Washington § 49.97.020 - Definitions.

Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 49.97.020 — Definitions., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 49.97.020. Definitions.

The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
(1) "Affected worker" means a worker identified by the federal agency inspection results to be a worker who may lack federal work authorization, or a worker whose federal work authorization documents or form I-9 have been identified by the federal agency inspection results to have deficiencies.
(2) "Employ" means to suffer or permit to work.
(3) "Employer" means any person, firm, corporation, partnership, business trust, legal representative, or other business entity which engages in any business, industry, profession, or activity in this state and employs one or more workers, and includes the state, any state institution, state agency, political subdivisions of the state, and any municipal corporation or quasi-municipal corporation.
(4) "Federal agency" means an agency of the United States government that enforces or aids in enforcing United States federal civil immigration laws or employment eligibility inspections, including but not limited to any person or class of persons authorized to perform the functions of an immigration officer as defined in the immigration and nationality act, without regard to the agency for whom the person is employed. Officials from the United States department of homeland security, department of justice immigrant and employee rights section or its successor, and department of labor are included in this definition when on duty.
(5) "Form I-9" refers to the United States citizenship and immigration services employment eligibility verification form used by employers to comply with 8 U.S.C. Sec. 1324a(b) to verify the identity and work authorization of employees or any successor form used by employers for the same purposes under federal law.
(6) "Worker" means any person employed by an employer.
(7) "Worker records" means documentation that includes a worker's first name or first initial and last name in combination with any one or more of the following data elements: (a) Social security number; (b) driver's license number or Washington identification card number; (c) residential address; (d) student, military, or passport identification number; (e) biometric data generated by automatic measurements of an individual's biological characteristics such as a fingerprint, voiceprint, eye retinas, irises, or other unique biological patterns or characteristics that is used to identify a specific individual; (f) information that includes a geolocation component that could be used to identify a worker's location. "Worker records" also includes documentation that includes the first name or first initial and last name of a family member of a worker in combination with the data elements outlined in this subsection.
(8) "Worker's authorized representative" means an exclusive collective bargaining representative.
[ 2026 c 240 s 2.]

Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 49.97.020

What does Revised Code of Washington § 49.97.020 cover?

Section 49.97.020 ("Definitions.") is part of the Revised Code of Washington, the codified statutory law of Washington. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Washington § 49.97.020?

A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 49.97.020" (Washington). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Washington law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Washington official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Washington attorney.

How does Washington § 49.97.020 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Washington can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Washington.