Dear friends and neighbors, 

We’ve officially passed the midpoint of the 60-day legislative session, and the pace in Olympia has been nonstop. Every day brings new conversations, decisions, and opportunities to make a difference for our communities. In this newsletter, I want to share the progress we’ve made so far, highlight what’s coming next, and show you how you can stay involved and have your voice heard as we move into the second half of the session. 

Join us for a town hall 

I want to hear from you. Your thoughts, concerns, and feedback guide our work in Olympia. Join me, along with Reps. Lisa Callan and Zach Hall, for an in-person 5th Legislative District town hall on Saturday, February 21. This is your chance to ask questions, share ideas, and tell us what matters most to you. 

We’re here to listen and work together to put people first. I hope to see you there! 

Fixing an upside-down tax system 

When I talk with neighbors across our community, one concern comes up again and again: our tax system isn’t fair. Too often, working families carry a heavy burden, while the wealthiest individuals contribute far less than their share. 

Senate Bill 6346, also known as the “millionaires’ tax,” would impose a 9.9% tax on income over $1 million, starting in 2028. The revenue generated would be reinvested in our communities to strengthen our public schools and higher education, expand access to health care, and fund essential public services. 

The bill also provides meaningful relief for working families and small businesses, including: 

  • Expanding the Working Families Tax Credit to help more families. 
  • Reducing taxes on small businesses by doubling the small-business B&O tax credit and raising the filing threshold. 

Important discussions lie ahead with the governor and legislative colleagues, but I remain committed to building a tax system that reflects our values — one where prosperity is shared, and those most able to contribute help maintain the services that keep our state strong. 

Updates on my bills 

We are now just days away from the house-of-origin cutoff, a major milestone in the legislative process. By this deadline, bills must pass their chamber of origin to continue this session. 

Here’s an update on my bills that have passed the Senate so far: 

  • SB 6222 – Many students rely on school laptops and tablets every day but lose access once they graduate. Meanwhile, laptops returned by seniors often sit in storage or are sent to auction for pennies on the dollar. This bill ensures these devices go directly to students who need them most, at no or reduced cost, so they can stay connected and succeed after leaving the classroom.  
  • SB 6178 – Wildfires, floods, and storms impact families in our district every year. This bill bans a practice called “post-loss assignments of benefits” and ensures homeowners remain in control of their insurance claims so they aren’t pressured into giving away their rights during a crisis. It’s an important step to help families recover from natural disasters with confidence. 
  • SB 6054 – In our district and across Washington, families face wildfire risks every summer. Many homeowners are blocked by homeowners associations (HOAs) or condo rules from making their homes fire-resistant. This bill ensures that communities can use wildfire-hardened materials that meet safety standards, while still allowing HOAs to maintain reasonable design rules. It helps families protect their homes, neighbors, and communities without having to choose between safety and following the rules. 
  • SB 6188 – Currently, the Department of Labor and Industries’ authority to update training and certification rules for asbestos removal is limited to federal standards, which can leave gaps in worker safety. This bill removes that barrier, giving the department flexibility to adopt updated standards so workers are properly trained, informed, and protected on the job. 

You can follow all of my bills here.  

Stay engaged.  

As legislation moves through the process, I encourage you to stay engaged and share your feedback with my office. Public input makes our laws better. Here are a few ways you can participate:     

  • Watch your democracy in action at tvw.org     
  • Stay informed by calling the Legislative Hotline at 800-562-6000.      

Stay Engaged 

As always, you can email me at victoria.hunt@leg.wa.gov or call me at 360-786-7608.  You can also stay informed about my work by visiting my website or following me on my official Instagram and Facebook pages for regular updates.  

Thank you for the opportunity to serve our community.     

Sincerely,    

Sen. Victoria Hunt    

5th Legislative District