Previously, penalties for violations were as low as $500, which is insignificant for large companies. Under the new law fines for unreasonable delays in benefits will be increased and employers can lose their self-insurance certification if they violate the law too many times.

Many of Washington's undocumented immigrants work in agriculture and the report showed losing just 5% of the workers would severely affect the state's food production, leading to higher prices.

Proposed legislation in Olympia aims to ease the burden of child care costs for Washington families by allowing businesses to help their employees pay for it. If put into law, businesses could reduce the amount they spend on business and occupation taxes by the amount they pay for child care assistance to workers.

A proposed bill aims to update Washington laws so insurance companies follow standard care guidelines while easing administrative hassles and financial risks for providers.