Any employer that coerces an employee in furtherance of the employer committing a violation of chapter 49.46, 49.48, 49.12, or 49.30 RCW, or any rules issued by the department, is subject to a civil penalty under this chapter in addition to any other penalty that may be imposed by the department against an employer for those violations. If an employee or employee's family member experiences coercion from any employer because of perceived or actual immigration status, the employee may also be entitled to the remedies in chapter 49.46 RCW and associated rules. The actual immigration status of the employee is not relevant to the enforcement of this chapter.

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 49.46 RCW. WSR 26-04-111, s 296-128-91020, filed 2/3/26, effective 3/6/26.]