Washington Bans Employer-Mandated Microchip Implants

State legislature unanimously passes bill prohibiting companies from requiring employees to get microchips implanted.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Washington state legislature has unanimously passed a bill that prohibits employers from requesting, requiring, or encouraging employees to have microchips implanted in their bodies. The bill now heads to the governor's desk for final approval, which would make Washington the 14th state to preemptively ban the practice.

Why it matters

The legislation aims to protect employee privacy and bodily autonomy, as the use of microchip implants by employers raises concerns about surveillance, data privacy, and the voluntary nature of such a requirement.

The details

The bill, which previously passed the state House 87-6, was unanimously approved by the state Senate on Wednesday. If signed into law by Governor Bob Ferguson, it would make Washington the 14th state to ban employer-mandated microchip implants.

  • The state House passed the bill last month.
  • The state Senate unanimously approved the legislation on Wednesday.
  • The bill now heads to the governor's desk for final approval.

The players

Washington State Legislature

The state legislature that unanimously passed the bill prohibiting employers from requiring microchip implants.

Governor Bob Ferguson

The governor of Washington who will decide whether to sign the bill into law.

State Sen. Rebecca Saldana

A Democratic state senator from Seattle who said the bill "simply says 'do not chip me.'

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The bill 'simply says 'do not chip me.'”

— State Sen. Rebecca Saldana, State Senator

What’s next

If Governor Ferguson signs the bill, it will become law and Washington will become the 14th state to ban employer-mandated microchip implants.

The takeaway

This legislation aims to protect employee privacy and bodily autonomy by prohibiting employers from requiring or coercing workers to have microchips implanted, addressing growing concerns over the use of such technology in the workplace.