United States v. Washington

The Supreme Court is reviewing whether Washington could give special workers' compensation benefits only to certain workers at the federally owned Hanford nuclear cleanup site, most of whom worked for federal contractors. The United States says the law improperly singles out the federal government, while Washington says federal law allows state workers' compensation rules to apply at federal facilities.

The case has not been scheduled for oral argument yet. The United States argues that Washington's law discriminates against the federal government, while Washington argues that 40 U.S.C. 3172(a) lets state workers' compensation law apply at federal facilities.

The case could affect what benefits Hanford workers receive after job-related illness or injury. It could also shape how far states can go when they write rules that apply at federal sites and to federal contract workers.

Watch for the Court to schedule oral argument or make another procedural move. No decision window is available yet.

The fight is over a Washington law that gives special workers' compensation benefits only to certain workers at the Hanford federal site. The United States says that unlawfully singles out federal work.

It could affect the benefits available to Hanford cleanup workers after work-related illness or injury. The Court's answer could also matter at other federal facilities.

The next big step is whether the Supreme Court schedules oral argument. Until then, there is no set timetable for a final decision.