2026 Legislative Recap
See what bills we actively followed this session.
A Message from our Legislative Staff
Washington’s 2026 legislative session was fast-paced and operated with urgency that resulted in meaningful progress for women across our state in areas like reproductive health access, domestic worker protections, funding services survivors of gender-based violence – and the notable adoption of the “millionaire’s tax” created to make lasting investments in our state’s fundamental services. At the same time, persistent challenges in areas like child care access and affordability, education supports, and economic advancement opportunities underscore the work still ahead.
The Women’s Commission is committed to the hard but necessary work to come and hope to continue engaging with women across Washington to advocate for policies and laws needed to fully thrive. We look forward to more conversations, partnerships, and advocacy!
WSWC Priority Bills
Each session, Washington State Women’s Commission staff and Commissioners track bills that will particularly impact the safety, health, and economic opportunity & security of women in the state. The Commission actively testified on the following priority bills.
Improving access to abortion medications.
Removing the requirement that women's commission members be subject to senate confirmation.
WSWC Engaged Bills
Beyond testimony, the Commission engages with legislation in other ways, including via written testimony, signing in pro or con, and conversing with lawmakers, the governor’s office, and community members. The following bills passed the legislature.
Health Related Legislation
Safety Related Legislation
Economic Well-Being Related Legislation
Important Bills that Died During this Legislative Session
Lawmakers review hundreds of bills each year, and many do not make it across the finish line for various reasons, such as time and/or funding constraints or community advocacy. Below are some of those bills.