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Track legislation and stay informed about the bills that matter to you.

State Legislature US Congress
All 16,751 Active 8,824 In committee 5,037 Passed 3,265 Signed 3,665 Failed 951

Bill results

in committee · Washington · Senate Jan 12, 2026

SB 5428: Improving community inclusion services for individuals with developmental disabilities.

SB 5428 updates Washington State law to improve community inclusion services for individuals with developmental disabilities (including autism, cerebral palsy, and intellectual disabilities). It requires the Department of Social and Health Services to contract directly with service providers for home and community-based waiver programs, rather than through intermediaries. Key provisions include banning strict one-to-one provider ratios (allowing peer group interaction), limiting billing for administrative tasks to 15 minutes weekly per client, and ensuring assessed service hours cannot be reduced if services are integrated with other funded supports. The bill also clarifies that community inclusion services must occur in typical community settings, be individualized, and promote skill development and community engagement.
Paul Harris (R) · 1 co-sponsor
in committee · Washington · House Jan 12, 2026

HB 1632: Protecting consumers by removing barriers created by medical debt.

HB 1632 prevents medical debt from being reported to credit bureaus without specific contract terms, directly affecting consumers with medical bills, healthcare providers, and collection agencies. The bill requires all new medical debt contracts to include a clear statement prohibiting credit reporting, and any contract lacking this term becomes unenforceable. If a provider or collector reports medical debt to credit bureaus despite this requirement, the debt is void and cannot be collected. This policy change aims to stop medical debt from unfairly damaging credit scores by removing a key barrier to financial stability for affected consumers.
Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcarePrevents medical debt from damaging credit scores, protecting consumers' financial stability related to healthcare access and reducing barriers to care.95% confidence
Joe Timmons (D) · 26 co-sponsors
in committee · Washington · Senate Jan 12, 2026

SB 5190: Allowing school districts to request extensions to state energy performance standard deadlines for K-12 school buildings.

SB 5190 allows Washington K-12 school districts to formally request extensions to meet state energy performance standards for school buildings. The bill amends existing law to create a specific process for districts to seek deadline extensions when compliance would be impractical. This directly affects public school districts responsible for maintaining energy efficiency standards under RCW 19.27A.210. The key mechanism is a structured request procedure for districts facing challenges in meeting energy targets by established deadlines.
Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill facilitates school district compliance with energy efficiency standards for K-12 buildings, supporting infrastructure maintenance without imposing rigid deadlines.85% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill enables school districts to meet existing energy efficiency standards (RCW 19.27A.210) by allowing deadline extensions, supporting compliance with energy performance requirements.95% confidence
Lisa Wellman (D) · 11 co-sponsors
in committee · Washington · House Jan 12, 2026

HB 1697: Ensuring timely, efficient, and evidence-based additions to newborn screenings.

HB 1697 updates Washington's newborn screening program to ensure new conditions are added quickly and based on scientific evidence. It requires the state board of health to align the screening panel with the federal recommended list by 2027, and mandates feasibility reviews (assessing costs, funding, and timelines) before adding new conditions. The bill creates a dedicated revenue account for screening costs, ensuring fees collected from parents cover specialty clinics and outreach for conditions like sickle cell disease. It directly affects newborns, hospitals (which collect blood samples), and the Department of Health (which implements screenings and manages funds). The law aims to make the process more efficient while preserving public input for adding conditions outside the federal panel.
Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates dedicated revenue account funded by parent fees to cover newborn screening costs, ensuring fiscal responsibility for program funding.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill creates dedicated revenue for evidence-based newborn screenings, expanding preventive healthcare access under public health programs.90% confidence
Monica Stonier (D) · 3 co-sponsors
in committee · Washington · House Jan 12, 2026

HB 1753: Addressing threats of harm to children by modifying the child removal standard related to another person's use or possession of a high-potency synthetic opioid.

HB 1753 modifies Washington state's child welfare law to clarify when courts can remove children from homes where parents or guardians possess high-potency synthetic opioids like fentanyl. It establishes that a parent's use or possession of these dangerous opioids near children creates an imminent physical harm risk, directly affecting court decisions in dependency cases. The bill amends RCW 13.34.065 to require courts to consider this specific danger when determining if a child should be removed or placed out of home. This change aims to prevent fentanyl-related harm to children, including accidental ingestion or overdose, by providing clearer legal standards for child welfare proceedings.
Alicia Rule (D) · 5 co-sponsors
in committee · Washington · Senate Jan 12, 2026

SB 5698: Concerning the compliance obligation under the climate commitment act for certain municipal gas utilities.

SB 5698 creates an alternative compliance pathway for small municipal gas utilities in Washington that emitted under 27,000 metric tons of CO2 equivalent annually before 2022. These utilities can opt out of the standard climate program by submitting a detailed emissions reduction plan by September 1, 2025, demonstrating they will cut emissions below 22,500 tons annually by 2030 while spending at least as much on reductions as required under the standard program. If they miss the 2030 target or exceed 22,500 tons after 2030, they must revert to full compliance and pay penalties for each ton short. The bill directly affects qualifying small municipal gas utilities, adjusting their obligations under Washington’s Climate Commitment Act without changing requirements for larger entities.
Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyRequires small gas utilities to reduce emissions below 22,500 tons annually by 2030 via spending equivalent to standard program, advancing climate goals within energy policy.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill mandates emissions reductions below 22,500 tons by 2030 for small utilities, requiring comparable spending on reductions as standard program, maintaining climate goals.85% confidence
Bill Ramos (D) · 1 co-sponsor
in committee · Washington · Senate Jan 12, 2026

SB 5546: Requiring the installation of solar energy systems on new school buildings.

SB 5546 requires public schools in Washington to install solar energy systems on new buildings exceeding 50,000 square feet. Schools planning construction starting June 1, 2025, must notify the state superintendent about solar feasibility and costs, with full installation required before occupancy for projects starting after June 1, 2028. The bill creates a state grant program to reimburse schools for solar installation costs, but only for projects demonstrating a positive 25-year cost-benefit analysis. This directly affects public school districts constructing large new buildings, aiming to reduce energy costs and emissions through mandatory solar adoption.
Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill creates state grant program to fund solar installations for schools, requiring cost-benefit analysis, advancing public spending on energy efficiency within fiscal management.85% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationRequires solar infrastructure on new schools with state grants, improving school facilities and reducing long-term energy costs per bill requirements.95% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyMandates solar installations on new schools with state grants, directly advancing renewable energy infrastructure and reducing fossil fuel dependence.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates solar installations on new schools, promoting clean energy adoption and reducing carbon footprint. Grant program supports implementation for cost-effective environmental benefits.95% confidence
Tina Orwall (D) · 2 co-sponsors
in committee · Washington · House Jan 12, 2026

HB 2016: Concerning an additive capital budget for state matching funds and federal expenditure authority for broadband.

This bill allocates $280 million in state funds to match federal broadband grant programs under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. It enables Washington's statewide broadband office to administer grants for community broadband projects, prioritizing affordability, digital navigation services, and open-access networks. The state funds are contingent on receiving federal grant money and will support projects through 2027. The legislation also updates state budget procedures to streamline matching funds for federal broadband initiatives.
Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill allocates $280M state funds for broadband infrastructure, a public service, and updates budget procedures to streamline spending. This funds essential programs and aligns with fiscal management.90% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyAllocates $280M for broadband infrastructure, prioritizing affordability and open-access networks to expand internet access and digital equity.95% confidence
Steve Tharinger (D) · 1 co-sponsor
in committee · Washington · House Jan 12, 2026

HB 1911: Creating special license plates for pollinator research and education.

HB 1911 creates a new special license plate option titled "Washington state honey bees and pollinators" (plate #36) for Washington vehicle owners. This plate, costing $40 for initial registration and $30 annually, would join existing special plates like "Washington apples" and "Seattle Mariners" in the state's license plate program. The bill amends state code to add this plate type and specifies that fees support pollinator research and education efforts. It does not create new funding or policy changes beyond the plate designation and associated fees.
Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill creates license plate fees to fund pollinator research/education, directly supporting conservation efforts related to environmental protection.95% confidence
Tom Dent (R) · 17 co-sponsors
in committee · Washington · House Jan 12, 2026

HB 1618: Expanding access to college in the high school to private school students.

HB 1618 expands Washington State's existing "College in the High School" program to include students attending state-approved private high schools. The bill requires institutions of higher education to offer dual-credit courses at no cost to 9th-12th grade students in both public and qualifying private schools, with private school participation now explicitly included in the program's definition. Key provisions mandate that private schools must be state-approved, require schools to award high school credit for successful completion, and ensure no fees for students enrolling in these courses. This change directly affects private school students seeking college credit while still in high school, aligning their access with public school peers.
Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationExpands dual-credit access to private school students, mandating no-cost courses and state-approved participation, directly increasing educational access.90% confidence
Sam Low (R) · 1 co-sponsor
in committee · Washington · House Jan 12, 2026

HB 1579: Providing adequate and predictable student transportation.

HB 1579 requires Washington school districts to report detailed transportation data for specific student groups, including those with special education needs, experiencing homelessness, in foster care, or attending skill centers. It mandates the state superintendent to develop a new funding model by 2028 that addresses unique challenges in rural and urban districts, and establishes a $400 flat rate per homeless student for transportation costs. The bill directly affects school districts and the students in these four priority groups by changing how transportation funding is calculated and reported. Districts must submit quarterly reports on mileage, ridership, and costs, with funds for homeless students limited to their specific transportation needs.
Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesEstablishes $400 flat rate per homeless student for transportation costs and mandates new state funding model development, directly allocating public funds for student transportation services.92% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates new funding model for transportation, establishes $400 flat rate for homeless students, and requires data reporting to address access for vulnerable student groups in K-12 education.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill establishes $400 flat rate for homeless student transportation and mandates new funding model addressing district transportation needs, directly funding student transportation services.95% confidence
Greg Nance (D) · 5 co-sponsors
in committee · Washington · House Jan 12, 2026

HB 1973: Concerning professional license accounts and fees.

HB 1973 requires Washington's licensing department to refund excess fees paid by license holders due to department errors that caused fee increases over 33% within the last year. Specifically, the department must review records within 60 days to identify affected individuals (like real estate appraisers) and issue one-time refunds within 30 days. The bill also allows the department up to three biennia (six years) to balance professional license accounts instead of imposing immediate large fee hikes for similar errors. This directly affects individuals who paid inflated fees due to department mistakes, providing a concrete refund mechanism without changing fee structures permanently.
Brandy Donaghy (D)
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