(The Center Square) – A new year is just around the corner, meaning new laws will take effect in Washington state on Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026, including several that involve worker and family protections, as well as consumer and business changes.
Minimum wage: Washington’s statewide minimum wage, currently $16.66 per hour, will increase to $17.13 per hour following an inflation-based adjustment. While some cities within the state – Seattle, Tukwila and SeaTac – will have even higher local minimums, Washington’s statewide rate will be the highest nationally, building on its already top position from 2025.
Domestic violence leave: Senate Bill 5101 will significantly expand protections for hate crime victims by including them under the existing Domestic Violence Leave law, allowing paid/unpaid time off for safety planning, medical care, counseling and legal assistance. It will also protect against workplace retaliation and expand access to paid sick leave.
Paid family and medical leave: Most provisions of House Bill 1213, which significantly expands job protections and benefits for workers under the state’s Paid Family and Medical Leave program, will go into effect in the new year. Those provisions include reducing the minimum leave increment to four consecutive hours (from eight); expanding job protections for workers at smaller employers (starting with 25-plus employees) so that employees gain job protection after 180 days of employment with a qualifying employer, regardless of hours worked; and clarifying health insurance continuation rules during leave.
Plastic bag fees: Washington’s plastic bag fees will increase in 2026 due to a 2020 plastic bag ban and modifications made by House Bill 1293 in 2025, raising the minimum charge for plastic bags from 8 cents to 12 cents. A planned increase to thicker 4-mil bags (where “mil” stands for one-thousandth of an inch) was delayed until 2028. However, retailers using compliant 4-mil or thicker bags may also incur an additional 4-cent state penalty, bringing the total to 16 cents on those bags.
Nicotine taxes: The new year will see all nicotine products, regardless of whether the nicotine is tobacco-derived or synthetic – as in ZYN nicotine pouches, vapes and e-cigarettes – taxed at 95% of the selling price, applied as an excise tax. The expanded taxes are the result of Senate Bill 5814, passed during this year’s legislative session.
Right-to-repair: Per House Bill 1483, passed this legislative session, electronics manufacturers will be required to give independent repair providers and owners access to parts, tools, and repair information for their electronic devices. The law aims to lower repair costs, support small businesses, and reduce e-waste by making repairs more feasible. It applies to devices first sold in Washington after July 1, 2021, and prohibits software locks that hinder independent repairs.
State identification: Senate Bill 5689, signed into law in May, will allow residents to voluntarily add their blood type to their driver’s license or identification card. The Washington State Department of Licensing may charge a one-time administrative fee of up to $2 to process the request.
2026 session: Democratic lawmakers and Gov. Bob Ferguson have discussed a “millionaire’s tax” intended for consideration in the 2026 legislative session. Plans call for a 9.9% income tax on individuals and households earning more than $1 million annually, raising an estimated $3 billion annually.
Meanwhile, Rep. Jeremie Dufault, R-Selah, has introduced two bills for the upcoming 2026 legislative session aimed at reversing recent tax hikes. House Bill 2093 would eliminate the new sales tax on precious metals, such as gold and silver, arguing that it’s driving coin shops out of business and pushing buyers to neighboring states. House Bill 2101 would roll back other recent tax increases from the 2025 session, with a focus on keeping investment local and making Washington more affordable.
The 60-day 2026 legislative session begins Jan. 12 and runs through March 12.
