Government Affairs
On the Issue: Restrictive Scheduling
By Nicole Vukonich During the 2019 legislative session, there were efforts to pass a bill to create a statewide restrictive scheduling mandate for certain targeted industries, including hospitality. These
LCB Enforcement and Education needs your feedback
As part of an assessment of the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board’s (LCB) Enforcement and Education Division, an independent organization, Hillard Heintze, is conducting a survey of licensees. This
On the Issue: The proposed expansion of qui tam lawsuits
By Nicole Vukonich “Qui tam” is a Latin phrase meaning, “[he] who sues in this matter for the king as well as for himself.” Boiling it down, qui tam most
Updates to law bars employers from asking pay history
Updates made to the state’s Equal Pay and Opportunities Act, which take effect July 28, bars employers from requesting a job applicant’s wage or salary history, except under certain circumstances.
2019 letter from the Government Affairs Committee chairs
Like you, we are members of the Washington Hospitality Association, representing each aspect of our industry – full-service and quick-service restaurants, and lodging. As your Government Affairs Committee (GAC) chairs,
2019 Legislative Session Review
By Nicole Vukonich Looking back on the 2019 legislative session, it was record breaking. With one of the largest incoming classes of freshman legislators in years, to having the
The 2019 Legislative Heroes for Hospitality
OLYMPIA, Wash. – The Washington Hospitality Association is proud to announce the 2019 Legislative Heroes for Hospitality: Sen. Mark Mullet, D-Issaquah, Sen. Curtis King, R-Yakima, Rep. Cindy Ryu, D-Shoreline, Rep.
L&I’s Public Hearings for draft overtime rule in July & August
To gain feedback from Washingtonians, the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) will hold six public hearings across the state to gather feedback on the draft overtime rules which would
L&I Fact Sheet: Proposed changes to Washington overtime rules
This information provided here is from the fact sheet titled, “Proposed Changes to Washington’s Overtime Rules.” To see the original Fact sheet from the Department of Labor & Industries, click
Nine of the most important food code revisions you need to know about
The state Department of Health (DOH) has released their proposed draft revisions to update the Washington State Retail Food Code. This announcement continues the work that has taken place over
Draft Food Code public presentations in July, dates announced
The state Department of Health (DOH) has released their proposed draft revisions to update the Washington State Retail Food Code. This announcement continues the work that has taken place over
Local chapters and members announce endorsements for city councils across the state
Local chapters and members are highly engaged in the municipalities where they live and work. This year, members are gearing up for a busy election season in the three largest
L&I proposes updated overtime threshold of 2.5 times the minimum wage by 2026 for Executive, Administrative, Professional staff
OLYMPIA, Wash. – The state Department of Labor and Industries today announced the filing of a rulemaking notice (CR-102) that would update the state’s salary overtime threshold for executive, administrative
Governor signs bill to protect hotel and motel workers, requires panic buttons
OLYMPIA, Wash. – On Monday, May 13, Gov. Jay Inslee signed Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5258, preventing the sexual harassment and sexual assault of certain isolated workers, into law. The
Short-term rental legislation signed into law, increases consumer safety
OLYMPIA, Wash. – On Thursday, Gov. Jay Inslee signed Substitute House Bill 1798, concerning short-term rentals, into law. This bill was a top priority for the Washington Hospitality Association during