OLYMPIA, Wash. — As the new year approaches, a range of Washington state laws will take effect on Jan. 1, 2026, bringing changes to workers, employers, families, and consumers across the state.
These changes stem from legislation passed by the Washington State Legislature earlier this year. Here’s a look at some of the big ones.
Minimum Wage Increase
Washington’s state minimum wage will rise to $17.13 per hour on Jan. 1, 2026, according to the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries. This increase reflects the annual adjustment tied to inflation and state law requirements.
The change also affects the salary thresholds used to determine exemptions from overtime pay, with new minimums set based on the updated wage rate.
Paid Family & Medical Leave Updates
Starting Jan. 1, 2026, Washington’s Paid Family & Medical Leave (PFML) program will adjust its job protection requirements. Under the updated rules published by the Employment Security Department:
- Employers with 25 or more employees will be required to provide job protection for eligible employees taking PFML.
- Job protection eligibility will be based on 180 calendar days of employment, with no minimum hours worked required.
Additionally, the PFML premium rate will increase to 1.13% in 2026, as announced by the Employment Security Department, funding the expanded benefits.
Child Support and Family Law Standards
Washington’s family law code (RCW 26.19) is being significantly updated for Jan. 1, 2026, with changes that affect how courts calculate and apply child support orders. These updates are based on legislative reforms intended to modernize support guidelines and make outcomes more equitable across a broader range of financial situations.
1. Expanded Child Support Schedule
Under the revised child support economic table, the presumptive support guidelines now extend far beyond the previous upper limit of $12,000 in combined monthly net income. The new schedule covers incomes up to $50,000 combined per month, giving clearer guidance for higher-income families in determining basic support obligations. This reduces reliance on negotiation or judicial discretion for income above the old cap and makes support orders more predictable.
2. Higher Self-Support Reserve
The statutory self-support reserve — the amount of income a parent must retain after paying child support — has been raised from 125% to 180% of the federal poverty guideline for a one-person household. This change means that parents paying support cannot be ordered to transfer amounts that would leave them below this basic income floor, except in certain cases.
3. Protection for Lower-Income and Higher-Income Families
For lower-income parents, if paying support would reduce their income below the new self-support reserve, their obligation likely stays at a minimum of $50 per child per month, unless a court finds it unjust in the circumstances.
For higher earners, the law ensures proportional allocation of income available for support up to the 45% limit of a parent’s net income before deviation, while still allowing judicial consideration of best interests and financial circumstances.
4. Income Standards and Deductions
Revised income-determination standards under RCW 26.19.071 will guide how gross gross income is calculated for support purposes. This includes clearer rules on what is counted and deductions, helping standardize support computations statewide.
Taken together, these revisions aim to provide greater transparency, equity, and consistency in child support orders, reflecting modern family structures and economic realities. They also give courts updated tools to tailor support outcomes to the needs of both children and parents
Victims’ Rights Protections
Under RCW 7.69.030, Washington will enforce updated provisions relating to the rights of victims, survivors, and witnesses in criminal and civil proceedings.
The statute enumerates rights designed to ensure victims, survivors, and witnesses are informed, protected, and supported throughout the justice process. This includes:
1. Written Notice of Rights
Victims must receive a written summary of their legal rights — including contact information for local victim/witness programs — at the time they report crimes to law enforcement.
2. Information and Case Updates
Law enforcement and prosecutors are required to keep victims and survivors informed about key developments, such as charges filed and case dispositions, especially in cases involving violent, domestic violence, or sex offenses.
3. Protection and Support Services
Victims must be provided information on protections available against harm or threats arising from cooperation with the justice system, as well as practical support like secure waiting areas during court proceedings.
4. Participation Rights
The statute reinforces victims’ rights to be present at proceedings (in person or remotely), to submit a victim impact statement for sentencing, and to have that statement included in official court records.
5. Restitution and Logistical Assistance
Victims can seek restitution in felony cases even if the offender is confined, and they are entitled to procedural support such as prompt notice of trial dates and assistance with employer intercession to minimize lost wages for court appearances
Tax and Consumer Policy Updates
Effective Jan. 1, 2026, the Washington Department of Revenue confirmed that all nicotine products — including synthetic and vapor products containing nicotine — will be subject to the state’s tobacco products tax, broadening the tax base for public health funding.
Real Estate and Property Law Reform
Significant changes in property law go into effect in 2026 as well: the Washington Uniform Common Interest Ownership Act (WUCIOA) will apply statewide on January 1, superseding earlier condominium and homeowners association statutes.
This transition affects the governance of condominiums and shared-property communities under state law.
Cannabis Licensing Rules Continue
Under RCW 69.50.325, the licensing framework for cannabis producers, processors, and retailers continues to be effective as the industry’s regulatory structure evolves.
The Washington State Legislature starts its 2026 regular session on Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, which is a 60-day “short session” mandated for even-numbered years, expected to conclude around March 12, 2026, as legislators tackle budget and policy issues.
