HB 1524: Protecting Isolated Workers

This is the first bill Representative Obras passed in the House, with a bipartisan 86–10 vote. HB 1524 expands and enforces protections for “isolated employees," such as hotel housekeepers, security guards, and janitors who often work alone and face higher risks of sexual harassment or assault.

The bill requires employers to provide panic buttons and report incidents to the state Department of Labor & Industries, creating accountability for compliance with existing anti-harassment laws. “Hospitality workers deserve protection from toxic work environments. They deserve the dignity of a workplace safe from such behavior,” Rep Obras said, explaining the need for this law. 

HB 1332: Strengthening Rideshare Drivers’ Rights

HB 1332 protects ride share drivers from sudden company policy changes that undermine their investments and earnings. Edwin drafted this bill after hearing from constituents whom drive for Uber and Lyft about spending tens of thousands on vehicle upgrades to qualify for higher-paying ride options, only for the companies to change rules and disqualify their vehicles.

The bill requires ride share companies to be transparent and honor drivers' qualifications once earned. HB 1332 was signed into law on May 12th, and at Edwin's campaign kickoff event, over 25 ride share drivers showed up to show their support for Edwin. This shows Edwin's direct commitment to his constituents.

​

HB 1623: Protecting Tipped Workers’ Wages

HB 1623 prohibits employers from deducting credit card processing fees from workers’ tips. Rep Obras introduced this bill upon learning that some businesses were making servers and other tipped employees bear the cost of credit card transaction fees, effectively cutting into their tips. He argues that “workers should not have to pay for the cost of doing business” and that tips belong to the workers who earned them. By ensuring workers keep 100% of their gratuities, this bill supports higher take-home pay for restaurant and hospitality staff. Rep Obras will continue to fight for fair wages and service employees rights. 

​

HB 1424: Improving the Jail System

HB 1424 focuses on community safety and criminal justice reform by seeking to improve  accountability in Washington’s jails. The bill aims to enhance how jails operate through better standards or reentry support . This aligns with Edwin’s goal of a safer community through effective justice practices. Rep Obras will continue to fight for protections of Washingtonians, in this case through seeking external oversight of city, county, state and regional jails in Washington State.

​

HB 1490: Enhancing Background Checks

HB 1490 deals with fingerprint-based background checks, likely tightening or streamlining the process for certain jobs or licenses to ensure public safety. The House passed HB 1490 in 2025 with Governor Ferguson signing it into law on April 16th. This HB will ensure that children in child care, seniors in assisted living, and those in transitional living are in the safest position possible, and you don't have to worry about your relatives. 

Other Legislative Work

In addition to the above, Rep. Obras has co-sponsored and supported a range of legislation in line with his caucus’s agenda. For example, he is listed as a sponsor on bills to limit unreasonable rent increases and fees on tenants (to address housing affordability), to allow collective bargaining rights for agricultural cannabis workers (supporting farmworker and cannabis industry labor rights), and to strengthen gun safety regulations on firearm purchases and transfers open.pluralpolicy.com.

He also backed a bipartisan measure designating December 12 as “Day of the 12s” to honor Washington’s passionate Seahawks fans, a lighter piece of legislation demonstrating his local pride. Many of these efforts saw progress: for instance, a bill he co-sponsored to prevent “deepfake” forgeries (HB 1205) and another to tighten public works bidder criteria (HB 1549) were passed by the legislature in 2025.