A bill that would require employers to include wage and salary information with their job postings is making its way through the Legislature.

SB 5761, sponsored by Sen. Emily Randall (D–Port Orchard), requires employers to disclose wage scales or salary ranges, along with a description of other benefits and compensation on any job posting they make. For the purposes of the bill, a “job posting” includes any solicitation intended to recruit for a specific available position, regardless of whether the recruitment is done by the employer themselves or a third party. The bill was amended so that an employer posting a general “help wanted” sign should not trigger the new requirements, since such signs are generally not specific to a particular position. The bill passed out of the Senate on a 27-21 vote.

Proponents of the bill argue that it will provide greater transparency for job applicants and prevent them from wasting time on an interview process for jobs that won’t meet their salary needs. They also argue that transparency is a pay equity issue, saying that often women and minorities are punished for negotiating a salary, while white men are often rewarded for negotiating.

Opponents argue that the bill goes beyond previously negotiated pay transparency policies, that it might result in disclosure of proprietary or confidential information, and may violate an employee’s privacy rights by publishing their salary when hiring their replacement. Opponents also argue that the requirements will put additional burden on employers at a time when its already hard to hire.

Most cities (and public employers generally) already provide wage, salary, and additional compensation with their job postings, and public employer salary ranges and benefit information are generally considered public records. However, the bill would require specific types of information to be included in city job postings, so cities may have to make some adjustments to ensure the necessary information is included in every posting.

SB 5761 was heard in the House Labor & Workplace Standards Committee on February 16, and is waiting for additional amendments to be drafted before being scheduled for a committee vote.