HomeMy WebLinkAboutReg 2026-01-05 Item 5a - Briefing - 2026 WA State Legislative AgendaLegislative Briefing
January 5, 2026
Brandon Miles and David Foster
ILA
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The City of opportunity, the community of choice.
Timeline
2026 session — 60 days
• Begins January 12
• Ends March 12
Supplemental Budgets — Operating, Capital, Transportation
(Adjusting budgets through June 30, 2027)
The legislature faces continued budgetary shortfalls due to weaker
revenue projections, and additionally, must also tackle growing
statewide needs and federal uncertainties.
Legislative Makeup
House — 59 Democrats, 39 Republicans (Rep. Zach Hall,St" LD —
appointed after filing week)
Senate — 30 Democrats, 19 Republicans
Nine special elections, no numeric or personal change
First budget for Governor Ferguson
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Representation— 1 Ith Legislative District
Sen Bob Hasegawa — Majority Caucus Chair
Committees: Business, Financial Services & Trade; State
Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections; Ways & Means
Rep Steve Bergquist — Committees: Human Services & Early
Learning (Chair); Appropriations; Education
Rep David Hackney — Committees: Consumer Protection &
Business; Environment & Energy; Transportation
Legislative Priorities
In addition to the budget considerations issues that will continue
to receive a great deal of attention are:
• Education
• Behavioral Health
• Housing/Homelessness
• Revenue —State and Local