New Year, New Laws Taking Effect on Jan. 1

MINIMUM WAGE

While the state already has one of the highest minimum wages in the country, it will increase again. Officials said Washington will raise its minimum wage to $17.13 in 2026, up 2.8% from $16.66. The federal minimum wage is $7.25.Cities such as Seattle, Bellingham, Burien, Everett, Renton, SeaTac and Tukwila all have higher minimum wages than the state, according to Labor & Industries officials.Washington employers will also need to pay overtime-exempt workers 2.25 times the minimum wage, state officials said; this can total to more than $80,000 per year. This year, the pay for an exempt employee was $69,305 for small businesses and $77,969 for larger businesses. According to the legislation, overtime exempt pay minimums will rise to $93,392 in 2028.For those aged 14-and-15 year-old, minimum wage is set to rise to $14.56 in 2026.

PAID FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE

The new law says employers with 25 or more employees will be required to provide job protection for eligible employees taking Paid Family Medical Leave (PFML), based on 180 calendar days of employment, with no minimum hours worked required. The PFML premium will rise to 1.13% in 2026.

CHILD SUPPORT AND FAMILY LAST

Support guidelines for child support will now rise above the previous limit of $12,000 in combined monthly net income, according to the legislation passed. The new support guidelines will cover incomes up to $50,000 per month combined, with additional guidance for higher-income families. Still, the law allows for judicial discretion for income above the old limit.A previous statutory self-support reserve has been raised from 125% to 180% of the federal poverty line. According to the law, this means parents cannot be ordered to pay amounts that would leave them below this income line – except in certain classes. If a low-income parent's income goes below this amount, their child support minimum would be $50 per child, per month. Higher-income parents may be ordered to provide support of up to 45% of their net income.

VICTIMS’ RIGHTS PROTECTIONS

Washington has updated and reinforced victims’ rights protections under state law, outlining clear requirements to ensure victims, survivors, and witnesses are informed, protected, and supported throughout criminal and civil court proceedings. According to state officials, the law requires that victims receive a written summary of their rights at the time a crime is reported, including contact information for local victim and witness assistance programs, and mandates that law enforcement and prosecutors provide timely updates on key case developments such as charges filed and case outcomes, particularly in violent, domestic violence, and sex offense cases.

The statute also strengthens protections and participation rights for victims, including access to safety information and support services, secure waiting areas during court proceedings, and the ability to attend hearings in person or remotely. Victims retain the right to submit victim impact statements for sentencing and have them included in the official court record. In addition, the law affirms victims’ ability to seek restitution in felony cases even when an offender is incarcerated, while requiring procedural assistance such as advance notice of court dates and support with employers to reduce lost wages tied to court appearances.

NICOTINE TAX

According to the new law, Washington state will apply a 95% tax rate for all nicotine and tobacco products. This means a nicotine product that cost $7 in 2025 will now cost $15 once sales tax and excise tax are also added. Officials said retailers and distributors will be required to report inventory of affected nicotine products on their first tax return. This includes synthetic nicotine, vapes, e-cigs and nicotine pouches.