Legislative Updates for 2026
Legislative Highlights for the West Coast
As we move into the final stretch of the year, our team at NW Staffing Resources is committed to staying ahead of the curve—so you can focus on building and sustaining your workforce while we navigate the changing landscape together. This month, we’d like to share a few key legislative developments you should know about in Oregon, California or Washington. We’ll also highlight implications of the current federal government shutdown.
In Oregon, several forthcoming changes are worth noting. Effective January 1, 2026, SB 1108 adds blood donation as a new qualifying use for Oregon sick time. Also starting January 1, 2026, employers must provide newly-hired employees with detailed written explanations of all pay and deduction codes used on their itemized pay statements (including rates, allowances, benefit deductions). These changes underscore the importance of updating your pay-statement practices and reviewing policy disclosures for any temporary assignments in Oregon.
In California, employers should prepare for new obligations coming in 2026. Beginning February 1, 2026, an annual written notice must be provided to each employee (including new hires) explaining certain worker protections—such as immigration-related rights and constitutional rights when interacting with law enforcement at work. Also, starting in 2026 the number of job categories included in pay data reporting will expand from 10 to 23, under Senate Bill 464, raising compliance complexity for employers with 100+ employees.
In Washington, while fewer specific upcoming changes are noted in our summary window, recent updates have expanded pay-equity and personnel-file access obligations; we recommend reviewing current processes and staying tuned for additional 2026 requirements as enforcement evolves.
In addition to these state-law updates, the ongoing federal government shutdown is important for your business to be aware of—especially if you or any of your assignments involve federal contractors, government-adjacent work, or upstream/downstream supply-chains tied to federal funding. On October 1, 2025 the U.S. federal government entered a funding lapse due to Congress not passing a continuing resolution. Many agencies have been forced to implement contingency plans, furlough non-essential staff, and delay new contracts, payments or regulatory approvals. Federal and contractor work that relies on agency access or funding may experience stoppages, payment delays, hiring freezes or outright cancellations. Some agencies are advising they will implement reductions in force, not just temporary furloughs.
Thank you for your continued trust and partnership. Let’s head into November with preparation, agility, and optimism.
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