Washington State to Require Employee Notice of I-9 Audits

In March, the state of Washington enacted the Immigrant Worker Protection Act (Act), which requires employers to provide written notice to employees when federal agencies notify employers of any inspection of Employment Eligibility Verification forms (Forms I-9) and related worker records.  The notice to employees must include a copy of the federal agency’s notice of inspection and be provided to employees within 5 business days of the employer receiving the agency’s notice.

Additionally, employers must display a poster informing workers of the Act’s requirements in a conspicuous place on their premises. The attorney general will make a poster available for this purpose by Sept. 1, 2026.

Most provisions of the Act are expected to take effect on Oct. 1, 2026.  However, if funding for the new law is not provided by June 30, the Act will be null and void.