2026 Legislative Wrap-Up: Major Wins for Community Health and Equity
Now that the 2026 Washington legislative session has officially concluded, we are pleased to report that the key bills we’ve been tracking have successfully passed both chambers and been signed into law by Governor Bob Ferguson. These new laws represent a significant shift in how our state addresses housing, food security, healthcare, and civil rights.
Housing and Homelessness
Lawmakers took decisive action to expand local tools and reduce barriers to supportive housing.
HB 2266 is now law, preventing cities and counties from blocking or delaying permanent supportive housing, transitional housing, and emergency shelters in most zones.
SB 6027 and HB 2442 have also been enacted, providing local governments with much-needed flexibility. Communities can now use affordable housing sales tax revenue for rental assistance, rehab work on existing units, and ongoing operations and maintenance—ensuring that long-term housing stability is more than just a goal.
Food Security and Healthcare
The state has officially shifted its approach to hunger with the passage of HB 2238. This bill establishes a statewide food security strategy to coordinate programs and ensure reliable access to nutrition.
In healthcare, HB 2385 successfully cleared the final hurdles of the session. This legislation expands the Medicaid Access Program, a vital move to help Washingtonians maintain health coverage and access care during life transitions, such as changes in employment or income.
Civil Rights, Immigration, and Language Justice
Washington continues to strengthen protections for its most vulnerable residents:
HB 2105 has been signed into law, adding protections for immigrant workers against employer retaliation.
SB 5925 bolsters the Attorney General’s authority to investigate civil rights violations.
HB 2632 officially strikes the term “alien” from state and local documents, replacing it with “noncitizen” to align with modern standards of respect and dignity.
Public Safety and Privacy
Two key measures aimed at transparency and trust were enacted this session:
SB 5855 restricts law enforcement officers from covering their faces during public interactions, promoting accountability.
SB 6002 establishes strict privacy rules for automated license plate reader data, ensuring this information is not misused for civil immigration enforcement.
Tribal Relations and State Revenue
In a historic move for government-to-government relations, SB 6034 formally establishes the Governor’s Office of Indian Affairs in state law.
Finally, the Governor has signed SB 6346, creating the "Millionaires’ Tax." This new tax on very high-income residents is a major win for state priorities, as it will fund essential services including free school meals, childcare investments, and small business tax breaks.
These updates show a clear commitment to the systems that shape everyday well-being. As these laws move toward implementation—most taking effect on June 11, 2026—SWACH will transition from tracking policy to monitoring the real-world impacts on community health across Clark, Klickitat, and Skamania counties