(1) The department has the following responsibilities related to covered employers, as provided in this chapter:

(a) Educate participating employers of their administrative duties under this chapter;

(b) In the case of noncompliance with employer administrative duties, investigate complaints, educate employers about how to come into compliance, and, in the case of willful violations, issue citations and collect penalties;

(c) In the case of impermissible withholding of amounts due to employees, investigate and enforce the complaint as an alleged violation of a wage payment requirement, as defined in RCW 49.48.082; and

(d) Facilitate a process in which employers may appeal complaints.

(2) Collections of unpaid citations assessing civil penalties by the department under this chapter must be made pursuant to RCW 49.48.086.

Conflict with federal requirements—2024 c 327: See note following RCW 19.05.020.