Gage Fishering | RCAW Legislative Chair

As the Washington State Legislature ramps up work in Olympia, several policy discussions are underway that could impact roofing contractors in the coming year. While many proposals are still taking shape, the direction is clear: increased focus on worker safety, labor enforcement, and regulatory modernization.

One key issue for roofers is ongoing pressure on workers’ compensation costs. Roofing already carries some of the highest workers’ comp rates in the state, and discussions continue around system sustainability, claim handling, and benefit costs. Even modest changes can have real impacts on contractor budgets, making safety programs and return-to-work practices more important than ever.

Lawmakers are also examining wage-and-hour enforcement tools, including proposals that could expand agency discretion to investigate employers proactively. For construction and roofing contractors—industries with complex labor structures—this reinforces the need for clear compliance practices and strong documentation.

The underground economy and unregistered contractors remain a serious challenge for Washington’s roofing industry. These operators avoid licensing, workers’ compensation, safety requirements, and taxes, undercutting legitimate roofing businesses and putting workers and consumers at risk.

RCAW is actively working with legislators, state agencies, and industry partners to ensure enforcement efforts focus on bad actors, not responsible contractors. Through advocacy and collaboration, we support fair application of existing laws and stronger accountability for unregistered operators.

By promoting education, professionalism, and compliance, RCAW helps protect ethical roofers, level the playing field, and strengthen the long-term health and reputation of Washington’s roofing industry. More to come on this in the near future.

In addition, the state is moving forward with efforts to modernize regulatory communication, shifting more notices and processes to electronic systems. While this can improve efficiency, contractors will need to stay vigilant to avoid missing critical deadlines or compliance notices.

RCAW is actively monitoring legislative developments and engaging with policymakers to ensure the roofing industry’s perspective is heard. As regulations evolve, RCAW’s role in advocacy, education, and member support is more important than ever. We will continue to keep members informed as legislation develops and encourage participation in Olympia Hill Day 2027 to help shape policies that affect our industry.

Gage Fishering  RCAW Legislative Chair