Good morning parent leaders!
Today, March 9, is day 57 of the 2026 Regular Session. There are just 3 days left in this session! When the Legislature adjourns on Thursday, it does so sine die (pronounced SIGH-nee DYE), meaning “without a day.” This Latin phrase simply means lawmakers are ending the session without setting a date to return.
What happens during these last few days?
Most policy bills have already moved through the process. Earlier deadlines required bills to pass out of committees, be debated on the floor, and pass through both the House and Senate. Many bills have already received their final votes in both chambers.
In these final days, lawmakers are primarily focused on the budget and tax-related legislation, which are often negotiated until the very end of the session as they are exempt from the major deadlines. Budget writers from both chambers work to finalize agreements so that the Legislature can pass the operating, capital, and transportation budgets before adjournment.
What Happens Next: The Governor’s Role
Once the Legislature adjourns sine die, bills that passed both chambers are sent to the Governor.
The Governor then has several options for each bill:
- Sign the bill into law
- Veto the bill entirely
- Partially veto specific sections (for certain types of legislation, such as budget bills)
If the Governor takes no action within the required timeframe, the bill can become law automatically.
In Washington, the Governor also has the authority to call the Legislature back into a special session if lawmakers have not completed key business, such as passing the state budget. A special session can last up to 30 days and allows legislators to continue negotiations and finish their work.
Lawmakers Are Coming Home Soon
After sine die, legislators return to their home districts across the state. This is when many lawmakers hold community meetings, town halls, and listening sessions to talk about the outcomes of the session and hear from constituents about priorities for the future.
It can be a great time to connect with your legislators, ask questions about the bills that passed, and share how policies affect your family and community.
What You Can Do
Even though the session is ending, there are still ways to stay engaged:
- Follow which bills the Governor signs or vetoes
- Watch for announcements of local town halls or community meetings
- Thank legislators who supported issues important to your family
- Stay connected with parent leadership networks to prepare for the next session
Legislative sessions may end, but advocacy continues year-round. Your voice helps shape what lawmakers prioritize when they return next year.
Next week will be our final newsletter where we share the final outcomes of the session and which bills became law. Thank you for staying engaged in the legislative process!
