MYNORTHWEST NEWS

Minimum wage, ghost guns, and more: New Washington laws set to take effect in 2023

Dec 30, 2022, 4:53 PM

(Photo courtesy of KIRO7)...

(Photo courtesy of KIRO7)

(Photo courtesy of KIRO7)

Several new laws are set to take effect in Washington at the beginning of the new year, involving rideshares, overtime, job postings, and more.

A look at the highlights:

Companies that employ 15 or more employees must begin to include a salary range in job postings. The bill, which was passed last February, includes internal transfers to a new position or promotion.



“Every job seeker deserves to have all the information they need to make the best career decision for themselves and their family,” State Sen. Emily Randall — the bill’s sponsor — said.

Also starting January 1, Washington’s minimum wage will increase to $15.74 an hour, the highest of any state.

Agricultural workers will have to work fewer hours to be eligible for overtime pay when the law that says they must work at least 48 hours in a workweek goes into effect. In 2024, overtime eligibility will be lowered to 40 hours.

Rideshare drivers will also have the right to minimum trip pay, paid sick time, workers’ compensation coverage and protection from retaliation for exercising those rights.

Speed limits on Tacoma’s residential streets will be lowered from 25 mph to 20 mph starting on Jan. 1.

Beginning March 10, 2023, possessing, receiving, or transporting a “ghost gun” becomes illegal. After June 30, 2023, manufacturing or creating “ghost guns” will also be prohibited.



 

MyNorthwest News

A helicopter rescue team saved a climber stranded at 7,900 feet in the Washington Cascades. (Photo:...

Tom Brock

From ledge to legacy: Stranded climber donates $10,000 to rescue crew

A man stranded on a rocky spire in the Washington Cascades for 18 hours is so thankful to the helicopter crew that saved his life that he donated $10,000 to their rescue organization.

3 hours ago

Cedar River asphalt plant...

Frank Lenzi

King County buys Cedar River property for $14M, ending decade-long asphalt plant fight

King County has purchased the Cedar River property at the center of a nearly decade-long fight over a proposed asphalt plant, paying $14 million — $2.7 million below its appraised value — for land that could become a crown jewel of the county's park system.

9 hours ago

Kristina Liutova faces Zheng Qinwen at the US Open on Monday August 31, 2026....

Frank Lenzi

Rising star vs. comeback queen: Redmond’s Kristina Liutova, 16, takes on Olympic Gold Medalist Zheng Qinwen at the US Open

Redmond's Kristina Liutova, 16, continues her long journey to the top of women's tennis Monday when she plays her first main draw match at a Grand Slam tournament at the 2026 US Open.

9 hours ago

ring amazon driver...

Jason Sloss, KIRO 7 News

Ring video shows Amazon driver trying to open front door during late-night delivery

A King County woman said she is cutting out late-night home deliveries after an Amazon driver tried opening her front door.

1 day ago

fire auto repair shop seattle...

Elle Thomas, KIRO 7 News

Seattle police search for man accused of setting fire inside community DIY auto repair shop

Seattle police are asking for the public’s help identifying a man accused of setting a fire inside a Seattle auto repair shop, causing an estimated $250,000 in damage.

1 day ago

weekend traffic I-405 DuPont...

Paola Tristan Arruda, KIRO 7 News

Weekend traffic: prepare for delays on I-405 near Kirkland, I-5 near Dupont

Drivers heading out this weekend should prepare for delays as construction projects affect both I-405 in Kirkland and I-5 near DuPont.

1 day ago

Minimum wage, ghost guns, and more: New Washington laws set to take effect in 2023