OLYMPIA – Governor Ferguson has signed Rep. Julio Cortes’ (D-Everett) bill, HB 1821, into law, marking a major step in combating wage theft and protecting workers’ rights. The law expands the definition of “interested party” under prevailing wage laws to include joint labor-management cooperation committees and Taft-Hartley trusts.
This change ensures certified payroll records can be accessed by these entities, helping identify wage violations and hold dishonest contractors accountable.
“This bill is about fairness and transparency,” said Rep. Cortes. “Workers deserve to be paid fairly, and this law gives employers and labor the tools they need to ensure everyone is following the rules.”
Section 1 of the bill expires on January 1st, 2026. Section 2 takes effect January 1st, 2026.