Washington: The CROWN Act (SB5496)
Adopted: March 2020 Bill Number: SB5496 Governor: Jay Inslee Status: Enacted
Washington State enacted its CROWN Act in March 2020 when Governor Jay Inslee signed SB5496, prohibiting discrimination based on natural hair texture and protective hairstyles. The legislation brought protections to the Pacific Northwest, complementing California’s and Oregon’s subsequent adoptions to create a West Coast corridor of hair discrimination law.
Key Provisions
Washington Law Against Discrimination amendment. SB5496 amends the state’s anti-discrimination law to include hair texture and protective hairstyles within the definition of race, covering employment, housing, and public accommodation.
Protective hairstyles enumerated. The legislation names braids, locs, twists, and other styles as protected, while establishing that the list is illustrative rather than exhaustive.
Human Rights Commission jurisdiction. The Washington State Human Rights Commission gained jurisdiction over hair-related discrimination complaints, providing individuals with an established complaints and enforcement mechanism.
Washington Context
Washington State’s diverse population, including significant African American communities in Seattle and Tacoma, and its position as headquarters for major technology companies and corporations made the legislation relevant to a broad workforce. Seattle’s corporate ecosystem, home to companies with global influence, meant that Washington’s grooming policy standards carry impact beyond the state’s borders.
The state’s strong tradition of civil rights legislation provided a receptive environment. Washington’s adoption alongside Colorado and Virginia in March 2020 marked the CROWN Act movement’s rapid expansion in its second year.
For the complete legislative progression, see the CROWN Act timeline. For analysis of the evidence base, see Data Behind the CROWN Act.
For detailed legal analysis of Washington’s CROWN Act provisions, contact [email protected].