Legislative Session Update: Week 5 (February 9-13, 2026)

By Jim Hedrick, GSI WA State Lobbyist and Spokane Regional Advocate

No Rest for the Weary

It was a whirlwind weekend in the Washington State Legislature, as fiscal committees heard testimony and voted on bills ahead of the Monday, February 9 deadline for measures to advance out of those committees. That cutoff marked a critical juncture in the session, further winnowing down the universe of proposals that can continue moving forward this year. With that milestone now behind them, both chambers are pivoting to the next phase: extended caucus meetings, lengthy floor sessions, and strategic negotiations as lawmakers work toward the February 17 deadline for bills to pass out of their house of origin in order to remain viable.

The Rules Committee Rules

Before bills reach the floor, however, they must clear a pivotal and often decisive hurdle, the Rules Committees in both the House and Senate. Once a bill has been approved by its policy and, if necessary, fiscal committee, it is referred to Rules, where members determine whether the measure will be placed on the floor calendar and in what order. In practical terms, Rules serves as another gatekeeper, deciding which proposals are positioned for debate and which may quietly stall without ever receiving a vote. While the fundamental role of the Rules Committees is similar in both chambers, the mechanics differ. In the House, Rules meetings are not publicly announced and deliberations occur behind closed doors. In contrast, the Senate’s Rules process is open to public observation, offering greater transparency into how decisions are made about floor scheduling.

A key factor in whether and when a bill is pulled to the floor is the anticipated level of controversy and the amount of debate time it will require. During the early days of floor action, leadership in both chambers typically prioritize measures that are broadly supported or relatively straightforward, allowing them to move efficiently through the process. More contentious or complex bills, particularly those expected to generate lengthy debate or many amendments, are often held until later in the floor calendar, frequently surfacing during extended evening sessions as deadlines draw near.

Millionaire’s Tax

Following a record-breaking public hearing last Friday, the Senate Ways & Means Committee advanced the Millionaire’s Tax, SB 6346 (Pedersen, D-Seattle), on Monday, February 9. The public hearing drew unprecedented engagement, with nearly 81,000 individuals signing in and more than 200 people providing testimony. On Monday, the committee adopted Senator Pedersen’s substitute bill and passed the measure without adopting any of the 11 amendments offered by Republican members. The effect of the substitute bill is increases the distribution amount for public defense services from 5% to 7%, allocates 10% of the revenues for public defense services to cities and provides an alternate distribution mechanism for counties, increases the charitable deduction from $50,000 to $100,000, specifies that income excluded from federal AGI, including tribal treaty income, is also exempt from the state tax calculation unless a specific provision in state law requires otherwise, authorizes a deduction for contributions to a capital construction fund by commercial fisherman and vessel operators where the amounts reduced federal taxable income; increases the small business B&O tax credit to exempt approximately the first $300,000 of business income with a complete phaseout at $600,000, and specifies that DOR will continue with implementation efforts regardless of litigation.

Anticipate majority Democrats to schedule floor action on the Millionaire’s Tax later in the floor timeframe than earlier – likely Monday, February 16, as it will undoubtedly accrue a number of floor amendments and debate will be robust as Senate Republicans attempt to kill or slow down the bill.

Attorney General with More Investigative Power

On Wednesday the Washington State Senate passed Senate Bill 5925 (Hansen, D-Silverdale) on a 30–19 vote, expanding the Attorney General’s authority to issue civil investigative demands (CIDs). The bill would allow the Attorney General’s Office (AGO) to compel documents, written responses, or testimony when investigating suspected civil violations related to wage laws, discrimination statutes, the Keep Washington Working Act, jail standards, and alleged violations of state or federal constitutional rights.

Supporters argue the measure strengthens enforcement of workplace protections and civil rights laws, ensuring employers and institutions are following existing legal requirements. Opponents, however, raised concerns about due process and the potential for misuse, noting that investigations could proceed without a formal allegation of wrongdoing and that courts may impose gag orders preventing recipients from publicly disclosing the existence of a CID. Failure to comply with a CID or a related court order could result in sanctions or misdemeanor charges. An amendment adopted before passage requires the AGO to demonstrate “facts and circumstances” reasonably suggesting a possible violation before issuing a CID, but lawmakers rejected a proposal to reimburse compliance costs when no wrongdoing is found. The bill has not yet been assigned to a committee in the House.

Who Wants to be Sheriff?

The Washington State Senate advanced Senate Bill 5974 (Lovick, D–Mill Creek) on a 30–19 party-line vote, highlighting deep divisions over law enforcement accountability and local control. The bill would authorize a state oversight board to remove an elected sheriff from office if their peace officer certification is revoked, raising concerns among critics about undermining the will of voters.

SB 5974 updates statutes governing sheriffs, police chiefs, town marshals, and similar roles—some of which have not been significantly revised in decades. The bill establishes uniform eligibility standards, including a minimum age of 25, a high school diploma or equivalent, and at least five years of law enforcement experience. Candidates would also be required to hold or obtain peace officer certification through the Criminal Justice Training Commission and pass a comprehensive background investigation.

If enacted, the changes could take effect ahead of the 2026 election cycle for 35 of Washington’s 39 elected sheriff positions. King County’s sheriff is appointed, while Pierce, Snohomish, and Whatcom counties are scheduled for sheriff elections in 2027. Supporters argue the bill modernizes accountability standards, while opponents warn it shifts removal authority away from voters and toward unelected boards.

Sports Wagering on In-State Collegiate Teams

Thursday, the Senate passed SB 6137 (Cortes, D-Battle Ground) allowing sports wagering on in-state collegiate teams at tribal casinos, while maintaining a prohibition on bets involving individual athletes. Approved by a 41–8 vote, supporters say the bill brings structure and oversight to an existing gray market by placing wagering within the state’s tightly regulated tribal gaming framework. The measure would take effect 90 days after adjournment, meaning it would not apply to this year’s NCAA basketball tournament. Tribal gaming representatives testified in support, citing consumer protections and regulatory safeguards, while higher education leaders raised concerns about increased harassment and safety risks for student athletes. The bill now heads to the House.

Developmentally Disabled Community Protection Program

Thursday night, Washington lawmakers passed HB 1390 (Goodman, D-Kirkland), setting the stage to shut down the Community Protection Program (CPP) by the end of 2025. The CPP serves adult Developmentally Disabled Administration (DDA) clients with histories of violent or sexually violent behavior , a small but high-risk group. Supporters say it’s time for modern, flexible, community-based care that respects client autonomy without cutting support.

Opponents, led by Rep. Travis Couture (R-Allyn), warn that ending the program removes key safeguards, putting both participants and the public at risk. The House vote was 55–42, with three Democrats joining Republicans in opposition.

Now, all eyes turn to Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), which must execute a detailed transition plan; maintain care, update policies and training, coordinate with federal waivers, and ensure no gaps in service. The big question: can Washington safely move high-risk clients into less restrictive settings without compromising public safety? This is where the rubber meets the road.

The Week Ahead

Monday, February 16, marks a key moment in the state budget process as the Economic and Revenue Forecast Council meets to adopt the official revenue forecast. Lawmakers in both chambers will lean on this forecast to refine spending plans, adjust for economic trends, and make sure proposed budgets align with projected revenues. Operating budgets are expected to drop and start moving through committees the week of February 22.

Tuesday, February 17, is the House of Origin Cutoff, the mid-point procedural deadline of the session. All bills must pass the chamber where they were introduced, unless the Speaker or Lieutenant Governor labels them as necessary to implement the budget, in which case no cutoff applies. This is the last big checkpoint before lawmakers shift into final budget negotiations and committee work.