The 2026 legislative session gets underway with a busy Week 1. Highlights include opening ceremonies, Gov. Ferguson’s State of the State address, as well as discussions on his budget proposals. Additional public hearings will focus on access to housing and health care, and efforts to ensure Washingtonians are protected from an increasingly hostile federal government.

OPENING CEREMONIES

The Senate will be in action Wednesday.

Monday, Jan. 12 @ Noon

Day 1 gets underway with the swearing in of re-elected Senators, some remarks from Lieutenant Governor Denny Heck, adoption of the rules and all of the other pomp and circumstance that officially kicks off the 2026 legislative session. Watch on TVW.

UNMASKING ICE

Sen. Javier Valdez, sponsor of SB 5855.

Tuesday, Jan. 13 @ 8 a.m.

The Law & Justice Committee will hear public testimony on Senate Bill 5855, sponsored by Sen. Javier Valdez. The bill prohibits law enforcement officers from wearing masks or other face coverings, such as those being worn by ICE agents, while interacting with the public, except when they are undercover or using protective gear for safety. Watch on TVW.

MEDIA AVAILABILITY

Senate and House Democratic leaders will answer questions from the media on Tuesday.

Tuesday, Jan. 13 @ 11 a.m.

The first media availability of the legislative session will take place Tuesday morning in the House Rules Room. Watch on TVW.

STATE OF THE STATE

Gov. Bob Ferguson.

Tuesday, Jan. 13 @ Noon

Gov. Bob Ferguson will deliver the annual State of the State address to a joint session of the Legislature on Tuesday. Watch on TVW.

THE GOVERNOR’S BUDGET PROPOSALS

Sen. Marko Liias, Transportation chair, and Sen. June Robinson, Ways & Means chair.

Tuesday, Jan. 13 @ 4 p.m.

The Senate Ways & Means and Transportation committees will hear public testimony on Gov. Bob Ferguson’s budget proposals. You can watch the Transportation hearing here, and view Senate Bill 6005 here. The Ways & Means hearing can be seen here, and view SB 5988 here.

REDUCING PLASTIC WASTE

Sen. Jessica Bateman, sponsor of SB 6182.

Wednesday, Jan. 14 @ 8 a.m.

The Environment, Energy & Technology Committee will hear public testimony on Senate Bill 5965, which will help reduce plastic waste by banning the use of plastic carry-out bags in Washington, effective in Jan. 1, 2028. Watch on TVW.

HOUSING

Sen. Marcus Riccelli, sponsor of SB 6214.

Wednesday, Jan. 14 @ 10:30 a.m.

The Housing Committee will hold a public hearing on a slate of bills aimed at increasing access to housing and protecting tenants. Senate Bill 5884, sponsored by Sen. Marcus Riccelli, expands the state’s “Pavement to People” program by allowing sales and use tax deferrals for housing built on a broader range of underutilized properties, with long-term affordability requirements in select cities.

SB 5885, also sponsored by Riccelli, requires cities and counties to allow increased residential density on land owned or controlled by religious organizations when projects include long-term affordable housing.

SB 5937, sponsored by Sen. Jamie Pedersen, is focused on tenant privacy and establishes protections related to smart access systems, including data privacy requirements and access to non-biometric entry options.

Watch on TVW.

CHILDCARE

The Early Learning & K-12 Education Committee will hear from experts on Washington's childcare system.

Thursday, Jan. 15 @ 10:30 a.m.

With all of the talk about childcare facilities and licensing in the news, the Early Learning & K-12 Education Committee will hold a work session Thursday to separate fact from fiction and hear from experts on Washington’s childcare accountability systems. Watch on TVW.

EVIDENCE-BASED HEALTH CARE

Sen. Annette Cleveland, sponsor of SB 5967.

Thursday, Jan. 15 @ 8 a.m.

The Health & Long-Term Care Committee will hear public testimony on Senate Bill 5967, sponsored by Sen. Annette Cleveland. The bill allows our state to use medically sound, evidence-based sources for health services coverage, including vaccines, to ensure Washingtonians have access to the care they need at a time when the CDC is relying on junk science and a political agenda to inform its decision making. Watch on TVW.

LAW ENFORCEMENT

Sen. John Lovick, Transportation Committee vice chair and sponsor and advocate to lower BAC.

Thursday, Jan. 15 @ 10:30 a.m.

The Law & Justice Committee will hear public testimony on Senate Bill 5974, sponsored by Sen. John Lovick. The bill limits the use of “volunteers” by law enforcement agencies, eliminates outdated positions, and requires sheriffs and police chiefs to complete the same training requirements as all other sworn officers in Washington state. Watch on TVW.

CUTTING RED TAPE

Sen. Deb Krishnadasan, sponsor of SB 5968.

Friday, Jan. 16 @ 10:30 a.m.

The State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections Committee will hold a public hearing on Senate Bill 5968, sponsored by Sen. Deb Krishnadasan. The bill codifies the governor’s Executive Order 25-03 designed to improve transparency and building efficiency in the state’s permitting and licensing processes so we can build more homes quicker. Watch on TVW.