HB 2406 Washington House · 2025-2026 Regular Session

Modernizing methods of communications by the department of labor and industries.

HB 2406 updates Washington's Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) to allow electronic communication (like email or text) for official notices and documents, replacing the previous requirement for mailed notices. This change applies directly to contractors who interact with L&I, as it permits the department to send communications via trackable electronic methods after offering contractors the option to choose non-electronic delivery. The bill amends multiple statutes to clarify that "service" (delivery of documents) can now include electronic methods, provided the recipient consents and the department uses a trackable system. This modernizes L&I's communication processes without altering contractor registration requirements or obligations.

Issues: ✓ Technology

Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared

Introduction

Jan 2026

Committee Review

Floor Vote

Governor

Introduced Jan 13, 2026 Last action Feb 19, 2026

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What changed between versions

Bill → Substitute Bill · 6 edits

MODERATE

The bill was amended to reflect its progression through the legislative process, adding committee assignments and updating the reading date. Substantively, the bill modernizes communication methods for the Department of Labor & Industries by allowing electronic service of notices while preserving the right to receive paper copies. It also introduces new enforcement mechanisms for wage coercion based on immigration status and clarifies procedures for handling compensation liens and penalties.

Scope change

The bill's scope expanded to include specific provisions addressing wage coercion based on immigration status and clarifying the handling of compensation liens for workers' compensation claims.

TECHNICAL

Updated bill header to reflect committee assignment to House Labor & Workplace Standards and changed the first reading date from January 13, 2026, to February 3, 2026.

REQUIREMENT

Amended multiple sections to allow the Department of Labor & Industries to send notices, orders, and findings via electronic or nonelectronic methods, provided the recipient is given the option to receive communication through a nonelectronic method.

Updated the definition of 'temporary and incidental' work for workers' compensation purposes to clarify the 30-day limit applies on a per-state basis.

Revised the right of election process for injured workers to ensure they are notified using methods that allow tracking or confirmation of delivery.

ENFORCEMENT

Added new provisions allowing the department to investigate and penalize employers who coerce employees based on their immigration status in violation of wage payment requirements.

Clarified procedures for enforcing compensation liens and warrants, specifying how priority is determined when foreclosing on liens versus filing warrants.

Floor votes

How they voted

No floor votes recorded yet.

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Feb 3, 2026

Committee

Referred to Rules 2 Review.

lower

Jan 30, 2026

Lower · Passed

Executive action taken in the House Committee on Labor & Workplace Standards at 10:30 AM.

lower

Jan 21, 2026

Lower · Passed

Public hearing in the House Committee on Labor & Workplace Standards at 8:00 AM.

lower

1 primary · 1 co-sponsor