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in committee · Washington · Senate Jan 12, 2026

SB 5410: Concerning parking privileges for veterans.

SB 5410 amends Washington State law to expand eligibility for disability parking privileges to include veterans. Specifically, it adds veterans with a 70% or higher disability rating from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs who use a service animal (as defined by federal regulations) to the list of qualifying individuals under existing parking rules. The bill does not create new benefits but extends current disability parking access to this veteran group, requiring the same medical certification as other applicants. It maintains all existing requirements for documentation, application, and issuance of parking placards or license plates. This change directly affects eligible veterans seeking parking accommodations under Washington’s disability parking program.
John Braun (R) · 11 co-sponsors
in committee · Washington · Senate Jan 12, 2026

SB 5811: Establishing a tax on certain business activities related to surpluses generated under the zero-emission vehicle program.

SB 5811 establishes an excise tax on certain business activities related to surplus zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) credits generated by vehicle manufacturers in Washington state. The existing ZEV program requires manufacturers to sell a minimum percentage of ZEVs or acquire credits, allowing some to generate surplus credits. This bill imposes a 2% tax on the sale price of ZEV credits sold to other manufacturers, and also applies to the pooling and banking of these surplus credits. The intent is to tax these "windfall profits" and reinvest the funds into other programs that promote cleaner vehicles and support state climate goals.
Liz Lovelett (D) · 5 co-sponsors
in committee · Washington · House Jan 12, 2026

HB 1978: Concerning transparency in election tabulation devices.

HB 1978 requires election equipment vendors to provide source code for ballot tabulation machines, hardware, and software to county auditors as part of their contracts. County auditors must then make this source code available for public inspection and copying, unless it is legally protected as confidential. The bill directly affects election vendors, county auditors, and the public by mandating transparency in the technology used to count votes. It aims to increase public confidence in election accuracy by allowing anyone to review how vote-counting systems operate, without altering the voting process itself.
Rob Chase (R) · 5 co-sponsors
in committee · Washington · House Jan 12, 2026

HB 1077: Raising awareness of pain control options for intrauterine device placement and removal.

This bill requires Washington healthcare providers to inform patients about available pain control options before scheduling or during appointments for intrauterine device (IUD) placement or removal. It directly affects patients seeking IUDs - particularly those who have never given birth, who often experience more pain - and healthcare providers who perform these procedures. The key provision mandates that providers notify patients about pain management choices (beyond just over-the-counter medications) at the time of scheduling, aligning with updated CDC guidelines. The bill does not change medical practices but ensures patients receive clear information about pain control options before the procedure. It is pending review in the Health Care & Wellness committee.
Amy Walen (D) · 16 co-sponsors
in committee · Washington · Senate Jan 12, 2026

SB 5707: Exempting email addresses of individuals who subscribe to regular communications and updates from local agencies.

SB 5707 would add email addresses used for subscribing to local agency communications (like newsletters) to Washington’s list of exempt public records. It directly affects individuals who provide their email to receive updates from cities, counties, or other local government bodies. The bill’s key provision ensures these subscription emails cannot be disclosed under public records law, preventing them from appearing in responses to public record requests. This change aligns with existing exemptions for other personal contact information in Washington’s public records law (RCW 42.56.230). The bill is currently in early legislative stages and has not yet become law.
Shelly Short (R) · 4 co-sponsors
in committee · Washington · House Jan 12, 2026

HB 1477: Concerning the Washington saves administrative trust account.

HB 1477 establishes a dedicated administrative trust account to cover the operational costs of Washington Saves, the state's automatic retirement savings program for eligible workers. The account, managed by the state treasurer, funds program administration (like staff and technology) but cannot pay employee benefits. It affects small businesses with 10,400+ combined employee hours annually that don’t offer retirement plans to long-term staff (called "covered employers"). Key rules include using only state/federal grants or interest earnings for admin costs, requiring director approval for spending, and prohibiting commingling with employee savings.
Kristine Reeves (D) · 1 co-sponsor
in committee · Washington · Senate Jan 12, 2026

SB 5137: Requiring parental or legal guardian approval before a child participates in comprehensive sexual health education.

SB 5137 requires Washington public schools to obtain written approval from a child's parent or legal guardian before providing comprehensive sexual health education. This replaces the current system where parents could opt their child out with a written request, making parental consent mandatory prior to any instruction. The bill maintains existing curriculum requirements (including medically accurate, age-appropriate content covering abstinence, contraception, and affirmative consent) but shifts the process to require active parental approval. It directly affects parents/guardians of K-12 students in Washington public schools and takes effect starting the 2025-26 school year. The law amends RCW 28A.300.475 to formalize this approval requirement.
Jim McCune (R) · 3 co-sponsors
in committee · Washington · House Jan 12, 2026

HB 1653: Concerning payments to tow truck operators for the release of vehicles to indigent citizens.

HB 1653 creates a state program to reimburse registered tow truck operators for releasing vehicles owned by indigent citizens who cannot afford towing costs. It applies to vehicles impounded on private property or by law enforcement (excluding those impounded after an arrest), requiring applicants to self-certify as indigent and owners, and operators to verify eligibility before submitting forms to the Department of Licensing. Reimbursement uses existing funds from towing service payments, with priority given to applications based on submission order if funds are limited. The bill requires annual reporting on program usage and prohibits tow operators from claiming liens on released vehicles.
Brandy Donaghy (D) · 14 co-sponsors
in committee · Washington · House Jan 12, 2026

HB 2012: Funding the transition to kindergarten program.

HB 2012 allocates $16.2 million for the 2024-25 school year and $4.7 million for 2025-26 to fund Washington's "transition to kindergarten" program, which helps children needing extra preparation before kindergarten. It directly affects public school districts, charter schools, and state-tribal education compact schools operating the program. Key provisions include requiring schools to prioritize low-income families for enrollment, prohibiting tuition fees or disability-based exclusions, mandating developmental assessments, and establishing a funding formula based on eligible student counts. The bill also sets standards for program eligibility (children age 4 by August 31 who need additional kindergarten preparation) and requires schools to adopt policies meeting state guidelines.
Steve Bergquist (D) · 6 co-sponsors
in committee · Washington · House Jan 12, 2026

HB 1547: Establishing a statewide network for student mental and behavioral health.

HB 1547 creates a coordinated statewide network to improve school-based mental and behavioral health services for Washington K-12 students. It directs the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) to lead strategic planning and coordination with state agencies, school districts, and regional programs, replacing fragmented existing efforts. Key provisions include establishing regional student assistance programs to provide evidence-based screening, prevention, and intervention services - especially in underserved areas - and requiring schools to align with the Washington Integrated Student Supports protocol. The bill aims to streamline access to mental health resources, reduce barriers to care, and support school staff through technical assistance, without creating new standalone programs. This directly affects all public school students and districts across Washington, particularly those in communities with limited behavioral health access.
Sharon Tomiko Santos (D) · 14 co-sponsors
in committee · Washington · House Jan 12, 2026

HJR 4208: Concerning autonomous regions in Washington state.

House Joint Resolution 4208 proposes a constitutional amendment to divide Washington state into two autonomous regions: the Puget Sound region and the Columbia region, subject to voter approval. The Puget Sound region would consist of 13 western counties, while the Columbia region would encompass 26 eastern counties. Each region would be empowered to draft its own constitution, establish a regional legislature with a senate and house, and elect a regional governor. Additionally, the bill stipulates that each region would own the assets within its boundaries and assume a proportion of the state's liabilities based on its population.
Rob Chase (R) · 5 co-sponsors
in committee · Washington · House Jan 12, 2026

HB 1972: Concerning violent offenses.

HB 1972 amends Washington state law by clarifying definitions related to violent offenses and criminal street gangs, affecting how courts and corrections handle cases involving these offenses. It updates key terms like "criminal street gang-related offense" (defining it as crimes committed to benefit gangs) and "community protection zone" (880 feet around schools). The bill does not create new penalties or requirements but refines existing legal terminology for consistency in sentencing and supervision. This definitional update applies to cases involving gang activity, school zones, and legal financial obligations under current law.
Alicia Rule (D)
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