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Senate approves worker-notification bill after hours of debate over private lawsuits and business burdens

Washington State Senate · March 5, 2026
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Summary

The Washington Senate passed second substitute House Bill 2105, which requires employers to notify workers about federal I‑9 audits and inspection results and creates enforcement tools including civil actions by the attorney general and a limited private right of action. Supporters said it protects vulnerable workers; opponents warned it imposes undue litigation risk and compliance costs on employers.

The Washington State Senate late on the floor passed second substitute House Bill 2105, the bill that requires employers to notify employees within five business days after receiving notice of a federal I‑9 inspection and allows the attorney general and certain injured workers to bring civil enforcement actions.

Senator Saldana, the sponsor on the floor, said the measure responds to episodes where businesses and workers were thrown into chaos after federal inspections and that timely notice gives employees the chance to correct documentation or seek assistance. "This bill requires employers to notify their workers within five business days of receiving notice of a federal inspection…

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