financial institution's interest.

  • 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 2191-S AMH CORR TANG 224 1 - Official Print By Representative Corry EFFECT: Exempts from the bill owners that are financial institutions that acquire property through foreclosure and enter construction contracts for minimal work to maintain or preserve property for purposes of protecting the financial institution's interest.
  • 2191-S AMH CORR TANG 224 SHB 2191 - H AMD 1597 NOT CONSIDERED 03/12/2026 On page 3, line 17, after "39.04.010;" strike "or" On page 3, line 18, after "43.376.010" insert "; or (iii) A "financial institution" as defined under RCW 30A.22.041 that has acquired property through a foreclosure and has entered a construction contract to do minimal work of maintaining or preserving the property for purposes of protecting the financial institution's interest." --- END
2191-S AMH SCHM RYAL 038

1710 • Schmidt

NOT CONSIDERED

Plain English: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 2191-S AMH SCHM RYAL 038 1 - Official Print By Representative Schmidt 2191-S AMH SCHM RYAL 038 SHB 2191 - H AMD 1710 NOT CONSIDERED 03/12/2026 On page 6, line 1, after (9) insert "(a) An owner or direct contractor is not liable under this section if the owner or direct contractor establishes, by a preponderance of the evidence, that prior to receiving notice under subsection (4) of this section, the owner or direct contractor: (i) Required each subcontractor to provide certified payroll records on a regular basis during performance of the work; (ii) Obtained from each subcontractor a written certification, under penalty of perjury, that all wages and fringe benefit contributions owed to employees for work performed on the project had been paid in full and in compliance with applicable wage laws; (iii) Did not have actual knowledge of the alleged wage violation; and (iv) Upon receiving notice of the alleged violation, took prompt and reasonable steps to investigate and, if a violation was confirmed, to ensure payment of any wages due within the time period provided under subsection (4) of this section.

  • 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 2191-S AMH SCHM RYAL 038 1 - Official Print By Representative Schmidt 2191-S AMH SCHM RYAL 038 SHB 2191 - H AMD 1710 NOT CONSIDERED 03/12/2026 On page 6, line 1, after (9) insert "(a) An owner or direct contractor is not liable under this section if the owner or direct contractor establishes, by a preponderance of the evidence, that prior to receiving notice under subsection (4) of this section, the owner or direct contractor: (i) Required each subcontractor to provide certified payroll records on a regular basis during performance of the work; (ii) Obtained from each subcontractor a written certification, under penalty of perjury, that all wages and fringe benefit contributions owed to employees for work performed on the project had been paid in full and in compliance with applicable wage laws; (iii) Did not have actual knowledge of the alleged wage violation; and (iv) Upon receiving notice of the alleged violation, took prompt and reasonable steps to investigate and, if a violation was confirmed, to ensure payment of any wages due within the time period provided under subsection (4) of this section.
  • (b) The safe harbor provided in this subsection does not apply if the owner or direct contractor acted in bad faith or willfully disregarded credible evidence of wage violations on the project.
  • (c) Nothing in this subsection limits the liability of the subcontractor that directly employed the employee.
  • (10)" Renumber the remaining subsections consecutively and correct any internal references accordingly.
2191-S AMH SCHM TANG 236

1711 • Schmidt

NOT CONSIDERED

Plain English: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 2191-S AMH SCHM TANG 236 1 - Official Print By Representative Schmidt EFFECT:  Requires notice of the civil action to be sent to the subcontractor and provides that no civil action may be brought against an owner or director contractor if the subcontractor corrects the alleged violation.

  • 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 2191-S AMH SCHM TANG 236 1 - Official Print By Representative Schmidt EFFECT:  Requires notice of the civil action to be sent to the subcontractor and provides that no civil action may be brought against an owner or director contractor if the subcontractor corrects the alleged violation.
  •  Extends the right to cure period from 21 days to 30 days.
  •  Decreases the statute of limitations for a civil action to recover unpaid wages or benefits from three years to two years.
  • 2191-S AMH SCHM TANG 236 SHB 2191 - H AMD 1711 NOT CONSIDERED 03/12/2026 On page 4, line 28, after "within" strike "three" and insert "two" On page 4, line 34, after "owner" strike "and direct contractor" and insert ", direct contractor, and subcontractor" On page 4, beginning on line 35, after "owner" strike "and the direct contractor have 21" and insert ", direct contractor, and subcontractor have 30" On page 4, line 38, after "owner" strike "or direct contractor" and insert ", direct contractor, or upper-tier subcontractor" On page 5, line 6, after "owner" strike "or direct contractor" and insert ", direct contractor, or subcontractor" --- END
2191-S AMH SCHM RYAL 039

1712 • Schmidt

NOT CONSIDERED

Plain English: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 2191-S AMH SCHM RYAL 039 1 - Official Print By Representative Schmidt EFFECT: Specifies that the notice provided to an owner or direct contractor before filing a civil action must include the following: (1) name of the employer directing employing the employee; (2) project name or location; (3) relevant dates of work; (4) employee's job classification or type of work performed; (5) pay rate; (6) 2191-S AMH SCHM RYAL 039 SHB 2191 - H AMD 1712 NOT CONSIDERED 03/12/2026 On page 4, beginning on line 37, after "violation." strike all material through "action." on page 5, line 2 On page 5, line 3, after "(b)" insert "The notice must include a sworn statement signed under penalty of perjury by the unrepresented employee, or by an authorized third party representative with written authorization, that includes the following information to the best of the signer's knowledge: (i) The name of the employer that directly employed the employee; (ii) The project name or location; (iii) The dates of work giving rise to the claim; (iv) The employee's job classification or type of work performed; (v) The hourly rate or other rate of pay claimed to apply; (vi) The number of hours claimed to be unpaid; and (vii) The total amount of wages and fringe benefit contributions claimed to be unpaid, and a brief description of how that amount was calculated.

  • 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 2191-S AMH SCHM RYAL 039 1 - Official Print By Representative Schmidt EFFECT: Specifies that the notice provided to an owner or direct contractor before filing a civil action must include the following: (1) name of the employer directing employing the employee; (2) project name or location; (3) relevant dates of work; (4) employee's job classification or type of work performed; (5) pay rate; (6) 2191-S AMH SCHM RYAL 039 SHB 2191 - H AMD 1712 NOT CONSIDERED 03/12/2026 On page 4, beginning on line 37, after "violation." strike all material through "action." on page 5, line 2 On page 5, line 3, after "(b)" insert "The notice must include a sworn statement signed under penalty of perjury by the unrepresented employee, or by an authorized third party representative with written authorization, that includes the following information to the best of the signer's knowledge: (i) The name of the employer that directly employed the employee; (ii) The project name or location; (iii) The dates of work giving rise to the claim; (iv) The employee's job classification or type of work performed; (v) The hourly rate or other rate of pay claimed to apply; (vi) The number of hours claimed to be unpaid; and (vii) The total amount of wages and fringe benefit contributions claimed to be unpaid, and a brief description of how that amount was calculated.
  • (c) A civil action may not be initiated until a notice that substantially complies with this subsection has been provided.
  • (d)" Renumber the remaining subsections consecutively and correct any internal references accordingly.
  • 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 2191-S AMH SCHM RYAL 039 2 - Official Print number of hours claimed to be unpaid; and (7) total amount of unpaid wages and fringe benefit contribution and how the total was calculated.
2191-S AMH SCHM TANG 237

1713 • Schmidt

NOT CONSIDERED

Plain English: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 2191-S AMH SCHM TANG 237 1 - Official Print By Representative Schmidt EFFECT:  Requires parties to participate in mediation prior to commencing a civil action against an owner, director contractor, or subcontractor, and allows a party to request mediation anytime after the 21-day right to cure period expires.

  • 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 2191-S AMH SCHM TANG 237 1 - Official Print By Representative Schmidt EFFECT:  Requires parties to participate in mediation prior to commencing a civil action against an owner, director contractor, or subcontractor, and allows a party to request mediation anytime after the 21-day right to cure period expires.
  • 2191-S AMH SCHM TANG 237 SHB 2191 - H AMD 1713 NOT CONSIDERED 03/12/2026 On page 6, line 1, after "(9)" insert "(a) Prior to commencing a civil action against an owner, direct contractor, or subcontractor under this section, the parties must participate in mediation conducted by a neutral mediator agreed upon by the parties or appointed pursuant to court rule.
  • (b) A request for mediation may be made at any time after the expiration of the cure period provided in subsection (4) of this section.
  • (c) Mediation must occur within 30 days of the request unless the parties agree otherwise.
2191-S AMH SCHM TANG 235

1714 • Schmidt

NOT CONSIDERED

Plain English: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 2191-S AMH SCHM TANG 235 1 - Official Print By Representative Schmidt EFFECT: Provides that it is an affirmative defense to liability if the owner or direct contractor shows by a preponderance of the evidence that payment was made to the subcontractor.

  • 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 2191-S AMH SCHM TANG 235 1 - Official Print By Representative Schmidt EFFECT: Provides that it is an affirmative defense to liability if the owner or direct contractor shows by a preponderance of the evidence that payment was made to the subcontractor.
  • 2191-S AMH SCHM TANG 235 SHB 2191 - H AMD 1714 NOT CONSIDERED 03/12/2026 On page 4, line 15, after "(2)" insert "(a)" On page 4, after line 24, insert the following: "(b) In any civil action under this section, it is an affirmative defense, if the owner or direct contractor shows, by a preponderance of the evidence, that payment has been made to the subcontractor." --- END
2191-S AMH SCHM TANG 238

1715 • Schmidt

NOT CONSIDERED

Plain English: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 2191-S AMH SCHM TANG 238 1 - Official Print By Representative Schmidt EFFECT: Specifies that the unpaid wages, fringe benefit contributions, compensation for missed meal and rest periods, and reimbursements are limited to amounts actually owed, and such amounts must be supported by evidence and not based on speculative or unsupported estimates.

  • 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 2191-S AMH SCHM TANG 238 1 - Official Print By Representative Schmidt EFFECT: Specifies that the unpaid wages, fringe benefit contributions, compensation for missed meal and rest periods, and reimbursements are limited to amounts actually owed, and such amounts must be supported by evidence and not based on speculative or unsupported estimates.
  • 2191-S AMH SCHM TANG 238 SHB 2191 - H AMD 1715 NOT CONSIDERED 03/12/2026 On page 4, line 11, after "damages," insert "actually" On page 4, line 14, after "contract." insert "The unpaid wages, fringe benefit contributions, compensation for missed meal and rest periods, and reimbursements referred to in this section are limited to the amounts actually owed to the unrepresented employee, and such amounts must be supported by evidence and not based on speculative or unsupported estimates." --- END
2191-S AMH SCHM RYAL 040

1741 • Schmidt

NOT CONSIDERED

Plain English: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 2191-S AMH SCHM RYAL 040 1 - Official Print By Representative Schmidt EFFECT: Limits an upstream contractor's liability to situations where the upstream contractor had express contractual authority to approve a subcontractor's payrolls or enforce wage payment compliance by a subcontractor.

  • 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 2191-S AMH SCHM RYAL 040 1 - Official Print By Representative Schmidt EFFECT: Limits an upstream contractor's liability to situations where the upstream contractor had express contractual authority to approve a subcontractor's payrolls or enforce wage payment compliance by a subcontractor.
  • 2191-S AMH SCHM RYAL 040 SHB 2191 - H AMD 1741 NOT CONSIDERED 03/12/2026 On page 4, line 15, after "(2)" insert "No upstream contractor shall be held liable for wages or benefits that are unpaid by a subcontractor unless the upstream contractor had express contractual authority to approve payrolls or enforce wage payment compliance by the subcontractor.
  • (3)" Renumber the remaining subsections consecutively and correct any internal references accordingly.
  • END
2191-S AMH SCHM TANG 240

1742 • Schmidt

NOT CONSIDERED

Plain English: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 2191-S AMH SCHM TANG 240 1 - Official Print By Representative Schmidt EFFECT: Requires an unrepresented employee to exhaust all administrative remedies under the Minimum Wage Act and Wage Payment Act before the employee or authorized third party representative can bring a civil action under the bill for unpaid wages.

  • 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 2191-S AMH SCHM TANG 240 1 - Official Print By Representative Schmidt EFFECT: Requires an unrepresented employee to exhaust all administrative remedies under the Minimum Wage Act and Wage Payment Act before the employee or authorized third party representative can bring a civil action under the bill for unpaid wages.
  • Tolls the statute of limitations during the period in which the employee is pursuing administrative remedies.
  • 2191-S AMH SCHM TANG 240 SHB 2191 - H AMD 1742 NOT CONSIDERED 03/12/2026 On page 4, line 15, after "(2)" strike "The" and insert "(a) Subject to subsection (b) of this section, the" On page 4, after line 24, insert the following: "(b) Before the unrepresented employee or an authorized third party representative may bring a civil action under this section, the unrepresented employee must have exhausted all administrative remedies available to that employee under the minimum wage act and the wage payment act." On page 4, line 30, after "due." insert "The statute of limitations is tolled during the time period in which the unrepresented employee is pursuing administrative remedies and the tolling ends on the date a final order is issued." --- END
2191-S AMH SCHM RYAL 041

1743 • Schmidt

NOT CONSIDERED

Plain English: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 2191-S AMH SCHM RYAL 041 1 - Official Print By Representative Schmidt 2191-S AMH SCHM RYAL 041 SHB 2191 - H AMD 1743 NOT CONSIDERED 03/12/2026 On page 5, beginning on line 10, after "liability" strike ", or to indemnify an owner or direct contractor for liability assigned under this section," On page 5, line 12, after "(6)" insert "An owner or direct contractor may enter into an agreement indemnifying the owner or direct contractor for liability under this section.

  • 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 2191-S AMH SCHM RYAL 041 1 - Official Print By Representative Schmidt 2191-S AMH SCHM RYAL 041 SHB 2191 - H AMD 1743 NOT CONSIDERED 03/12/2026 On page 5, beginning on line 10, after "liability" strike ", or to indemnify an owner or direct contractor for liability assigned under this section," On page 5, line 12, after "(6)" insert "An owner or direct contractor may enter into an agreement indemnifying the owner or direct contractor for liability under this section.
  • (7)" Renumber the remaining subsections consecutively and correct any internal references accordingly.
  • On page 7, line 37, after "section;" strike "and" On page 7, line 38, after "(b)" insert "Withold payment to a subcontractor when there is a dispute regarding whether wages are owed to an employee of the subcontractor; and (c)" On page 8, line 1, after "(5)" insert "An owner or direct contractor may seek payment from a subcontractor when the owner or direct contractor pays an employee of the subcontractor for wages owed by the subcontractor.
  • (6)" Renumber the remaining subsections consecutively and correct any internal references accordingly.
2191-S AMH SCHM RYAL 042

1744 • Schmidt

NOT CONSIDERED

Plain English: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 2191-S AMH SCHM RYAL 042 1 - Official Print By Representative Schmidt EFFECT: Provides that an owner or direct contractor is not liable for wages owed to an employee by a subcontractor if the owner or direct contractor required the subcontractor to carry a wage bond, payment bond, employment practice liability insurance, and to provide verification of workers' compensation insurance compliance.

  • 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 2191-S AMH SCHM RYAL 042 1 - Official Print By Representative Schmidt EFFECT: Provides that an owner or direct contractor is not liable for wages owed to an employee by a subcontractor if the owner or direct contractor required the subcontractor to carry a wage bond, payment bond, employment practice liability insurance, and to provide verification of workers' compensation insurance compliance.
  • 2191-S AMH SCHM RYAL 042 SHB 2191 - H AMD 1744 NOT CONSIDERED 03/12/2026 On page 6, line 1, after "(9)" insert "An owner or direct contractor is not liable under this section if the owner or direct contractor required the subcontractor to carry a wage bond, payment bond, and employment practice liability insurance, and required the subcontractor to provide verification of compliance with industrial insurance requirements in Title 51 RCW.
  • (10)" Renumber the remaining subsections consecutively and correct any internal references accordingly.
  • END
2191-S AMH SCHM TANG 239

1745 • Schmidt

NOT CONSIDERED

Plain English: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 2191-S AMH SCHM TANG 239 1 - Official Print By Representative Schmidt 2191-S AMH SCHM TANG 239 SHB 2191 - H AMD 1745 NOT CONSIDERED 03/12/2026 On page 8, after line 18, insert the following: "NEW SECTION.

  • 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 2191-S AMH SCHM TANG 239 1 - Official Print By Representative Schmidt 2191-S AMH SCHM TANG 239 SHB 2191 - H AMD 1745 NOT CONSIDERED 03/12/2026 On page 8, after line 18, insert the following: "NEW SECTION.
  • Sec.
  • 7.
  • (1) The department of labor and industries shall develop a training module for owners, direct contractors, and subcontractors that, at a minimum, covers the following topics: (a) Wage and hour laws and other employment standards applicable to the construction industry; and (b) Best practices for owners, direct contractors, and subcontractors regarding payroll and recordkeeping practices to avoid unintended liability under section 3 of this act.

Bill History

  1. 2026-02-19 House

    House Rules "X" file.

Official Summary Text

Construction worker wages

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text
AN ACT Relating to ensuring accountability for payment of 1
workers' wages and benefits in the construction industry; adding a 2
new section to chapter 18.27 RCW; and adding a new chapter to Title 3
49 RCW. 4
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:5
NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. (1) The legislature finds that:6
(a) There is a substantial underground economy in the 7
construction industry in the state. 8
(b) Underground economy practices, such as misclassifying 9
employees as independent contractors, cost workers an estimated 10
$142.6 million on average per year in wages and benefits between 2011 11
and 2021, according to a 2023 report by the Washington state 12
institute for public policy. 13
(c) State law establishes protections for employees to ensure 14
they are paid wages fully and on time. However, current law does not 15
include a mechanism for a worker employed by a subcontractor to seek 16
payment of unpaid wages and benefits from upper-tier contractors.17
(2) The legislature intends to create additional mechanisms for 18
workers to seek payment of wages and benefits owed to them when those 19
wages and benefits are illegally withheld. 20
H-2607.1
HOUSE BILL 2191
State of Washington 69th Legislature 2026 Regular Session
By Representatives Cortes, Obras, Parshley, Kloba, Callan, Ramel,
Mena, Doglio, Simmons, Scott, Peterson, Berry, Fosse, Reed,
Salahuddin, Santos, Street, Duerr, Thomas, Stonier, Gregerson,
Ormsby, Berg, Goodman, Macri, Hill, and Pollet
Prefiled 12/23/25. Read first time 01/12/26. Referred to Committee
on Labor & Workplace Standards.
p. 1 HB 2191
NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. The definitions in this section apply 1
throughout this chapter unless the context clearly requires 2
otherwise.3
(1) "Construction contract" means an express or implied agreement 4
for the construction, reconstruction, alteration, maintenance, 5
moving, or demolition of any building, structure, or improvement, or 6
relating to the excavation or other development of, or improvement 7
to, land. 8
(2)(a) "Direct contractor" means any person, including a 9
construction manager, joint venture, or any combination thereof, 10
along with the person's successors, that enters into a construction 11
contract with an owner. 12
(b) "Direct contractor" includes any officer, director, managing 13
member, manager, or other individual who exercises substantial 14
discretionary control over the finances, overall management, or 15
employment policies and practices of the entity, regardless of 16
ownership percentage. 17
(3) "Fringe benefit contributions" means the amount of 18
compensation that accompanies or is in addition to an employee's 19
regular salary or wages including, but not limited to, payments made 20
to profit-sharing plans, retirement or pension plans, medical 21
insurance plans, severance pay plans, or holiday, vacation, or sick 22
leave plans, but does not include the benefit payments from such 23
plans. 24
(4)(a) "Owner" means any person, firm, partnership, corporation, 25
association, company, organization, or other entity or combination of 26
any thereof, along with their successors, with an ownership interest, 27
whether that interest or estate is in fee or is less than fee, 28
including as vendee under a contract to purchase or as lessee, that 29
causes: 30
(i) A building, structure, or improvement, new or existing, to be 31
constructed, reconstructed, erected, altered, remodeled, repaired, 32
maintained, moved, or demolished; or 33
(ii) Land to be excavated or otherwise developed or improved.34
(b) "Owner" includes any officer, director, managing member, 35
manager, or other individual who exercises substantial discretionary 36
control over the finances, overall management, or employment policies 37
and practices of the entity, regardless of ownership percentage.38
(c) "Owner" does not include: 39
p. 2 HB 2191
(i) An authorized local government, municipality, state, or state 1
agency as defined in RCW 39.04.010; or 2
(ii) A tribe as defined under RCW 43.376.010. 3
(5) "Reimbursements" means necessary expenditures or losses 4
incurred by an employee in direct consequence of the discharge of 5
their duties, including the cost of tools, equipment, personal 6
protective equipment, or other materials required by the employer or 7
by the nature of the work. 8
(6)(a) "Subcontractor" means any person that is a party to an 9
express or implied contract with a direct contractor, or with a 10
direct contractor's subcontractors at any tier, to perform any 11
portion of work within the scope of the direct contractor's 12
construction contract with the owner, including a person that has no 13
direct privity of contract with the direct contractor.14
(b) "Subcontractor" includes any officer, director, managing 15
member, manager, or other individual who exercises substantial 16
discretionary control over the finances, overall management, or 17
employment policies and practices of the entity, regardless of 18
ownership percentage. 19
NEW SECTION. Sec. 3. (1) An owner that enters into a 20
construction contract with a direct contractor is jointly and 21
severally liable with the direct contractor for any unpaid wages, 22
including fringe benefit contributions, meal and rest periods, 23
reimbursements, and damages, owed to any employee of the direct 24
contractor and any employee of a subcontractor at any tier for labor 25
performed on a project within the scope of the construction contract.26
(2) The employee, a third party on the employee's behalf, the 27
attorney general, or the prosecuting attorney of any county may bring 28
a civil action against an owner, a direct contractor, or a 29
subcontractor in any court of competent jurisdiction to recover 30
unpaid wages, including fringe benefit contributions, meal and rest 31
periods, reimbursements, interest, penalties, double damages, 32
noneconomic damages, attorney fees, expert witness fees, and costs 33
incurred in connection with the action. "Penalties" and "double 34
damages" under this section are mandatory and may be awarded 35
regardless of whether the failure to pay wages was willful.36
(3) A civil action under this section to recover unpaid wages, 37
including fringe benefit contributions, meal and rest periods, 38
reimbursements, and damages, must commence within three years from 39
p. 3 HB 2191
the date on which the unpaid wages, including fringe benefit 1
contributions, meal and rest periods, reimbursements, and damages, 2
became due. 3
(4) The attorney general's powers to enforce this chapter include 4
the authority to: 5
(a) Investigate violations of this chapter on its own initiative;6
(b) Investigate violations of this chapter in response to 7
complaints and seek remedial relief for the complainant;8
(c) Educate the public about how to comply with this chapter;9
(d) Issue written civil investigative demands for pertinent 10
documents, answers to written interrogatories, or oral testimony, as 11
required to enforce this chapter; 12
(e) Adopt rules implementing this chapter including rules 13
specifying applicable penalties; and 14
(f) Pursue administrative sanctions or a lawsuit in the courts 15
for penalties, costs, and attorneys' fees. 16
(5) Except as specified in subsection (10) of this section, any 17
agreement to waive or release an owner or direct contractor from 18
liability, or to indemnify an owner or direct contractor for 19
liability assigned under this section, is invalid.20
(6) An owner or direct contractor may not avoid liability under 21
this section by claiming that a person performing labor on a project 22
within the scope of a construction contract is an independent 23
contractor rather than an employee of a direct contractor or 24
subcontractor, unless the person qualifies as an independent 25
contractor under chapter 49.46 RCW. 26
(7) In any action brought under this section, there is a 27
rebuttable presumption that a person performing labor on a project 28
within the scope of a construction contract is an employee. The party 29
claiming otherwise may rebut the presumption by establishing that the 30
person qualifies as an independent contractor under chapter 49.46 31
RCW. 32
(8) Nothing in this section impairs: 33
(a) The right of an owner or direct contractor to bring an action 34
against a subcontractor to seek recovery of actual and liquidated 35
damages for the amounts paid by the owner or direct contractor for 36
unpaid wages, including fringe benefit contributions, meal and rest 37
periods, reimbursements, interest, double damages, noneconomic 38
damages, attorney fees, expert witness fees, and incurred costs 39
associated with an action brought under this section;40
p. 4 HB 2191
(b) The right of an owner to bring an action against a direct 1
contractor to seek recovery of actual and liquidated damages for the 2
amounts paid by the owner for unpaid wages, including fringe benefit 3
contributions, meal and rest periods, reimbursements, interest, 4
double damages, noneconomic damages, attorney fees, expert witness 5
fees, and incurred costs associated with an action brought under this 6
section. 7
(9) Nothing in this section is intended to diminish the rights, 8
privileges, or remedies of an employee under a collective bargaining 9
agreement. 10
(10)(a) A collective bargaining agreement may waive the 11
requirements of this section if the agreement: 12
(i) Is entered into by a bona fide building and construction 13
trade labor organization that has established itself or its 14
affiliates as the collective bargaining representative for persons 15
performing work on a project; 16
(ii) Contains a grievance procedure that results in a final and 17
binding decision; 18
(iii) May be used to recover unpaid wages on behalf of employees 19
covered by the agreement; and 20
(iv) Provides for the collection of unpaid contributions to 21
fringe benefit trust funds established pursuant to 29 U.S.C. Sec. 186 22
(c)(5) and (6), by or on behalf of such trust funds.23
(b) The waiver does not apply to an action brought on behalf of 24
an employee not covered by such collective bargaining agreement.25
(11) An owner, direct contractor, or subcontractor may not 26
intimidate, threaten, restrain, coerce, blacklist, discharge, or in 27
any manner discriminate or retaliate against any employee who has:28
(a) Filed any complaint or instituted, or caused to be 29
instituted, any proceeding under this section; 30
(b) Testified or provided evidence, or who is about to testify or 31
provide evidence, in any proceeding on behalf of themselves or 32
another person regarding protections afforded under this section; or33
(c) Raised concerns in good faith about compliance with, or 34
otherwise provided information regarding, legal rights and remedies 35
available under this section. 36
(12) Any effort to use a person's immigration status to 37
negatively impact a worker's wage and hour rights, responsibilities, 38
or participation in proceedings under this section constitutes 39
p. 5 HB 2191
intimidation, coercion, discrimination, or retaliation in violation 1
of subsection (11) of this section. 2
(13) Any violation of subsection (11) of this section entitles 3
the employee, a third party acting on the employee's behalf, the 4
attorney general, or the prosecuting attorney of any county to seek 5
reinstatement, back pay, damages, attorney fees, and any other 6
equitable relief deemed appropriate by the court. 7
(14) If a direct contractor or subcontractor is found liable in a 8
final judgment in a court of competent jurisdiction for a violation 9
of this section, the department of labor and industries shall deny, 10
suspend, or revoke the contractor's registration under chapter 18.27 11
RCW. 12
(15) This chapter is in addition to and does not otherwise limit 13
authority under federal, state, or local law. 14
NEW SECTION. Sec. 4. (1) Upon an owner's or direct contractor's 15
request, any subcontractor with whom a direct contractor has entered 16
into a contract to perform a portion of a construction project within 17
the scope of a construction contract between the direct contractor 18
and an owner must provide the following records to the owner or 19
direct contractor:20
(a) Certified payroll reports that, at a minimum, include 21
sufficient information for the direct contractor to determine whether 22
a subcontractor has paid in full all wages earned by employees who 23
performed work on the project as part of the employees' total 24
compensation; 25
(b) The name, address, and phone number of a contact for the 26
subcontractor; 27
(c) The names of all workers who performed work on the 28
construction project and notation of whether each worker is 29
classified as an employee or an independent contractor;30
(d) The names of any subcontractors with whom the first-tier 31
subcontractor contracts; 32
(e) The anticipated contract start date and scheduled duration of 33
work; 34
(f) An affidavit attesting to whether the subcontractor or any of 35
its current principals has, within the preceding five years, been the 36
subject of, or participated in, any civil, administrative, or 37
criminal proceeding, investigation, citation, or settlement, that 38
p. 6 HB 2191
involved any allegations of a wage and hour violation under local, 1
state, or federal law; and 2
(g)(i) If a matter under (f) of this subsection (1) has 3
concluded, the outcome, including any judgment, settlement, damages, 4
fees, penalties, or amounts paid to workers or to a government 5
agency; or 6
(ii) If a matter under (f) of this subsection (1) remains 7
pending, a description of the status of the proceedings or 8
investigation. 9
(2) A subcontractor must provide the records described in 10
subsection (1) of this section to a third party on the employee's 11
behalf only to the extent that the information contained in the 12
records pertains specifically to the employee on whose behalf the 13
third party is acting and to whatever extent that the subcontractor 14
would be lawfully required to disclose such records to the employee 15
if the employee was acting on the employee's own behalf.16
(3) A subcontractor's compliance or failure to comply with a 17
request under this section does not relieve the owner or direct 18
contractor of the liability prescribed by section 3 of this act.19
(4) Nothing in this section alters an owner's or direct 20
contractor's obligation to timely pay a subcontractor, except that an 21
owner and direct contractor may: 22
(a) Withhold payment to a subcontractor because of the 23
subcontractor's failure to comply with the request for records under 24
subsection (1) of this section; and 25
(b) Withhold payment to a subcontractor if the direct contractor 26
has paid wages, on behalf of the subcontractor, to the 27
subcontractor's employees. 28
(5) An owner, direct contractor, or subcontractor may not 29
disclose personally identifying information about a worker who 30
performs work on a construction project except as necessary to comply 31
with section 3 of this act, or as permitted by state or federal law.32
(6) As used in this section, "principal" means a person, 33
including an owner or a direct contractor, that commissions a 34
construction project and that is responsible for the project's scope, 35
standards, and objectives. 36
NEW SECTION. Sec. 5. This chapter does not apply to 37
construction contracts that relate to real property that is used as 38
the owner's principal residence, or to real property consisting of 39
p. 7 HB 2191
five or fewer residential or commercial units on a single tract, as 1
defined in RCW 84.04.130. 2
NEW SECTION. Sec. 6. A new section is added to chapter 18.27 3
RCW to read as follows: 4
If a direct contractor or subcontractor is found liable in a 5
final judgment in a court of competent jurisdiction for a violation 6
of section 3 of this act, the department of labor and industries 7
shall deny, suspend, or revoke the contractor's registration.8
NEW SECTION. Sec. 7. Sections 1 through 5 of this act 9
constitute a new chapter in Title 49 RCW.10
--- END ---
p. 8 HB 2191