The State of Washington has adopted several new laws addressing harassment and discrimination in the workplace.

SB 6471 requires the Washington State Human Rights Commission to develop model policies and “best practices” for employers and employees to keep workplaces safe from sexual harassment. The model policies must be developed by January 1, 2019.

SB 6313, 6068 and 5996 prohibit limitations on an employee’s disclosure or public pursuit of discrimination or harassment claims. These will be effective June 7, 2018.