by Ed Choi - Miller Nash

During the 2025 legislative session, Washington State enacted several new measures that will significantly impact employer obligations related to hiring practices and personnel recordkeeping. Two statewide bills—HB 1308 and HB 1747—make important changes to employee access to personnel files and the timing and use of criminal background checks in hiring. In addition, the Spokane City Council adopted a local ordinance restricting the use of residential address information in the early stages of the hiring process. These laws reflect a broader legislative focus on increasing transparency for workers and reducing barriers to employment. Read on to understand the implications of these new laws and learn what steps employers should take to prepare for these changes.