Supporters urge expansion of domestic‑worker protections; agency flags implementation costs
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Summary
SB 60 53 would extend minimum wage, overtime, written‑agreement and anti‑discrimination protections to many domestic workers. Supporters cited Seattle's experience; Department of Labor & Industries said it would need time and resources to implement and suggested technical amendments.
Committee staff summarized SB 60 53 as a bill to establish labor protections for domestic workers, including minimum wage and overtime coverage, required written agreements and a model disclosure statement, notice and severance provisions, and remedies enforced under existing labor laws.
Multiple supporters — including caregivers, community organizers and students — told the committee domestic workers often work long hours without contracts or adequate protections. Larissa Coffey, a registered nurse and volunteer at Casa Latina, said the bill ‘‘would give clear guidance’’ and help ensure domestic workers are treated fairly. Translators conveyed testimony from domestic workers about unpaid wages, long shifts and lack of written agreements.
Tammy Fellin of the Department of Labor and Industries said the agency would administer the new rights and expects both costs and a need for additional implementation time; she provided technical clarifications and asked to continue working with sponsors to refine language. Witnesses cited Seattle’s domestic worker protections as an example of positive local impact.
Committee staff noted a fiscal note was requested and not yet available. Senators closed public testimony with broad support among worker‑advocacy groups and requests from employers and the agency for technical adjustments and implementation planning.
