WA HB1788

Establishes a new wage-based benefit structure for permanent total disability claims filed on or after July 1, 2026, ranging from 60% of wages for unmarried workers with no children to 75% for workers with six or more children

Requires 2% of an injured worker's wages to be paid directly to persons with legal custody of the worker's children for claims on or after July 1, 2026, with corresponding reductions to the worker's or surviving spouse's benefits

Increases the maximum number of dependent children eligible for minimum benefit calculations from five to six for claims filed on or after July 1, 2026

Takes effect July 1, 2026, contingent on specific funding being provided in the omnibus appropriations act by June 30, 2025

Amends RCW 51.32.010 and 51.32.060 governing workers' compensation benefit calculations