News & Insights

Washington’s religious‑accommodation landscape is shifting in two distinct directions. In what is likely to be one of the most important religious freedom cases of the year, the Ninth Circuit in Union Gospel Mission v. Brown, No. 24-7246 (9th Cir., 2026) continued the trend of expanding constitutional protections for religious employers, holding that Washington cannot apply...

Amendments to Washington’s Fair Chance Act will become effective in 2026. The changes will further restrict an employer’s ability to seek or rely upon an employee or applicant’s criminal record. Key Takeaways for Employers – Five Major Updates: Employers may not obtain information about an applicant’s criminal record until the employer determines the applicant is...

It’s Time to Get Back To Basics: With fewer than two months before the completion of the first year of Donald Trump’s presidency, and in an age of uncertainty caused by the issuance of multiple executive orders, which purport to roll back programs at the federal level, including Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion measures, it is...

Recent and significant amendments to Washington’s Paid Family Medical Leave law, RCW Ch. 50A (PFML), start taking effect January 1, 2026. The full pending PFML changes (as passed by the Washington Legislature) are available here. Key changes and takeaways are summarized below. Key Changes and Takeaways for Employers: Job protections expanded and accelerated – Effective January...

Washington’s Industrial Welfare Act (“IWA”) (RCW 49.12) was recently amended to strengthen employee access to personnel files. Key Takeaways for Employers What changed: Four major updates: Personnel file defined – The law now specifies what a “personnel file” includes, clarifying employer recordkeeping obligations. 21-day response deadline – Employers must provide an employee (or their designee)...