The new year brings several new laws to the workers, employers, gun owners, and voters. The majority of laws take effect in July, soon after the end of each session. This year a few laws take effect on January 1 just ahead of the new session. 

Employers can no longer routinely drug test for marijuana 

As of January 1, 2024 marijuana drug testing can not be used in hiring decisions. There are, however, several exceptions. Employers are permitted to include cannabis in their pre-employment drug testing for public safety jobs, federally funded jobs that require drug tests, and airline and aerospace jobs.

In general, all employers may include tests for cannabis in the same situations that they may test for alcohol, such as an on-the-job accident where there is a possibility that drugs contributed.

The new law also does not restrict employers from enforcing a drug-free workplace program. Employers may continue to ban the use of any drug and being under the influence while working.

Minimum wages rise; better pay for farm workers; sick pay for construction workers

The Washington State minimum increased to $16.28 an hour from $15.74. It maintains Washington’s bragging rights as the highest statewide minimum wage in the country, 

2024 marks the end of a multi-year phase-in for agricultural workers’ pay. Employers are now required to pay overtime after 40 hours. The law requires at least time-and-a-half for overtime pay.

Many construction workers who work on a project basis will receive payouts for unused sick leave when the job ends or the employer has not called them to work for 90 days. This change does not apply to residential projects.

2018 Voting Rights changes get more teeth

The Voting Rights Act of 2018 aimed to create more equitable representation but it is enforced through citizen lawsuits. Since it is costly for individual voters to bring those lawsuits, the 2023 legislature amended the law to allow organizations and tribes to bring suit on behalf of the voters. It also allows them to recover some of their costs.  

More requirements for firearms purchases

In 2024 all gun purchases require a 10-day waiting period, a background check and completion of a firearms safety course. 

Photo by Olga 1969