HB 2144 Washington House · 2025-2026 Regular Session

Requiring notices to employees when electronic monitoring is used to assist employers conducting performance evaluations.

HB 2144 requires Washington employers to provide written notice to employees before using electronic monitoring (such as AI tools, cameras, or software) to assist in performance evaluations. Employers must give at least 30 days' notice before starting new monitoring, 60 days for existing monitoring, and notify new hires at the time of the job offer. The notice must explain how monitoring is used (e.g., tracking productivity) and how data is verified. Violations can result in Department of Labor investigations and civil penalties up to $5,000 for willful violations, with enforcement applying to all employers in Washington state.

Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared

Introduction

Dec 2025

Committee Review

Floor Vote

Governor

Introduced Dec 15, 2025 Last action Feb 6, 2026

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What changed between versions

Bill → Substitute Bill · 6 edits

MODERATE

The bill was amended to expand its scope by adding a new definition for 'meaningful human review' and explicitly excluding law enforcement and fire departments from the electronic monitoring requirements. The notice timeline was tightened from 60 days to 30 days for existing monitoring, and a new exception was added allowing immediate monitoring in emergencies if notice is provided as soon as practicable. The required notice content was simplified to focus on general technology types rather than specific equipment lists, and the requirement to notify union representatives was added.

Scope change

The bill now explicitly excludes law enforcement agencies and fire departments from its requirements and adds a specific exemption for emergency situations where immediate monitoring is necessary to prevent harm.

DEFINITION

Added a new definition for 'meaningful human review' requiring supervisors to have discretion to override automated monitoring outputs.

ELIGIBILITY

Added an explicit exemption for general authority law enforcement agencies and fire departments responsible for fire suppression.

REQUIREMENT

Changed the notice deadline for existing monitoring systems from 60 days to 30 days after the effective date.

Added a new exception allowing employers to monitor employees immediately in emergencies (preventing harm, theft, or property damage) if notice is given as soon as practicable.

Simplified the required notice content to list general technology types used rather than requiring a descriptive list of specific equipment.

Added a requirement to notify the employee's exclusive bargaining representative in addition to the employee.

Floor votes

How they voted

No floor votes recorded yet.

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Feb 6, 2026

Lower · Passed

Public hearing in the House Committee on Appropriations at 10:30 AM.

lower

Jan 30, 2026

Committee

Referred to Appropriations.

lower

Jan 28, 2026

Lower · Passed

Minority; do not pass.

lower

Jan 28, 2026

Lower · Passed

Executive action taken in the House Committee on Labor & Workplace Standards at 8:00 AM.

lower

Jan 14, 2026

Lower · Passed

Public hearing in the House Committee on Labor & Workplace Standards at 8:00 AM.

lower

1 primary · 38 co-sponsors