Plain-English summary
Unanimously holds Washington law targeting federal contract workers is unconstitutional under the Supremac
The Court unanimously held that a Washington law that applies only to federal contract workers at a specified federal facility violates the Supremacy Clause. The law facially discriminates against the United States and does not fall within the federal waiver in 40 U.S.C. §3172.
Why this matters
The decision limits states’ ability to impose laws that single out the federal government or federal contractors for different treatment. It reinforces the principle that the Supremacy Clause prevents states from enacting laws that discriminate against the United States unless Congress clearly consents.
Who may feel it
- State governments considering laws that single out federal facilities or federal contractors
- Federal government and agencies that enter into contracts with private parties
- Private contractors working on federal property
- Businesses and workers at federal facilities that might be subject to unique state regulations
Key questions
- Does a state workers’ compensation law that applies exclusively to federal contract workers at a named federal facility violate principles of intergovernmental immunity under the Supremacy Clause?