Key Takeaways
- Washington state’s minimum wage will increase to $17.13 per hour on January 1, 2026
- The Paid Family & Medical Leave program will have updated job protection requirements and a increased premium rate of 1.13% in 2026
- Child support and family law standards will be updated, including an expanded child support schedule and increased self-support reserve
- Victims’ rights protections will be enforced, including written notice of rights, information and case updates, protection and support services, participation rights, and restitution and logistical assistance
- Tax and consumer policy updates will include a broadened tax base for nicotine products and real estate and property law reforms
Introduction to New Laws
As the new year approaches, a range of Washington state laws will take effect on January 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. The new laws will have a significant impact on various aspects of life in Washington state, including employment, family law, and consumer protection.
Minimum Wage Increase
Washington’s state minimum wage will rise to $17.13 per hour on January 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. This increase will have a positive impact on workers in Washington state, providing them with a higher minimum wage and better protection against exploitation.
Paid Family & Medical Leave Updates
Starting January 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. These updates will provide greater protection and support for employees taking family and medical leave.
Child Support and Family Law Standards
Washington’s family law code (RCW 26.19) is being significantly updated for January 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. The changes include an expanded child support schedule, a higher self-support reserve, protection for lower-income and higher-income families, and revised income standards and deductions. These revisions aim to provide greater transparency, equity, and consistency in child support orders, reflecting modern family structures and economic realities.
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 written notice of rights, information and case updates, protection and support services, participation rights, and restitution and logistical assistance. These updates will provide greater protection and support for victims, survivors, and witnesses, ensuring that they are treated with dignity and respect throughout the justice process.
Tax and Consumer Policy Updates
Effective January 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 reforms will also take effect, including the Washington Uniform Common Interest Ownership Act (WUCIOA), which will apply statewide on January 1, superseding earlier condominium and homeowners association statutes. These updates will have a significant impact on consumers and businesses in Washington state, providing greater protection and support for public health and property owners.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the new laws taking effect on January 1, 2026, will have a significant impact on various aspects of life in Washington state. From the minimum wage increase to the updates in child support and family law standards, victims’ rights protections, and tax and consumer policy updates, these changes will provide greater protection and support for workers, families, and consumers across the state. As the Washington State Legislature starts its 2026 regular session, it is expected to tackle budget and policy issues, including the implementation and enforcement of these new laws.
