WA HB1173

Establishes minimum wage requirements for skilled journeypersons working at high-hazard facilities, requiring pay at least at the 75th percentile for the applicable occupation and geographic area based on employment security department statistics

Adds new definition of "applicable occupation" meaning the specific trade or occupation as defined by scope of work under prevailing wage law (chapter 39.12 RCW) or standard occupational classification

Workers in apprenticeable occupations who don't meet registered apprentice or skilled journeyperson definitions must still be paid the skilled journeyperson wage rate

Wage rate violations are enforceable as wage payment requirement violations under RCW 49.48.082, while other skilled and trained workforce violations fall under workplace safety law (chapter 49.17 RCW)

Takes effect January 1, 2026; passed House 89-7, Senate 44-5, signed by Governor Ferguson May 9, 2025