Business owners may want to review any job descriptions and hiring policies as new state rules regarding hiring and job posting practices are now in force. 

The Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) adopted the new rules, approved by state lawmakers in 2025, under the Equal Pay and Opportunities Act on May 22.  

Among the updates: 

• Businesses may only require employees to have a valid driver’s license if driving is essential to their job. It is also may not be listed as required in a job description unless driving is tied to that job’s responsibilities. 
• Clarifications around salary and wage disclosure requirements in job postings, including what counts as a job posting, who is considered a job applicant and how pay ranges should be communicated. 
• Compliance expectations around complaints, investigations, appeals and resolving violations with L&I. 

To learn more, go to: lni.wa.gov/rulemaking-activity/?query=296-123&ruleStatus=All&ruleTopic=All&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery