Welcome to the start of the 2026 Washington State Legislative Session!
To help keep you informed and engaged, WAFE will be sending weekly emails throughout the session with updates on what the Legislature is working on and how you can use your voice to help shape policy that affects children and families.
What to Know About This Session
This year is a “short session,” meaning the Legislature meets for just 60 days, from January 12 through March 12. Because time is limited, lawmakers must move quickly to make decisions.
One of the biggest challenges legislators face this year is a state budget shortfall. This means the state expects to bring in less money than it costs to run programs. Much of the session will focus on tough decisions about cutting programs, increasing revenue, or both, in order to create a balanced budget.
What to Expect From WAFE
Our weekly newsletters will include:
- Plain-language explanations of what’s happening at the Capitol
- Basic civic education about how the legislative process works
- Simple ways you can participate in policymaking
There are many ways to use your voice!
Our government works best when people take part. The Washington State Legislature offers several easy ways for everyone to stay involved during session, no matter where you live or whether you can travel to Olympia.
You can participate in committee hearings, contact your legislators, comment on bills, or follow what’s happening from home or in person. Click here to learn about the many ways you can take part in the lawmaking process.
This Week’s Invitation: Observe a Committee Hearing
Starting Monday, January 12th, legislators will meet in committees. This is where bills are introduced, debated, opened to public testimony, and sometimes stopped from moving forward.
This week, we invite you to simply observe. Choose an issue that interests you, review the materials, and watch a committee hearing or public testimony. Observation is one of the best ways to learn how the legislative process works.
Below is a curated list of committee meetings that may be of interest to families. You can also view the full meeting schedule at: https://leg.wa.gov/. Check the agenda’s linked on committee meetings as times and items can change.
House of Representatives Committee Meetings
House Education
January 12, 2026 | 1:30 PM
HB 1795 – Addressing restraint or isolation of students in public schools and educational programs
https://app.leg.wa.gov/committeeschedules/Home/Agenda/33581
House Education
January 13, 2026 | 4:00 PM
HB 1634 – Supporting coordination of comprehensive behavioral health services for students
https://app.leg.wa.gov/committeeschedules/Home/Agenda/33588
Senate Committee Meetings
Senate Early Learning & K–12 Education
January 13, 2026 | 8:00 AM
SB 5858 – Providing pupil transportation safety net funding for special passengers
https://app.leg.wa.gov/committeeschedules/Home/Agenda/33592
Senate Human Services
January 14, 2026 | 8:00 AM
SB 5911 – Strengthening financial stability for youth in DCYF care
SB 5940 – Housing assistance pilot for youth in extended foster care
SB 5942 – DCYF accountability board
SB 5957 – Office of Homeless Youth advisory committee
https://app.leg.wa.gov/committeeschedules/Home/Agenda/33602
Senate Early Learning & K–12 Education
January 14, 2026 | 10:30 AM
SB 5956 – AI, student discipline, and surveillance in public schools
SB 5574 – Instruction on Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander history
https://app.leg.wa.gov/committeeschedules/Home/Agenda/33593
Senate Early Learning & K–12 Education
January 15, 2026 | 10:30 AM
SB 5969 – Aligning high school and beyond plans with IEP transition plans
https://app.leg.wa.gov/committeeschedules/Home/Agenda/33594
We’re glad you’re here and hope you’ll join us this session— by observing, learning, and sharing your own voice. Every step of engagement matters, and we’re excited to learn alongside you.
