State reference · WA
Washington ADA + employment hiring law
Washington Law Against Discrimination, RCW § 49.60.180. Enforced by Washington State Human Rights Commission (WSHRC). Federal ADA Title I (42 U.S.C. § 12112) applies in parallel.
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State statute
Washington Law Against Discrimination is codified at RCW § 49.60.180.
Prohibits employment discrimination based on the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability and other protected classes.
Federal ADA Title I (42 U.S.C. § 12112) and EEOC implementing regulations (29 C.F.R. Part 1630) apply in parallel.
Enforcing agency
Washington State Human Rights Commission (WSHRC)
Agency website: https://www.hum.wa.gov/
WSHRC has a worksharing agreement with the EEOC; charges are typically dual-filed.
Employer-coverage threshold
8+ employees under RCW § 49.60.040(11).
Notable feature
Washington's definition of "disability" under RCW § 49.60.040(7) is broader than the federal ADA in several respects.
What this page is not
This page is a public-record reference to statutes and agencies. It is not a survey of Washington case law, an enforcement-history summary, or legal advice. Relevant case law and agency-guidance interpretations evolve. Consult qualified employment counsel for Washington-specific questions.
Related
Frequently asked questions
What is the primary employment-discrimination statute in Washington?
Washington Law Against Discrimination, codified at RCW § 49.60.180. Prohibits employment discrimination based on the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability and other protected classes.
Which agency enforces employment-discrimination law in Washington?
Washington State Human Rights Commission (WSHRC). WSHRC has a worksharing agreement with the EEOC; charges are typically dual-filed.
What employer-size threshold applies in Washington?
8+ employees under RCW § 49.60.040(11).
How does Washington interact with federal ADA Title I?
Federal ADA Title I (42 U.S.C. § 12112) applies to private employers with 15 or more employees nationwide. Washington employers also face the state-level statutory framework above. WSHRC has a worksharing agreement with the EEOC; charges are typically dual-filed.
Where can I read the Washington statute and agency materials?
Statute citation: RCW § 49.60.180. Agency: Washington State Human Rights Commission (WSHRC) at https://www.hum.wa.gov/. EEOC ADA Title I guidance is available at https://www.eeoc.gov/disability-discrimination.
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