Legislative Policy

Feb. 28, 2026

Lawmakers Eye Mortgage Lender Tax Break Rollback to Fund WA Wildfire Programs

Proposed legislation would eliminate tax break for large mortgage lenders to help replenish wildfire prevention budget.

Feb. 27, 2026

Washington House Honors Japanese Americans on 84th Anniversary of Internment Order

State lawmakers adopt resolution recognizing forced incarceration during WWII and calling for vigilance against repeating such actions.

Feb. 26, 2026

Bill to Review Unfunded School Mandates Advances in Washington

The bipartisan bill would create a committee to examine and recommend changes to burdensome requirements on public schools.

Feb. 26, 2026

GOP Maneuver Sinks Clean Energy Bill as Deadline Hits Washington State Senate

Republican floor leader forces full reading of 39-page transmission infrastructure bill, causing it to miss deadline

Feb. 26, 2026

Washington State Lawmakers Approve New Millionaire Income Tax

The state Senate voted to impose a 9.9% tax on household income above $1 million, despite a constitutional ban on income taxes.

Feb. 24, 2026

Numerous Bills Fail to Pass Washington Legislature Deadline

Proposals on homelessness, child welfare, gun safety, and more stall as session nears end

Feb. 22, 2026

Washington State Debates How to Spend Income Tax Revenue

Governor and lawmakers clash over tax relief and budget priorities

Feb. 18, 2026

Washington House Approves Bill Penalizing Drivers Who Ignore Emergency Closures

New law would create crime of 'reckless interference' and allow reimbursement of rescue costs

Feb. 18, 2026

Washington Senate Passes Millionaires Tax Proposal

Bill heads to state House after narrow Senate vote, faces GOP opposition over income tax concerns.

Feb. 18, 2026

Washington Senate Bill Aims to Revert 2025 Estate Tax Hike

Proposal comes as state debates new income tax

Feb. 17, 2026

Washington Establishes Wilkeson Sandstone as Official State Rock

State Senate unanimously approves measure to recognize sandstone used in historic state buildings

Feb. 16, 2026

Washington Aims to Sell Abortion Drug Stockpile Before Expiration

State legislature passes bill to give more flexibility in distributing medication

Feb. 14, 2026

Washington Senate Passes Pet Protection Bill

New law would allow engines to run for up to 30 minutes to keep pets safe from extreme temperatures.

Feb. 14, 2026

Washington House Passes Bill Requiring AG Approval for Local Election Map Changes

The bill would expand the state's Voting Rights Act to require preclearance from the Attorney General before local governments can redraw boundaries.

Feb. 14, 2026

Lawmakers Struggle to Pass Bills in Short Legislative Session

Many bills addressing issues like salmon restoration, tire piles, and child welfare fail to advance in Washington state legislature

Feb. 13, 2026

Attorneys Urge Lawmakers to Reject Mandatory Arbitration Bill, Advance Survivor-Focused Alternative

Schroeter Goldmark & Bender attorneys propose a Historical Abuse Pre-Filing Claims Commission to provide a fair, efficient, and trauma-informed process for survivors

Feb. 13, 2026

Washington Senate Passes Bill to Allow State Board to Remove Elected Sheriffs

The controversial legislation would give a state commission the power to oust county sheriffs, sparking debate over local control and accountability.

Feb. 13, 2026

Washington House Unanimously Passes Stalking Supervision Bill

Legislation aims to strengthen supervision requirements for individuals convicted of stalking offenses.

Feb. 12, 2026

Washington Bill Aims to Reduce Penalties for Failure to Register as Sex Offender

Legislation would downgrade repeat offenses from felony to misdemeanor, raising concerns about public safety

Feb. 11, 2026

Proposed 'Millionaire's Tax' Sparks Debate in Olympia

Washington residents have repeatedly voted against a state income tax.