Immigrant Worker Protection Act Enhances Workplace Fairness

WA Attorney General News Releases

Published March 12th, 2026

Detected March 12th, 2026

Summary

The Washington State Legislature has passed the Immigrant Worker Protection Act, requested by the Attorney General. The act requires employers to notify immigrant workers within five business days if federal agents request I-9 forms and to provide information on worker rights and resources. The bill now awaits the Governor's signature.

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What changed

The Washington State Legislature has passed the Immigrant Worker Protection Act (HB 2105), which mandates that employers notify immigrant workers within five business days of any request by federal agents for I-9 forms. Employers must also provide these notifications in English and the five most common languages in Washington, inform workers of the inspection results, and supply information on statewide resources and worker rights. The act also codifies existing privacy rights regarding access to non-public business places and employee data without a judicial warrant, prohibits employer retaliation against workers exercising their rights, and allows the Attorney General's Office to investigate and take legal action against violations, with workers also having the right to sue for damages.

This legislation imposes new notification and transparency obligations on employers in Washington State concerning federal immigration enforcement actions. Compliance will require updating internal procedures to ensure timely notification to affected workers and the provision of required information in multiple languages. Employers must also ensure their policies prevent retaliation against workers who assert their rights under this act. The Attorney General's Office will be providing guidance on privacy rights and has enforcement authority, including the ability to investigate and pursue legal action, while workers can also initiate private lawsuits. The bill is awaiting the Governor's signature, after which these requirements will become binding.

What to do next

Update internal policies to include a five-business-day notification requirement for employers when federal agents request I-9 forms.
Develop and maintain notification templates in English and the five most common languages in Washington.
Ensure training for HR and management on worker rights, privacy protections, and anti-retaliation provisions related to immigration enforcement.

Penalties

Workers can sue to stop violations or recover money for damages.

Source document (simplified)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Mar 12 2026

La Legislatura aprueba la Ley de Protección de los Trabajadores Inmigrantes solicitada por la AGO

The Legislature has passed the Immigrant Worker Protection Act. Attorney General Nick Brown requested the bill to increase fairness and transparency in the workplace for immigrant workers. It now goes to the Governor to be signed into law.

What the law will do if signed

HB 2105, sponsored by Rep. Lillian Ortiz-Self, D-Mukilteo, and Sen. Rebecca Saldaña, D-Seattle, in the Senate, creates new rules for employers. If federal agents ask to see a worker’s I-9 forms, also known as employment eligibility documents, the employer must inform the worker within five business days.

Employers must give this notice in English and the five other most common languages used in Washington. Employers must inform the worker of the results of the I-9 inspection. The employer must also give the worker information about statewide resources and the worker’s rights.

Why it matters

“This bill ensures basic fairness for the workers fueling our economy and contributing to our state’s prosperity,” Brown said. “It requires that workers have access to the same information their employers do, affording them the dignity they deserve.”

“Immigrant workers help power Washington’s economy, yet too often they are the last to know when federal authorities review employment records,” Ortiz-Self said. “This legislation reflects our state’s commitment to fairness and transparency by ensuring they are informed and have the opportunity to review their documents, correct mistakes, and protect their jobs and their families.”

“Immigrant workers are essential to Washington’s economy and our communities. This legislation helps ensure workers are treated with fairness and respect by requiring transparency when federal immigration enforcement actions impact the workplace,” Saldaña said. “Workers deserve to know what’s happening and to have the opportunity to respond and protect their rights.”

Federal immigration authorities’ tactics have had a destabilizing effect on the state’s economy over the past year, sowing fear in immigrant communities, as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has stepped up arrests, particularly of immigrants without criminal convictions.

"Washington’s labor movement applauds passage of the Immigrant Worker Protection Act,” said WSLC, AFL-CIO President April Sims."As the federal administration continues targeting immigrant workers, this legislation will provide a valuable layer of protection to thousands of working Washingtonians. Many thanks to legislators who supported this essential bill and to Attorney General Brown for bringing this policy forward."

Your rights at work

The law will also include these protections if signed by the Governor:

Privacy: Employers already do not have to give federal immigration agents access to their non-public places of business or employee data unless agents have a judicial warrant. The Attorney General’s Office will provide employers with guidance describing those rights.
No retaliation: An employer cannot stop a worker from using their rights under this law and cannot punish or fire a worker for using those rights.
Enforcement: If the Attorney General’s Office learns an employer may be breaking this law, it can investigate and take legal action. Workers can also sue to stop violations or recover money for damages. -30-

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