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Bill would let language-access interpreters bargain missed-appointment pay

Washington State Senate Labor and Workplace Standards Committee · February 18, 2026
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Summary

SB 59-44 would allow independent-contracting language interpreters who work for state agencies to bargain over economic compensation — including missed/cancelled-appointment payments — aligning bargaining rights across agencies and addressing a statutory discrepancy for L&I interpreters.

The Labor and Workplace Standards Committee heard Senate Bill 59-44 on Feb. 18, a collective-bargaining bill that would allow language-access providers — interpreters contracted by state agencies — to bargain over economic compensation and certain benefits. Staff said the bill is identical to the House companion and limits…

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