Legislative Session

By Jim Hedrick, GSI WA State Lobbyist and Spokane Regional Advocate Got Million? The highlight of the week for those both for and against it was the long-awaited formal introduction of SB 6346 (Pedersen, D-Seattle) / HB 2724 (Fitzgibbon, D-Seattle), the “Millionaire’s Tax.” As currently drafted, the bill would impose a 9.9% state income tax

By Jim Hedrick, GSI WA State Lobbyist and Spokane Regional Advocate Committee Process The third week of the 2026 Washington State Legislative Session marked a transition in the legislative process, as committees began moving beyond the preliminary stage of holding public hearings on newly introduced bills. This period, known as the “executive session” phase, is

By Jim Hedrick, GSI WA State Lobbyist and Spokane Regional Advocate Week two of the 2026 short legislative session was marked by intense activity as lawmakers worked within a highly compressed short session timeline. In a short session, bills have only 24 days to be introduced, heard in committee, potentially amended, and voted on before

By Jim Hedrick, GSI WA State Lobbyist and Spokane Regional Advocate The first week of the 2026 Washington State Legislative Session is complete, as lawmakers returned to Olympia for what is expected to be a fast-moving, 60-day session shaped by several powerful forces: a sharpened progressive edge following the 2025 special elections, a deeply challenging

By John Somerlott, Legislative Assistant, Greater Spokane Inc. Talk. Vote. Sign. Law. If you wanted to distill the legislative process into four words, these might do it. The talking, voting, and signing wrapped up just one week ago. On May 20th, the Governor had his final day to sign bills into law and make his

By John Somerlott, Legislative Assistant, Greater Spokane Inc. As the legislature officially adjourned on Sine Die, April 27, a busy session covering serious challenges was moved to the Governor’s hands. Although the Governor has already signed many bills into law, the fate of the most significant ones—namely, the budget and revenue proposals—remains undetermined. The Legislature

By Jim Hedrick, GSI WA State Lobbyist and Spokane Regional Advocate The 2025 Washington State legislative session has been one of the most tumultuous and emotionally charged sessions in recent memory, marked by significant political tension, major fiscal challenges, and the deaths of two beloved legislators. From the opening days, the atmosphere was fraught with

By Jim Hedrick, GSI WA State Lobbyist and Spokane Regional Advocate The legislature is heading into the final week of the regular session, constitutionally scheduled to end on Sunday, April 27. This week, the majorities introduced a revised revenue package, held public hearings and voted on bills that raise taxes and implement budgets. The legislature