Senate Bill 5104 advances to protect workers from immigration status coercion

A new legislative proposal, Substitute Senate Bill 5104, aims to strengthen protections for employees against coercion related to their immigration status in the workplace. The bill expands existing laws that prohibit employers from retaliating against workers for exercising their rights under minimum wage and labor laws, now including broader definitions of coercion that deter employees from asserting their rights.

The bill defines coercion as any threat made by an employer to compel an employee to act against their legal rights, particularly concerning their immigration status. This includes threats that could discourage workers from filing complaints or engaging in protected activities. If passed, employees would have the right to file complaints within 180 days of experiencing coercive actions, with penalties for violations ranging from $1,000 for first offenses to $10,000 for repeat violations.

During the House Appropriations meeting, fiscal implications of the bill were discussed, with the Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) estimating a cost of $749,000 for the 2025-2027 biennium, which would cover additional staffing and IT updates necessary to implement the new regulations. Critics, including representatives from the Workers' Rights Clinic at Seattle University, argued that the projected costs and number of anticipated cases may be overestimated, suggesting that the actual impact on the general fund would be minimal.

Public testimony highlighted the importance of the bill, with supporters emphasizing the need for clear protections for immigrant workers who may face threats based on their status. A high school senior shared personal experiences advocating for immigrant rights, underscoring the bill's potential to empower vulnerable workers.

As the committee moves forward, the bill's implications for workplace rights and the fiscal responsibilities of the state remain at the forefront of discussions, with advocates urging swift passage to enhance protections for all workers.