Dear friends and neighbors, 

We are nearly two-thirds of the way through the 2026 legislative session! I remain focused on responding to community needs, strengthening partnerships, and advancing thoughtful policy that reflects the values and priorities of the 47th Legislative District. 

FLOOD RECOVERY UPDATE 

In response to the December 2025 floods, I am part of a bipartisan, bicameral Flood Caucus, led by Sen. Tina Orwall, that is meeting this session to focus on recovery, coordination, and long-term resilience. I am serving as vice chair, working with legislators from both chambers to identify gaps and ensure the experiences of affected communities inform future policy and investments. 

Many families in the 47th Legislative District were impacted by the floods, particularly along the Green River, where prolonged high water contributed to flooding that lasted beyond the initial storm. Communities in Auburn, Kent, Covington, and nearby areas experienced evacuations, infrastructure strain, and property damage, and recovery is ongoing. 

Alongside this work, I am co-sponsoring Senate Bill 6343 to provide tax relief for homeowners and property owners affected by the December atmospheric river and winter weather disaster. I want to thank the city, county, and state staff and responders whose coordination helped keep people safe, and I am especially grateful to the mayors of Auburn, Kent, and Covington for their leadership during and after the emergency. 

If you or someone you know is still navigating repairs or seeking assistance, flood recovery resources are available at kingcounty.gov/flood-recovery and by calling 844-965-5996 or 211. 

EMPOWERING TRIBAL COMMUNITIES 

This session, I am working on legislation grounded in respect for Tribal sovereignty and the responsibility of the state to be a true partner. As a member of the Nez Perce Tribe and the only American Indian in the Senate, I know that government-to-government relationships require trust, consistency, and meaningful inclusion in decisions that shape our lands and communities. My work focuses on strengthening state–Tribal coordination and ensuring Tribal expertise informs decisions about natural resources, transportation, education, and land use. 

These bills honor Tribal leadership, protect cultural and historic resources, and ensure Tribes have a meaningful voice in policies that affect their communities now and into the future. This work is guided by the principle that stronger outcomes come from partnership, respect, and listening to Tribal Nations as governments in their own right. 

You can read more about the specific bills below. 

MY LEGISLATION 

My legislation continues to move through the legislative process and reflects priorities around consumer protection, Tribal partnership, accountability, and support for families and caregivers. 

Supporting a Stronger, More Competitive Economy 

  • Creating a statewide economic development and competitiveness strategic plan to better align state efforts, support businesses, and strengthen regional and Tribal economies (SB 6289). 
  • Undoing recent changes to the estate tax to restore balance and predictability while protecting small family-owned businesses and farms (SB 6347). 

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). 
  • 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. 

 

SAVE THE DATE 

Please join Rep. Chris Stearns and me for an in-person town hall from 10-11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 21, at Kent City Hall in the Council Chambers, 220 4th Ave. S in Kent. 

We will discuss the 2026 legislative session and our work in Olympia, as well as answer any questions you may have. 

Hope to see you there! 

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