Washington Bills

passed · Washington · House Feb 24, 2026

HR 4687: Honoring and commending Steve Nelsen upon his retirement as Executive Director of the Law Enforcement Officers’ and Firefighters’ Plan 2 Retirement Board.

HR 4687 is a ceremonial resolution (not a substantive bill) adopted by the Washington State House of Representatives on February 24, 2026. It formally honors Steve Nelsen for his 34 years of public service, including 22 years as the first Executive Director of the Law Enforcement Officers' and Firefighters' Plan 2 Retirement Board. The resolution commends his role in establishing and strengthening the retirement system, ensuring its fiscal stability, and advancing the principle "They keep us safe, we keep them secure." It has no policy impact or direct effect on beneficiaries, funding, or operations - it solely serves as a symbolic tribute to Nelsen's retirement.

in committee · Washington · House Feb 24, 2026

HB 2740: Concerning hemp-derived cannabinoid products.

HB 2740 regulates hemp-derived cannabinoid products sold in Washington, directly affecting manufacturers, retailers, and consumers. It sets strict limits: products must contain ≤0.3% total THC (after decarboxylation) and ≤0.4mg total THC per container, and cannot contain synthetically produced cannabinoids. The bill requires annual product registration with the Department of Agriculture ($2,500 fee per product formulation), mandates age verification for sales to those under 21, and prohibits sales to minors. Non-compliant products are treated as cannabis under existing law, subject to stricter regulations.

passed · Washington · House Feb 24, 2026

HR 4696: Celebrating Kimchi Day.

This House Resolution designates November 22nd as "Kimchi Day" to symbolically recognize kimchi's cultural significance and its role in Washington state. It highlights kimchi's 2,000-year Korean history, UNESCO recognition of its preparation process ("Kimjang"), and the contributions of Washington's large Korean American community. The resolution has no binding effect and serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment, not a policy change. It aligns with South Korea's existing "National Kimchi Day" observed on the same date.

passed · Washington · Senate Feb 24, 2026

SR 8685: Honoring Steve Nelsen upon his retirement as executive director of the law enforcement officers’ and firefighters’ plan 2 retirement board.

This Senate Resolution (SR 8685) honors Steve Nelsen for his 22 years of service as Executive Director of Washington's Law Enforcement Officers' and Firefighters' Plan 2 Retirement Board. It recognizes his role in establishing the agency, advancing 42 pieces of legislation to strengthen retirement benefits, and supporting line-of-duty death benefits for public safety members. The resolution formally commends his leadership and service, with no policy changes or funding impacts. It was adopted by the Senate on February 24, 2026.

passed · Washington · Senate Feb 24, 2026

SR 8695: Recognizing the contributions made to Washington state by the Daffodil Festival, its organizers, and its royal court for the past 93 years.

This Senate Resolution (SR 8695) formally recognizes the Daffodil Festival, its organizers, and its royal court for 93 years of contributions to Washington state, specifically highlighting Pierce County. It acknowledges the festival's role in uniting communities, its growth from a 1920s garden party, and the volunteer work of its 24-member royal court representing high schools across the region. The resolution was adopted by the Senate on February 24, 2026, and directs copies to be sent to the festival's 2026 officers and royal court members. This is a ceremonial resolution with no policy changes or legal effect.

in committee · Washington · House Feb 24, 2026

HB 2739: Sustaining life-saving and prosperity-building scientific research in Washington by establishing the Washington institute for scientific advancement.

HB 2739 establishes the Washington Institute for Scientific Advancement to offset federal funding cuts threatening research in Washington. It authorizes $6 billion in state bonds to fund critical scientific research at public universities and institutions, directly affecting fields like cancer treatment, veterinary medicine, climate science, and semiconductor technology. The bill aims to sustain ongoing projects jeopardized by federal grant reductions, including Washington State University's veterinary disease lab and University of Washington's $2.6 billion annual economic contribution. Proceeds will be allocated over three biennia to maintain research programs and prevent loss of scientific talent and economic impact.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education ✓ Environment ✓ Healthcare ✓ Technology

in committee · Washington · House Feb 24, 2026

HB 2600: Updating the supported living cost report.

HB 2600 requires Washington's Department of Social and Health Services to update the supported living cost report template by July 2026 to align with federal law and address workforce shortages. The updated report must include detailed data on staff counts, wages, benefits (like health insurance and paid time off), and revenue breakdowns by client tier. A new work group - comprising providers, disability advocates, and union representatives - will develop recommendations to improve compensation for direct support professionals, with a final report due to the legislature by December 2026. The bill expires September 1, 2028, and directly affects supported living providers who must submit the new report format.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Housing ✓ Labor & Employment

in committee · Washington · House Feb 24, 2026

HB 2382: Concerning excise taxes on cigarettes, vapor products, and tobacco products.

HB 2382 adds a $0.10 tax per cigarette and updates tax rates for vapor and tobacco products. It directs new tax revenue to three specific accounts: the first $10 million yearly funds emergency medical services (like stroke and heart attack care), the next $2 million supports tobacco enforcement efforts, and 10% of remaining revenue after 2028 goes to public health services. This affects cigarette manufacturers, vapor product sellers, and tobacco retailers who pay the taxes. The bill also modifies vapor product tax rates to 95% of sales price and adjusts tobacco tax calculations for certain products.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Healthcare

in committee · Washington · House Feb 24, 2026

HB 1873: Increasing access to the working connections child care program for graduate and professional students.

HB 1873 expands Washington State’s Working Connections Child Care program to include graduate and professional students enrolled full-time at higher education institutions. It sets eligibility at household income of 85% or less of the state median income (adjusted for family size), requires children to be under 13 or under 19 with a verified special need, and waives copayments where federal law allows (capping at $15). The bill also clarifies that two-parent households cannot be denied care based on the other parent’s availability and ensures graduate students qualify for full-time child care assistance under the program. These changes apply immediately upon enactment, with income thresholds and copayment rules adjusted to align with existing program tiers.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education ✓ Labor & Employment

passed · Washington · Senate Feb 23, 2026

SR 8694: Celebrating civil, open-minded discussion aimed at building bridges in order to depolarize the community, strengthen relationships, and improve our ability to coexist.

This ceremonial resolution celebrates the importance of civil discourse in strengthening democracy and community relationships. It specifically recognizes students at Marysville Getchell High School and their "Building Bridges" program for practicing respectful dialogue and media literacy in an Advanced Placement Government class. The resolution does not create new laws or policies, nor does it directly affect any individuals or groups beyond offering symbolic recognition. It serves solely as a formal acknowledgment of existing educational efforts to foster civic engagement.

in committee · Washington · House Feb 23, 2026

HJM 4017: Supporting the Iranian people’s pursuit of democracy and accountable governance.

This Washington state joint memorial (HJM 4017) urges the U.S. federal government to take specific actions regarding Iran, directly affecting U.S. agencies and policymakers. It requests the U.S. refrain from military intervention, strengthen targeted sanctions against Iranian officials violating human rights, minimize harm from broad sanctions on civilians, and support Iranian democracy movements through diplomatic and humanitarian means. The resolution emphasizes prioritizing Iranian-led democratic processes and includes nine specific policy requests, such as expanding internet access and halting deportations to Iran. As a symbolic state resolution - not a binding law - it has no legal effect but formally expresses Washington’s position to federal authorities.

Darya Farivar (D) · 43 co-sponsors

passed · Washington · Senate Feb 23, 2026

SR 8691: Honoring the Apple Blossom Festival Royal Court.

This is a ceremonial resolution (not a law) honoring three young women selected for the 2026 Apple Blossom Festival Royal Court in Wenatchee. It specifically recognizes Brielle Precht (queen), Kaylee Pearsons, and Parker Averi for their academic achievements, community service, and future goals. The resolution has no policy impact - it simply expresses the Senate's symbolic appreciation for their contributions. The resolution was adopted by the Senate on February 23, 2026.

Bill results