New Washington Laws That Take Effect In 2018

WASHINGTON -- The state will welcome a series of new laws next year. Here are just two new laws every Washington worker should know about.

Paid Sick Leave

Thanks to voters, employers will be required to give their employees paid sick leave beginning Jan. 1. All employees, including part-time and seasonal workers, can accrue one hour of paid sick leave for every 40 hours he or she works. Employees will also be able to use paid sick leave on the 90th day of their employment under the new law. Any unpaid leave under 40 hours can be transferred to the following year.

Minimum Wage

Beginning Jan. 1, minimum wage will increase by 50 cents bringing it to $11.50 per hour. The change is from Initiative 1433, which was approved by voters in 2016. The minimum wage will eventually go up to $13.50 in 2020. The change means Washington will join the ranks of Washington, D.C. where minimum wage is the highest in the country.

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