Washington Bills

passed · Washington · Senate Jan 26, 2026

SR 8674: Honoring the 2026 Republic Day of India.

This Senate Resolution (SR 8674) formally honors India's 2026 Republic Day as a symbolic gesture recognizing shared democratic values between India, Washington State, and the U.S. It directly acknowledges Washington's strong ties to Indian Americans - over 100,000 residents who contribute to the state's economy, cultural diversity, and institutions like healthcare and tech. The resolution highlights India's constitutional commitment to equality and Washington's partnership with India’s Seattle consulate on trade, education, and cultural exchanges. Adopted on January 26, 2026, it has no binding policy effects, serving solely as a ceremonial acknowledgment.

Manka Dhingra (D) · 20 co-sponsors

in committee · Washington · House Jan 26, 2026

HB 2349: Providing community notification regarding the release or discharge of sexually violent predators.

HB 2349 requires Washington state agencies to provide written community notification 3 months before releasing or discharging individuals classified as sexually violent predators. It mandates that agencies share detailed records (including institutional history, mental health evaluations, and criminal history) with local law enforcement, county officials, legislators, and victims (if they request it) prior to release. The bill directly affects counties, law enforcement, and victims by requiring timely disclosure of release dates and relevant background information. Key provisions include standardized notification to sheriffs, county administrators, legislators, and law enforcement via the Washington Crime Information Center, ensuring consistent community awareness. This focuses on procedural transparency rather than altering commitment standards or penalties.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

in committee · Washington · House Jan 26, 2026

HB 2457: Ensuring access to victim services through the crime victim penalty assessment.

HB 2457 increases crime victim penalty assessments to $2,000 for felony/gross misdemeanor cases and $1,000 for misdemeanor cases, with an additional surcharge up to $50,000 for financially able defendants. The bill directs all collected funds to a dedicated victim services fund, requiring counties to use the money exclusively for comprehensive programs supporting crime victims, including testimony assistance and restitution help. It exempts indigent defendants from payments and waives past assessments for juveniles or those unable to pay. The law amends multiple statutes to ensure funds directly support victim services without replacing existing local funding.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Criminal Justice

in committee · Washington · House Jan 26, 2026

HB 2122: Requiring hospitals to offer immunizations for influenza in certain cases.

HB 2122 requires Washington hospitals to offer annual flu vaccinations to two specific patient groups: adults 65 or older, and any patient (regardless of age) with a chronic health condition. This applies each year from October 1 to March 1, beginning July 1, 2027, unless the vaccine is unavailable at the hospital or the immunization is medically unsafe for the patient. Hospitals are exempt during declared state emergencies or disasters, and critical access hospitals certified under federal law are also excluded. The law focuses on expanding access to flu shots for high-risk patients during peak flu season through a straightforward hospital offering requirement.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

Mari Leavitt (D) · 37 co-sponsors

in committee · Washington · Senate Jan 26, 2026

SB 5934: Reducing litigation costs by removing barriers to postconviction DNA testing.

SB 5934 would expand access to postconviction DNA testing for people convicted of felonies in Washington state who claim innocence. It establishes a presumption that courts must grant DNA testing requests when the results could show innocence, shifting the burden to the state to prove testing wouldn't demonstrate innocence with "clear and convincing evidence." The bill also requires courts to grant requests if the state doesn't oppose them within 30 days and clarifies that preserved biological evidence must be kept per state law. This aims to reduce unnecessary court costs and litigation while improving the accuracy of criminal convictions.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Criminal Justice

in committee · Washington · House Jan 26, 2026

HB 1228: Concerning toxicology testing by certified or accredited laboratories.

HB 1228 establishes standards for toxicology testing in Washington State DUI cases. It requires that blood and breath tests used to determine alcohol or drug impairment must be conducted by either a laboratory certified under the ISO/IEC 17025 standard for forensic toxicology or by an individual holding a permit from the state toxicologist. The bill specifies detailed procedures for breath testing, including a 15-minute observation period without eating, drinking, or smoking, and precise calibration requirements, while also mandating that blood draws be performed by specific licensed healthcare professionals under defined conditions. This law directly affects law enforcement, testing laboratories, and individuals charged with driving under the influence by setting clear criteria for test admissibility in court.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

passed · Washington · Senate Jan 23, 2026

SR 8666: Recognizing the University of Washington's men's soccer team.

This is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 8666), not a substantive bill. It formally recognizes the University of Washington men's soccer team for winning the NCAA national championship on December 15, 2025 - their first title in program history. The resolution highlights the team's achievements, including key players, coaches, and their success in the tournament. It has no policy impact or funding provisions; it solely serves to honor the team's accomplishment. Adopted by the Washington State Senate on January 23, 2026.

in committee · Washington · Senate Jan 23, 2026

SB 6004: Authorizing certain public entities to contract for the capability of renewable or nonemitting electric generation projects.

SB 6004 allows cities, towns, and public utilities in Washington to contract for the "capability" (future power generation capacity) of renewable or nonemitting energy projects, not just actual electricity output. It updates outdated laws by removing restrictions to specific "qualified alternative energy resources" and aligns with current clean energy definitions under the Washington Clean Energy Transformation Act. Key provisions require public entities to pay for contracted projects regardless of completion or output issues, and payments cannot be reduced due to project delays or performance. This bill directly affects local governments and public entities seeking to invest in new clean energy infrastructure to meet state climate goals.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

in committee · Washington · House Jan 23, 2026

HB 2644: Concerning the use of body worn cameras by law enforcement officers.

HB 2644 requires all Washington state law enforcement officers to activate body-worn cameras during every public interaction or incident starting July 1, 2027, with limited exceptions for undercover operations or personal breaks (requiring verbal justification for deactivation). It mandates secure digital storage of recordings, minimum 90-day retention for routine incidents, and three-year retention for use-of-force cases, arrests, or complaints. Law enforcement agencies must update policies by July 2027 to cover activation rules, public notification, deactivation documentation, officer training, and data security. The bill also grants citizens the right to request recordings at no cost, while preempting local laws inconsistent with these statewide standards.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Technology

in committee · Washington · Senate Jan 23, 2026

SB 6300: Authorizing school districts to adopt alternative learning standards.

SB 6300 allows Washington school districts to develop their own alternative learning standards instead of using the state’s mandated standards, provided they align with statewide student learning goals and are published online. Districts must still meet core requirements like minimum instructional hours (1,000-1,080 annually for grades 1-12), 24 graduation credits, and existing programs for special education and bilingual students. The bill does not alter state-mandated curriculum content but gives districts flexibility in how they structure their academic standards. School districts must submit their alternative standards to the state superintendent for review before implementation.

in committee · Washington · Senate Jan 23, 2026

SB 6298: Concerning products manufactured in the United States for the purposes of public works projects.

SB 6298 requires that for Washington State public works projects receiving over $500,000 in state funds (from capital budgets or specific financing contracts), iron, steel, aluminum, and manufactured products used must be "manufactured in the United States," meaning at least 55% of component costs must originate domestically for manufactured products. Agencies can waive this requirement if materials aren't available domestically in sufficient quantity or quality, or if U.S. materials would increase project costs by more than 25%, but must provide 30 days of public notice and publish a justification for the waiver. The bill also prohibits intentionally mislabeling non-U.S.-made products as "Made in America" for public projects. This applies to contracts advertised for bids after the bill takes effect.

in committee · Washington · House Jan 23, 2026

HB 2647: Establishing accountability requirements for homeless housing grant programs.

HB 2647 requires homeless housing grant recipients in Washington to submit annual plans by December 1 each year, detailing projected numbers of people helped and estimated spending per person. It mandates annual audits by the state auditor to verify funds are used for authorized purposes, track administrative costs versus service spending, and confirm grantees meet their goals. Grantees must provide detailed financial records and outcome data (including how long individuals remain housed) by June 1 each year, with non-compliance risking loss of future funding. The bill directly affects homeless housing organizations receiving state grants and aims to improve transparency and accountability in how public funds are spent.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Housing

Bill results