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HB 1597

Authorizing agricultural employers to select 12 weeks a year to employ workers for up to 50 hours a week before overtime applies.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Stephanie Barnard and 6 co-sponsors

Washington bill allows agricultural employers to require 50-hour workweeks without overtime pay for 12 designated weeks annually, reducing labor costs during peak seasons.

First reading, referred to Labor & Workplace Standards.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1597

Legislative bill overview

HB 1597 would allow agricultural employers in Washington to designate 12 weeks per year during which employees can work up to 50 hours weekly before overtime pay requirements trigger. Currently, Washington state requires overtime compensation after 40 hours per week. This creates a seasonal exemption period specifically for agricultural work.

Why is this important

Agriculture relies on seasonal labor surges during planting and harvest periods. This bill directly affects farmworker compensation during peak work seasons and could reduce labor costs for agricultural operations while potentially affecting take-home pay for seasonal agricultural workers during their most intensive working periods.

Potential points of contention

  • Worker protections vs. employer flexibility: Agricultural workers, who are often among the lowest-paid laborers, would earn no overtime premium during these 12-week windows despite working extended hours—raising fairness concerns versus industry arguments about seasonal necessity.
  • Seasonal worker vulnerability: These workers may lack alternative employment options and could face pressure to accept 50-hour weeks without extra compensation, particularly if employers coordinate their "12-week windows."
  • Overtime threshold precedent: Washington has stricter overtime laws than many states; this creates an exception that could invite future carve-outs for other industries, fragmenting labor standards across sectors.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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