Dear friends and neighbors,

With the 2026 legislative session now behind us, I want to take a moment to reflect on the work we’ve accomplished together and share how we are continuing to uphold Washington’s values during a time of increasing federal overreach.

Before I dive into a full update, I want to make sure you have a chance to join us in person. Tomorrow, Tuesday, April 28, from 6 to 7 p.m., my seatmates and I will be hosting a 5th Legislative District town hall, and we would truly value the opportunity to connect with you directly.

Join us for our 5th District town hall

I will be joined by Representatives Lisa Callan and Zach Hall for a conversation about this past session, the work ahead, and the issues that matter most to you and your family.

These gatherings are one of the most important parts of this job. They are a chance for all three of us to answer your questions directly, hear your concerns, and learn from your lived experiences. Your voice helps shape the work we do in Olympia, and we hope you will be able to join us.

Standing up to harmful federal overreach

This session, one of my top priorities was ensuring Washington continues to be a place where the rule of law is upheld, science and public health are respected, and every person, regardless of background, feels safe and supported.

In recent months, we have seen troubling federal actions that challenge those principles, from attempts to interfere in state election systems to policies that put immigrant families and access to care at risk. These moments require us to respond thoughtfully, but also firmly.

I am grateful for the leadership of our state’s legal advocates, including Attorney General Nick Brown, who has continued working to challenge unlawful federal actions and defend the rights of Washingtonians. At the same time, the Legislature took meaningful steps to strengthen protections here at home.

Investing in stability and essential services

The supplemental operating budget we passed reflects our commitment to protecting the people most impacted by federal decisions. That includes:

  • Expanding food assistance for tens of thousands of legally present immigrants excluded from federal nutrition programs
  • Protecting access to reproductive and preventive health care by backfilling federal funding gaps
  • Maintaining coverage for individuals with serious medical needs who might otherwise lose care

These investments are about stability, dignity, and making sure no one in our communities is left behind.

Strengthening protections in state law

Alongside the budget, we passed a series of bills to safeguard civil liberties, improve accountability, and protect personal privacy:

  • SB 5855 strengthens transparency and accountability in law enforcement by prohibiting local, state, and federal officers from concealing their identities with face coverings and requiring them to remain clearly identifiable during public interactions.
  • HB 2105 strengthens worker protections during federal immigration audits and establishes clear consequences for retaliation
  • SB 6002 sets guardrails on automated license plate readers to protect privacy and prevent misuse
  • HB 2242 ensures continued access to vaccines and preventive care based on guidance from the Washington State Department of Health
  • SB 5892 enhances voter privacy by protecting sensitive personal information
  • HB 2165 addresses public safety by prohibiting the unauthorized use of law enforcement insignia
  • SB 5974 reinforces accountability standards for law enforcement leadership

Taken together, these efforts send a clear message: when federal policies fall short, Washington state will step up. We are committed to ensuring fairness, accountability, and opportunity are reflected not just in our values, but in our laws.

Stay in touch

I hope to see you at the town hall tomorrow, Tuesday, April 28. If you’re unable to attend, please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office. 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 your continued engagement and for the opportunity to serve you.

Sincerely,

Sen. Victoria Hunt