Dear friends and neighbors,

The 2026 session is truly in full swing! It is an immense privilege to once again serve the 47th Legislative District in the Washington State Senate and champion our communities’ priorities here in Olympia.   

MY ROLES AND COMMITTEES 

I am honored to continue serving as chair of the newly named Senate Business, Trade & Economic Development Committee, a role that allows me to advance consumer protections, strengthen small businesses, and support responsible economic growth across our state. 

I am also pleased to share I am the new vice chair of the Senate State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections Committee. I remain a member of the Senate Ways & Means Committee as well. Both of these positions put me at the intersection of policy, budgets, and accountability — ensuring our laws work for people, respect Tribal sovereignty, and reflect Washington values. 

I continue to serve as the Senate Democratic Caucus’s Leadership Liaison to Tribal Nations too. In this role, which I’ve held the last three years, enables me to further bridge the gap between state government and Washington’s Tribal communities. As an American Indian senator, I bring a unique perspective to the challenges facing our Tribes and am so grateful to work with Tribal leaders to amplify their voices and shape legislation that benefits all of us. 

MY LEGISLATION 

This session, I have introduced several bills focused on issues impacting our district and our state. I am also continuing work on legislation introduced last year that remains active. 

Enhancing Consumer Protections 

  • Making critical updates to the Mortgage Lending Fraud Prosecution Account to strengthen investigations and enforcement against mortgage fraud (SB 5109). 
  • Protecting consumers who use virtual currency kiosks by setting clear safeguards, fee limits, and transparency requirements to prevent fraud and abuse (SB 5280). 

Empowering Tribal Communities 

  • Establishing the governor’s Office of Indian Affairs as a permanent cabinet-level agency to strengthen government-to-government relationships and improve coordination across state agencies (SB 6034). 
  • Ensuring Tribal representation on the Board of Natural Resources to bring Tribal expertise and perspective into decisions impacting Washington’s public lands and natural resources (SB 5838). 
  • Supporting public school instruction on Tribal sovereignty and federally recognized Indian Tribes to ensure students learn accurate, place-based history and governance (SB 5570). 
  • Ensuring Tribal governments have a meaningful role in transportation planning and safety initiatives that impact Tribal lands and communities (SB 5374). 
  • Ensuring Tribal input and archaeological protections for land use projects exempt from environmental review to safeguard cultural and historic resources (SB 5609). 

Protecting Access to the Ballot 

  • Expanding access to secure voting services for Tribal members, military and overseas voters, and voters with disabilities through better coordination, technology, and outreach (SB 6035). 

Preserving History and Accountability 

  • Protecting and preserving historical records and artifacts connected to Lakeland Village to ensure accountability, transparency, and long-term public access (SB 5863). 

Supporting Caregivers and Young Adults 

  • Removing unnecessary licensing barriers so former foster parents can continue caring for young adults aging out of foster care without being forced into adult family home licensure (SB 6036). 

Stay tuned for further updates! You can track all of my legislation here. 

 

APPLY TO BE A PAGE 

Do you know a young person interested in state government? The Senate Page Program is still accepting applications for 2026!  

Open to students 14-16 years old, this fun, week-long experience includes page school, assisting senators, and learning about the legislative process — all while getting paid. Scholarships and host family housing are available too. 

Click here to learn more and apply! 

HOW TO PARTICIPATE 

Here is a selection of helpful links that make it easy to get involved in the legislative process, from start to finish: 

STAY IN TOUCH 

I would love to hear from you — please reach out to share the questions, concerns, and issues most important to you and your family. Your engagement helps me better represent the 47th Legislative District and is essential to this work. 

Thank you for the opportunity to serve. 

Warm regards, 

Sen. Claudia Kauffman