The Washington State Legislature is currently considering H.B. 1646, which would reaffirm many of the rights granted under State and Federal law regarding employees’ ability to discuss their wages amongst themselves and with their supervisors.  Unlike other State and Federal laws, H.B. 1646 contains no exemption for certain employers regularly exempted from employment laws, such as public employers, religious employers, agricultural workers, certain overtime-exempt employees, or certain domestic workers.  H.B. 1646 would also prohibit the assignment of less favorable employment based on gender, potentially requiring employers to articulate a reason for each job assignment and task given to a particular employee in the event a discrimination claim is raised.  H.B. 1646 would also permit an employee to bring a private lawsuit and provides for payment of a successful plaintiff-employee’s attorney fees and damages.  Please contact us with any questions or concerns regarding this bill and how it may impact your business.