Immigration (Work Authorization)

SB 5852 requires Washington employers to notify workers and their representatives within 72 hours if a federal agency conducts an inspection of employment verification forms (I-9) or worker records. It mandates posting multilingual notices in workplaces and sending written notices to all current and recent workers (within the last three years), including details about the federal agency and inspection. The law aims to ensure immigrant workers are informed during federal immigration enforcement actions, with notices required in the five most commonly used non-English languages in the state. Employers must also provide affected workers with copies of federal inspection results. This applies to all Washington employers, including state agencies and businesses.

HB 2105 requires Washington employers to notify workers within 72 hours if federal agencies plan I-9 form or worker record inspections. It mandates posting notices in five common non-English languages at workplaces, sending written notices to workers' last known addresses, and sharing federal inspection results with affected workers. The law directly affects all Washington employers and immigrant workers who may face federal immigration verification checks. Key provisions include multilingual notice requirements, timelines for employer communication, and a template for compliance developed by the Attorney General. This bill creates a formal process for transparency during federal I-9 audits, aiming to protect workers' rights during inspections.

SB 5022 updates Washington State law to require that law enforcement agencies and prosecutor offices consider applicants legally authorized to work in the U.S. under federal law for hiring, replacing outdated categories like "lawful permanent resident" or "DACA recipient" in statutes. The bill amends multiple laws (including those governing civil service hiring for police, corrections officers, and prosecutor deputies) to align with federal work authorization standards without altering existing federal requirements. It clarifies that agencies must comply with federal firearm regulations for officers and allows hiring rejections only if background investigations cannot be conducted due to insufficient resources (funding, staff, or materials), while preserving state antidiscrimination protections. This change directly affects all state and local law enforcement hiring processes and prosecutor office appointments in Washington.

SB 5068 expands employment eligibility for various public service roles in Washington state. The bill allows individuals legally authorized to work in the United States under federal law to be considered for positions as firefighters, prosecutors, and general or limited authority law enforcement officers. This change amends existing state laws that previously limited eligibility to U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents, broadening the pool of potential applicants for these roles. The bill specifies that it must be interpreted consistent with federal work authorization requirements.