New year, new worker protections: preparing for SB 5258

Beginning January 1, 2020, Washington employers in industries including hospitality, retail, security, and contracted property services will need to comply with a new law amending the Washington Law Against Discrimination (WLAD).

Signed into law by Governor Jay Inslee in May 2019, Senate Bill (SB) 5258 provides heightened sexual harassment and assault protections for certain workers. The new protections require covered employers (1) to adopt a sexual harassment policy, (2) to provide mandatory antiharassment and assault training to all managers, supervisors, and employees, (3) to educate employees about available resources and protections for reporting violations, and (4) to provide certain isolated workers with panic buttons. Additionally, the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) was directed to publish “advice and guidance” for employers regarding the panic button requirement. Lastly, the new law outlines specific reporting requirements for property service contractors, as defined in the statute.

Even though the law officially became effective on July 28, 2019, employers were given a grace period in which to implement the new requirements. As of January 1, 2020, all large hotel and motel employers (with 60 or more rooms) are required to be in full compliance, while all other affected employers have until January 1, 2021 to comply.

Covered employers and protected employees