Dear friends and neighbors, 

We’re officially more than a third of the way through this 60-day legislative session, and the work could not be more urgent. Every day, decisions are being made that affect the safety, dignity and opportunities of Washington families. As your state senator, I am fighting alongside my colleagues to pass laws that put people first, strengthen our communities and ensure every resident can live free from fear and full of possibility. 

A big part of this work is listening to the concerns of our neighbors. One issue I continue to hear repeatedly, both in our district and across the state, is the fear and uncertainty created by aggressive federal immigration enforcement. While we cannot directly control U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or other federal agencies, we can take meaningful steps to ensure our communities are safer, supported, and respected.

I am proud to share that Senate Bill 5855, sponsored by Sen. Javier Valdez, has passed the Senate. The bill prohibits law enforcement officers from hiding behind masks while interacting with the public. This will help protect families and neighbors from aggressive, warrantless raids that have caused fear for far too long. 

In addition to SB 5855, several other bills are moving forward to protect immigrant families and strengthen safety across Washington: 

  • SB 5852 – Sponsored by me with Attorney General Nick Brown, this bill requires employers to notify workers about federal I-9 audits, protects workers from retaliation, limits federal access to employment records, and establishes enforcement tools to ensure workers’ rights are respected. Workers should never live in fear of losing their jobs or being exploited. Every worker deserves to know their rights and have a clear path to enforce them. 
  • SB 5906 – Prohibits ICE from entering schools, day care centers, hospitals and other sensitive locations without a court order. Families and children should be able to access essential services without fear. No one should have to choose between safety and care.
  • SB 6002 – Establishes reasonable rules for automatic license plate reader cameras, such as Flock cameras, to ensure they are not used for immigration enforcement. Surveillance should never be a tool of intimidation, and our communities deserve to feel safe without constant monitoring.
  • SB 5876 – Bans the unauthorized possession, creation or use of law enforcement badges or insignia so legitimate officers are easily identifiable. Our communities have a right to trust that law enforcement is accountable and transparent, and impersonation must not put people at risk.
  • SB 6286 – Expands the Department of Health’s authority to fine private detention facilities, including ICE centers, that block inspections. Money from these fines would go to families harmed by wrongful detention or other abuses. Those who have suffered deserve justice and support, and facilities must be held accountable. 

These bills are about transparency, accountability and protection. We cannot stand idly by in the face of fear. These are challenging and sometimes frightening times, but we must be courageous and do everything we can to protect our rights and stand up for our neighbors. 

While state legislation can only go so far, your voice matters. True oversight of ICE rests with Congress, so I encourage you to reach out to your U.S. senators and representatives and make your voice heard. 

My Legislation 

I also want to share updates on some bills I am personally championing this session: 

  • SB 6045 – Grants farmworkers the right to form unions and collectively bargain under the state labor board, the Public Employment Relations Commission. This bill fills a longstanding gap left by federal law that excluded agricultural workers, a group that has historically been marginalized and denied basic labor protections. It strengthens worker protections, ensures fair wages and working conditions, and establishes a formal process to resolve disputes, giving farmworkers a seat at the table and a clear way to defend their rights.
  • SB 6117 – As amended in committee, this bill ensures workers in Washington do not lose their right to organize if the federal government fails to act. If the National Labor Relations Board is defunded or refuses to enforce labor law, the bill authorizes the Public Employment Relations Commission to step in and oversee collective bargaining for private-sector workers. While the original goal was to expand protections, the legislation ultimately establishes a necessary safeguard, a baseline guarantee that workers’ organizing rights remain protected in the face of federal inaction or hostility.
  • SB 6053 – Provides domestic workers, including nannies, housekeepers and home care providers, with basic labor protections they have long been denied, such as minimum wage, overtime, written agreements and fair termination rules. Domestic work has historically been undervalued and excluded from labor protections, disproportionately affecting women and immigrant workers. This bill bans abusive practices and allows workers to enforce their rights, ensuring safety, fairness and dignity for a workforce too often invisible and exploited.
  • SB 6196 – Regulates and taxes kratom in Washington through licensing, labeling and strict recordkeeping requirements. The bill deters youth access, ensures responsible distribution and generates revenue for programs that reduce harm from kratom and similar substances. 

The work I continue to do is grounded in fairness, justice and dignity for every worker, family and community in Washington. As this is my final year in the Legislature, I am more committed than ever to leaving a legacy of courage and relentless advocacy for the people I serve. 

Join Me for an In-Person Community Town Hall 

I invite you to join me, along with Reps. Chipalo Street and Sharon Tomiko Santos, for an in-person community town hall on Saturday, Feb. 21. This is an opportunity to learn about the work we are doing in Olympia, ask questions and share your thoughts and concerns. I hope to see you there. 

Stay Engaged  

As legislation continues to move through the process, I encourage you to stay engaged. 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.    

As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office with questions, ideas, or concerns. My team and I are here to help. You can reach me at rebecca.saldana@leg.wa.gov or 360-786-7688. Stay informed about my activities by visiting my website and follow me on Instagram and Facebook for regular updates. 

Stay safe, stay strong, and stay healthy. 

In solidarity, 

Sen. Rebecca Saldaña
37th Legislative District