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WA HB1779
Bill
Status
2/3/2025
Primary Sponsor
Jeremie Dufault
Click for details
AI Summary
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Agricultural employers may designate any 26 weeks per calendar year as "special circumstance weeks" during which employees can work up to 50 hours before overtime pay is required, compared to the standard 40-hour threshold
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Employers must provide written notice of selected special circumstance weeks at least 7 days before the first such week, with a good-faith estimate provided 30 days in advance; changes require one week's notice and must be based on unforeseeable circumstances
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Amends RCW 49.46.130, which established agricultural overtime requirements following the 2020 Martinez-Cuevas v. DeRuyter Bros. Dairy decision and 2021 legislation that phased in 40-hour overtime thresholds by January 2024
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Employers must maintain records of which special circumstance weeks were utilized, in addition to existing recordkeeping requirements under RCW 49.30.020
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Declared an emergency measure, taking effect immediately upon passage
Legislative Description
Authorizing agricultural employers to select 26 weeks a year to employ workers for up to 50 hours a week before overtime applies.
Last Action
By resolution, reintroduced and retained in present status.
1/12/2026