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Bill

Bill

HB 1402

Concerning job postings requiring driver's licenses.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Liz Berry and 19 co-sponsors

Washington HB 1402 prohibits employers from requiring valid driver's licenses for jobs unless driving is essential, removing licensing barriers to employment for qualified candidates.

By resolution, returned to House Rules Committee for third reading.
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Bill Summary · HB 1402

Legislative bill overview

HB 1402 restricts employers from requiring valid driver's licenses for job positions unless driving is an essential job function. The bill aims to remove unnecessary licensing barriers that may exclude qualified candidates from employment opportunities, particularly affecting populations with suspended or revoked licenses.

Why is this important

Driver's license requirements can disproportionately impact low-income individuals, immigrants, and people with prior criminal convictions, potentially reducing their employment options even for non-driving roles. This policy addresses accessibility to jobs while allowing legitimate driving requirements for positions that genuinely need them.

Potential points of contention

  • Business operational concerns: Employers may argue that licensing requirements serve as basic identity verification, insurance compliance, or background-check proxy, and removing them complicates hiring processes
  • Safety and liability issues: Some industries claim driver's licenses help establish reliability history; employers worry about liability if unlicensed individuals cause workplace harm
  • Scope ambiguity: Defining what constitutes "essential job function" may create litigation and inconsistent application across different industries and positions
  • Unintended consequences: Employers might substitute other restrictive requirements (credit checks, higher education demands) to screen candidates, potentially defeating the bill's equity goals

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

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