State Laws

New Hiring and Employment Records Laws Take Effect in Washington

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.

Read more: https://www.millernash.com/industry-news/new-hiring-and-employment-records-laws-take-effect-in-washington

Q&A: Will States Take the Lead in Consumer Protection?

by Jedd Bellman, John Coleman, Amanda Lawrence, Olivia Ragoowansi, Clinton Rockwell, Katy Ryan, John Williams - Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP - JD Supra

On Saturday, February 1, Rohit Chopra was dismissed as Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), with Secretary Scott Bessent appointed as Acting Director that same day. The following weekend, Office of Management and Budget director Russell Vought was named the Acting Director and ordered the Bureau to halt virtually all supervisory, enforcement and litigation activity while new leadership reevaluates priorities.

Read more: https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/q-a-will-states-take-the-lead-in-4607676/

State Laws on Screening and Federal Preemption – Where Are We Now and Where Are We Heading?

by David M. Gettings, Kim Phan, Cindy D. Hanson, Timothy J. St. George - Troutman Pepper

FCRA Focus Podcast

Please join Troutman Pepper Partner Dave Gettings and colleagues Tim St. George and Cindy Hanson for a highly informative discussion on federal preemption as it relates to state laws and the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). This episode provides listeners with an overview of important state and local legislation governing background screening, along with discussions about how federal preemption might affect required compliance with these state and local laws.

Read more: https://www.troutman.com/insights/state-laws-on-screening-and-federal-preemption-where-are-we-now-and-where-are-we-heading.html