⚠️ Action Alerts ⚠️Click on the links below to take action on bills. Want to know more about a bill and why we support it? Review our 2026 Legislative Issues page. |
Making Democracy Work |
Making Democracy Work
ELECTIONS AND MONEY IN POLITICS
HB 2210 Allowing local governments to adopt alternative elections systems.
Our
election systems are under threat. As the US Supreme Court considers
weakening protections for free and fair elections by diminishing or
eliminating Section 2 of the federal Voting Right Act, Ranked Choice
Voting will be one of the last ways communities can make sure that their
voices are heard.
⚠️ Contact your Representative HERE to ask them to vote FOR HB 2210 on the Floor.
HB 1710 Pre-Clearance for Proposed Changes to Election Procedures.
Civil rights activists fought for our federal and state Voting Rights Acts, which ensure that voters of every race and background have an equal voice in our democracy. The 2013 U.S. Supreme Court decision in Shelby County v. Holder removed “pre-clearance.” Twelve years after this decision, the voter turnout gap between white voters and voters of color has increased and continues to increase.
The Washington Voting Rights Act (WVRA) was passed and signed into law in 2018 to protect voters in Washington independent of the federal law. HB 1710 will amend the WVRA to include pre-clearance. Without pre-clearance, redressing violations to the state VRA requires lengthy and expensive litigation after the fact. This bill requires certain local election officials to consult with the state attorney general’s office before making changes to election procedures that may violate the state’s Voting Rights Act prohibition against racial discrimination. HB 1710 would allow our state to use pre-clearance to prevent racial discrimination in election procedures. This bill passed on the Floor of the House on February 12 with 57 yea, 39 nays and 2 excused. Scheduled for public hearing in the Senate State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections on Feb. 20 at 10:30 am.
⚠️Sign in PRO on HB 1710 HERE by 9:30 am on Friday, February 20.
HB 1750 Creating guidelines for voter suppression and vote dilution claims under the Washington voting rights act.
HB 1750 is related to HB 1710 and prohibits certain political subdivisions from implementing and enforcing any election policy or practice that may violate the Washington State Voting Rights Act’s prohibition against racial discrimination. This bill passed the House on February 12 with a vote 57 to 37. It is scheduled for a hearing in the Senate State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections at 10:30 AM on February 20.
⚠️ Sign in PRO on HB 1750 HERE by 9:30 am on Friday, February 20.
SB 5892 Protects voter databases from distribution to unauthorized parties.
The League of Women Voters supports legislation that enhances voter rights and election security. This bill strengthens the protection of confidential voter databases which include ID card number, social security number and full birthday. This bill prohibits the distribution of this information to any person except to state or local election officers and election officials without permission from the Secretary of State. It provides that any state officer or election officer or designee who knowingly violates this law is guilty of a class C felony punishable under RCW9A.20.021. With the current request and lawsuit from the U.S. Department of Justice, this bill is needed to strongly discourage anyone from releasing private information. This bill passed the Senate 29 to 19, with one excused on Feb 5. It is scheduled for a Public Hearing House Committee on State Government & Tribal Relations at 1:30 PM on February 18.
⚠️Sign in PRO on SB 5892 HERE by 12:30 pm on Wednesday, February 18.
LOCAL NEWS AND DEMOCRACY
SB 5400 A Substitute to Support Local News Journalism.
This bill—to support employment of news journalists to cover civic affairs in underserved communities and help expand the Murrow Fellowship—is considered needed to implement the budget. It therefore does not have to pass Tuesday’s deadline requiring bills to move from their chamber of origin to the opposite chamber to remain alive for the session.
Consequently, supporters are encouraged to continue to contact members in Ways & Means to call for a vote in executive session. Supporters should emphasize the bill would not rely on state dollars or raise taxes on individuals or businesses, except on social media platforms and search engines. The substitute to the original bill identifies it as generating revenues of $27,000,000 annually.
Two weeks ago, during a Ways & Means public hearing, a strong coalition of supporters testified in favor of the bill—nine of 10 speakers. And there was an op-ed in support of SB 5400 in The Seattle Times on Feb. 15. Check it out HERE.⚠️ Please send a message to your Senator HERE to say that you support SB 5400. If your Senator is on the Ways & Means committee, ask them to call for an executive hearing and support the bill. Otherwise, ask your Senator to support SB 5400 when it reaches the floor.
HB 2157 Regulating High-risk Artificial Intelligence System Development, Deployment and Use.
This bill seeks to protect people from discrimination embedded in algorithms that companies relying on AI use for decisions on hiring, medical insurance, school admissions, housing and loans. This is a bipartisan issue. The civil remedy and the transparency requirements for disclosure and explanation are important components. Young people are concerned about the risk of algorithmic discrimination, especially with regard to gaining jobs. But other important reasons exist to support the bill, including that algorithmic discrimination can negatively affect opportunities for underrepresented groups. Rules Committee relieved of consideration. On second reading in the House (which makes it eligible for a floor vote).
⚠️ Please contact your Representatives HERE to support HB 2157 when it comes to a floor vote.
Environment
AGRICULTURE
HB 2238 Concerning statewide Food Security.This bill would provide for the development of a strategy for statewide food security in order to end hunger, reduce diet-related health disparities, and increase agricultural viability and supply chain resilience. Passed the House 83-12; public hearing Feb. 19 at 1:30 in Senate Ag & Natural Resources.
⚠️ Sign in PRO on HB 2238 HERE by Thursday, February 19 at 12:30.
CLIMATE CRISIS AND ENERGY
Please use the links below to send a message to your legislators expressing support and request their vote FOR. The Message can be short, such as: "Passage of this bill is important to me. Please vote for it at your next opportunity. Thank you." Find more guidance in the Climate Crisis and Energy weekly update.
SB 5466 Improving reliability and capacity of the electric transmission system in Washington state.
Placed on third reading by Rules on Feb 10.
⚠️ Send a message in SUPPORT of SB 5466 HERE.
FORESTS
SB 5609 Regarding cultural resource protection for certain land use activities that are categorically exempt from the state environmental policy act.
Bill placed on second reading in Rules on Feb 10.
What the bill does not do: It does not eliminate or narrow SEPA exemptions; it does not mandate cultural review for every exempt project statewide; it does not require full SEPA review, an EIS, or expanded environmental analysis.
What the bill does do: It prevents SEPA exemptions from being used as a cultural blind spot; it shifts cultural review earlier, before ground disturbance occurs; it rewards jurisdictions that have already built lawful, predictable cultural protection systems in partnership with tribes.
⚠️ Please write your senator HERE and urge them to SUPPORT SB 5609 and ask them to vote yes on the Senate floor.
WASTE DIVERSION
SB 5975 Providing consumer access to safe cookware and interstate and international trade certainty in the regulation of lead in cookware).
Led by Sen Harris and Rep. Low, this bill would roll-back provisions in recent law requiring lead-free cookware. Currently lead shows up in cast aluminum which is the base material for some coated cookware. When that coating is damaged – there is lead exposure, and subsequent health issues. Bill has moved to Senate floor calendar and is awaiting consideration. STATUS: Senate: Placed on second reading by Rules Committee (i.e., eligible for floor vote) on February 10, 2026.
⚠️ Urge your Senator to vote NO on SB 5975 HERE.
HB 1607/SB 5502 Concerning recycling and waste reduction (Beverage deposit aka Bottle Bill – Bottles and Cans Recycling Refund Act).
Championed by Rep. Stonier and Sen. Robinson, this bill would establish a system that facilitates the return of beverage containers, with a 10 cent refund. STATUS: HB 1607: referred to Rules 2 Review. SB 5502: moved to Rules X file.
⚠️ Ask your legislators to SUPPORT HB 1607 HERE.
Click ‘Support’ and paste into the message box: Please approve the Bottle Bill!
SB 5965 Plastic Bag Bill.
Washington’s plastic bag law, passed in 2020, has not been effective in reducing the amount of plastic used in bags at check out. Action is needed to upgrade the law, completely banning film plastic bags at checkouts and increase the charge for paper bags. Let’s get more people bringing their own bags! The Bag Law amendment bill (HB 2233/SB 5965), championed by Rep. Parshley and Sen. Bateman, would also make sure that 3rd party delivery services (such as Door Dash and Grub Hub) comply with the intents of the law. Plastic bags cannot be recycled in our current recycling system and are also a large component of litter and plastic pollution in the environment. Scheduled for executive session in Senate Ways & Means on Feb 19 at 4:00 pm.
⚠️ Ask your legislators to SUPPORT SB 5965 HERE.
Click ‘Support’ and paste into the message box: Please approve the Plastic Bag Bill!
HB 2271 Concerning postconsumer recycled content requirements for plastic products).
This bill is championed by Rep. Liz Berry. It would add additional product categories (rigid plastic items) and packaging categories (film) to the state’s existing postconsumer recycled content law. The intent of the bill is great! Adding value to recycled resin by requiring its use provides more “demand” in the recycling system. Also, the use of recycled content helps offset the use of virgin oil and gas. STATUS: Referred to Rules 2 Review.
⚠️ Ask your legislators to SUPPORT HB 2271 HERE.
Click ‘Support’ and paste into the message box: Please approve added requirements for post consumer recycled plastic.
HB 2301 Concerning extended producer responsibility requirements associated with paint.
Led by Rep. Peterson this bill would add more types of paint-related products to be recycled under the existing paint program by accepting additional paint product types. Included are aerosol coating products; coating-related products such as paint additives, paint removers, sealants, surface preparers, and surface adhesives; and non-industrial coatings such as arts and crafts paints, furniture oil and paint, and wood preservatives. Paint stewardship organizations must update their plans to address the expanded scope of paint products. This action aligns with LWV’s position on managing hazardous waste. STATUS: Referred to Rules 2 Review.
⚠️ Ask your legislators to SUPPORT HB 2301 HERE.
Click ‘Support’ and paste into the message box: Please approve added products for paint recycling.
HB 2402 Concerning phthalates in medical equipment used for intravenous purposes.
Led by Rep. Stonier, this bill would ban DEHP (a specific phthalate) in intravenous solution containers (by January 1, 2028) or intravenous tubing (by January 1, 2035). DEHP is an ortho-phthalate, which is commonly added to plastic materials, particularly polyvinyl chloride (PVC), as a plasticizer to increase the material’s flexibility. Exposure to DEHP has been associated with adverse health effects, such as endocrine disruption, harm to the reproductive system and cancer. In 2024 Californian passed a law to phase out DEHP and other plasticizers in intravenous solution containers by 2030 and in intravenous tubing by 2035. The European Union is also phasing out the use of DEHP. Industry has met this challenge with alternatives whose availability fits within the proposed timelines. STATUS: Referred to Rules 2 Review
⚠️ Ask your legislators to SUPPORT HB 2402 HERE.
Click ‘Support’ and paste into the message box: Please approve banning DEHP in intravenous solution containers.
HB 2421/SB 6119 Concerning 6PPD and regrettable 6PPD substitutes in tires.
Led by Sen. Liias and Rep. Hall, this bill would address 6ppd in tires. Many vehicle tires contain 6PPD to prevent them from breaking down due to reactions with ozone and other compounds. As tires wear down through contact with roads, 6PPD-q is released. Stormwater can transport 6PPD-q from roads into streams and other water bodies, which may expose aquatic organisms such as Coho salmon to the particles. STATUS: HOUSE: Referred to Rules 2 Review. Senate: Dead— did not pass out of policy Committee.
⚠️ Ask your legislators to SUPPORT HB 2421 HERE.
Click ‘Support’ and paste into the message box: Please approve banning 6PPD in tires.
Social & Economic Policy
CRIMINAL JUSTICE
SB 5855 Concerning the Use of face coverings by Law Enforcement officers.
Prohibits law enforcement officers from wearing facial coverings while interacting with the public in the performance of their duties. House Community Safety. Passed the House on Jan 28. Scheduled for public hearing in House Community Safety at 10:30 am on Feb 18.
⚠️Sign in Pro on HB SB 5855 HERE by Feb. 18 at 9:30 am.
SB 6002 Concerning Automated License Plate Readers Creates a regulatory structure for the use of Automatic License Plate Reader (ALPR) systems and the data captured.
Restricts the use of ALPR systems by state and local agencies, sets retention periods for the data collected, and limits the sharing of data. House Civil Rights & Judiciary. Passed the Senate on Feb 4. Scheduled for public hearing in House Civil Rights & Judiciary on Feb 18 at 8:00 am.
⚠️ Sign in Pro on HB SB 6002 HERE by Feb. 18 at 7:00 am.
CHILDREN'S ISSUES
SB 5911/HB 2169 Strengthening the financial stability of persons in the care of the department of children, youth, and families. This bill would end the practice of withholding SSI benefits from youth ages 18-21 in foster care. It is scheduled for a public hearing on Feb. 18 at 1:30pm in the House Early Learning and Human Services Committee. It is also scheduled for an executive session Feb. 20 at 8am.
⚠️ Sign in PRO on SB 5911 HERE by Wednesday, Feb. 18 at 1:30 pm.
EARLY CARE AND EDUCATION
HB 2219 Enhancing the operational efficiency of child care providers.
Provides that for purposes of child care center maximum group sizes and staff-to-child ratios, licensing standards must allow for periods of mixed-ratio time in which children of different age groups may be combined so long as the ratio and group size is consistent with the requirements for the youngest child in the mixed age group. No fiscal impact. Executive action House Early Learning & Human Services Jan 23. Referred to Rules 2 Review Jan 27. Rules relieved of further consideration. Placed on second reading by Rules.
⚠️ Please send a message to your House members HERE asking for their SUPPORT of HB 2219 and without amendments that are inconsistent with its title and purpose.
HB 2688 Providing adjustments to the early support for infants and toddlers program.
Early Support for Infants and Toddlers (ESIT) provide early intervention services to eligible children with disabilities from birth to three years of age. This bill changes the multiplier for ESIT program funding formula from aligning with the special education excess cost multiplier for pre-kindergarten students to a set multiplier of 1.20. HB 2688 was amended in House Appropriations to reduce the multiplier to 1.0, a further reduction in ESIT funding. Fiscal note-not available. Executive action on amended bill in the House Committee on Appropriations on Feb 7. Referred to Rules 2 review.
⚠️ Please send a message to your House members HERE letting them know that you OPPOSE HB 2688 and the cuts it proposes to early intervention services for infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families.
SB 5500 Relating to modernizing reimbursement rates to more accurately reflect the cost of providing high quality child care for the working connections child care program.
Requires the Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) to publish a current cost of quality care study in even years. No fiscal impact. As amended, passed the full Senate on Jan 28. Scheduled for public hearing in House Appropriations on Feb 18 at 4:00 pm.
⚠️ Sign in PRO on SB 5500 HERE before 3:00 pm on Wednesday, Feb 18.
ELDER CAREGIVING
HB 2384 Increasing regulatory oversight of continuing care retirement communities.
Prime sponsor Rep Macri. Requires continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) to include an actuarial analysis as part of its CCRC registration application if it offers life care contracts. The Insurance Commissioner is to review the actuarial analyses to determine whether the applicant’s actuarial balance is satisfactory. Fiscal note: Insurance Commissioner estimates a cost of $247,417 for the 2026 supplemental budget. Placed on second reading on Feb 14.
⚠️ Please send a message to your House members HERE that you support HB 2384 and ask that it be scheduled for a floor vote and voted out with a “Do Pass.”
HEALTHCARE
SB 5947 Establishing the Washington health care board. This bill would create a Washington Health Care Board to design and implement a plan to provide all medically necessary health care services for all residents of the state. It would take effect when a federal waiver is received to establish a state-based universal health care plan and federal funding is available to support implementation. This bill was placed on second reading by Rules on Feb 10. It needs to be approved on the Senate floor by Feb 17 to move forward.
⚠️ Contact your Senator HERE to urge a YES vote on SB 5947 on the Senate floor. Support establishing a Washington Health Care Board.
SB 6071 Modernizing overpayment recovery requirements (formerly Standardizing overpayment recovery requirements).
Unless there is fraud, this bill would require insurance companies to request refunds from health care providers in writing and within 12 months of when a claim was paid (within six months for mental health and substance use disorder services). The request must state why a refund should be given. This would protect the financial viability of health care providers by assuring consistency in payments from insurance companies. This bill was placed on second reading in Rules on Feb 4 and must be approved by the Senate by Feb 17 to move forward.
⚠️ Contact your Senator HERE to urge a YES vote on SB 6071 to modernize health care overpayment recovery options when it comes to the Senate floor.
IMMIGRANTS
SSB 5855 Use of face coverings by law enforcement officers.
This bill would ban the wearing of face masks by all law enforcement, including local, state, and federal law enforcement, and requires law enforcement to have identification while conducting operations in the state. The substitute bill was passed by the Senate. Scheduled for House Community Safety Committee February 18 at 10:30 am.
⚠️ Sign in PRO on SSB 5855 HERE by Wednesday, February 18 at 9:30.
SSB 6002 Concerning driver privacy protections.
This bill would limit how automated license plate reader (ALPR) data can be used and shared by police agencies. It creates consistent statewide standards for ALPRs. An important change in the substitute bill is that the 72-hour data retention limit was increased to 21 days. Law enforcement was asking for 30 days, but civil rights activists are advocating for less than 21 days. The substitute bill was passed by the Senate February 4. Scheduled for House Civil Rights and Judiciary Committee February 18 at 8 am.
⚠️ Sign in OTHER on SSB 6002 HERE by Wednesday, February 18 at 7 am. In the written comments ask for data retention to be lowered to no more than seven days.
SSB 6286 Concerning the state's ability to fine private detention facilities that deny entry to the department of health for an inspection.
Last legislative session HB 1232 Inspection of private detention facilities by Department of Health (DOH) passed and was signed by Governor. However, DOH has been denied entry to conduct inspections. This bill would levy civil fines for failure to permit entry by DOH. The substitute bill clarifies when fines start, the name of account to which fines should be deposited, and allows for individuals or families with members that have been wrongfully detained and released by the court, assaulted, or killed at a private detention facility, or during the process of being taken to a private detention facility to receive assistance from the account. The substitute bill received a do pass from Senate Human Services on February 3. Scheduled for a public hearing in the Senate Ways and Means Committee on February 19.
⚠️Sign in PRO on SSB 6286 HERE by Thursday, February 19 at 3 pm.
REVENUE
SB 6346 Establishing a Tax on Millionaires.
It is widely known that the state budget is in crisis, without sufficient revenue to cover the costs of services that are badly needed. SB 6346, commonly called the “millionaires’ tax” would generate significant new revenue (estimated at $1-3 billion annually) to offset the budget gap of approximately $2.3 billion, while also making the state’s very regressive and unfair tax structure more equitable. This bill is expected to be pulled from the Rules Committee and put on the Senate floor agenda for a vote on Monday, February 16. Please let your Senator know immediately that you want them to vote YES on SB 6346.
On Feb. 6, LWVWA President Karen Crowley testified in support of SB 6346. Read her testimony HERE. Find more information the bill HERE.
⚠️Contact your Senator HERE and urge them to vote YES on SB 6346.