Good morning parent leaders!
Today, February 23, is day 43 of the 2026 Regular Session. There are 17 days left in this session. At this point in the session, lawmakers are focused on the budget, and passing bills approved from the opposite chamber.
Where We Are in the Budget Timeline
Washington operates on a biennial budget, meaning the state plans spending for two years at a time. In short legislative sessions, like this year, lawmakers focus on a supplemental budget, which makes adjustments to the existing two-year plan.
- The Governor proposes a budget in December, setting the starting point for budget discussions.
-
Lawmakers then use the revenue forecast, the state’s estimate of how much tax revenue will be collected, to write a balanced budget. By law, Washington State must pass a budget that does not spend more than it brings in.
-
On Sunday February 22, the Budget Bills were published:
During the legislative session, the House and Senate each create their own budget proposals. Because the two versions are often different, lawmakers must work together to reconcile them into one final budget that both chambers can pass and send to the governor for approval before the end of the session.
Both The Senate Ways and Means and House Appropriations Committees will hold public hearings to receive public feedback on their Operating Budget proposals on Monday, February 23 starting at 4 p.m. This is where you can sign up to testify, “sign in” (pro, con, other), and/or submit a written testimony.
What You Can Do:
The state budget reflects our shared values. Lawmakers need to hear directly from you about what matters most to your family and community. Here are simple ways to make your voice count:
- Learn about the budget: this site has great basics.
-
Read news articles analysing the draft budgets
-
Contact legislators!
-
Testify at budget hearings (see committee links above)
-
Submit written comments
-
Attend town halls: some districts are holding virtual calls this week. Check your legislators' websites.
-
Watch floor vote on budgets
Bills of interest:
SB 6346 – “Millionaires’ Tax”: a proposed personal income tax on households earning over $1 million. It passed the Senate and has moved to the House for consideration.Scheduled for public hearing in the House Committee on Finance on Tuesday, February 24 at 8:00 AM. You can “sign in”, testify, or submit public comments.
SB5906 - “SAFE Act”: Limits immigration enforcement access and protects personal data in public accommodations such as schools and childcare. The bill cleared the Senate and has moved to the House for committee hearings and votes.
HB2429 - Supporting children and youth behavioral health. Passed the House and has moved to the Senate.
HB2262 - Concerning civics education for public school students through instruction and information about the production and use of official signatures. Waiting on a floor vote to move to the Senate. This bill bypassed the deadline because it is considered “Nessicary to Implement the Budget”, and is exempt from cutt off dates.
