Dear friends and neighbors, 

The 2026 legislative session has officially ended. Like every session, it was intense, challenging, inspiring and deeply meaningful. But this one is especially significant for me — it was my final session serving as your state senator in the Washington State Senate. 

After a decade representing our community, this moment is bittersweet. Serving the people of our district and fighting alongside you for a more just, inclusive and prosperous Washington has been one of the greatest honors of my life. I am filled with gratitude for the experiences, relationships and countless conversations with neighbors, workers, students, elders, organizers and families that shaped my work. 

While closing this chapter is difficult, I am also excited for what comes next. I will continue serving our community in new ways, building on the foundation of victories we achieved together. Before we turn the page, here’s a look at what we accomplished in this final legislative session. 

Domestic Workers Bill of Rights 

One of the most meaningful victories of this session—and of my time in the Legislature—was the passage of the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights. This has been a long journey shaped by years of organizing, advocacy and persistence by domestic workers and their allies across Washington. 

I am proud to share that Gov. Bob Ferguson signed this historic legislation in the State Reception Room on Monday in recognition of International Women’s Day. 

Domestic workers—nannies, house cleaners, caregivers, gardeners and household managers—perform essential work that allows families and communities to thrive. Yet for far too long, they have been excluded from many labor protections most workers take for granted. 

House Bill 2355 changes that. It establishes basic workplace protections for domestic workers statewide, including guaranteed minimum wage, overtime pay, written employment agreements, protection from discrimination and retaliation, and clear avenues to report violations or recover unpaid wages. 

The law also ensures workers have clear job expectations, notice before termination and protection from abusive or unsafe working conditions. 

I want to give special thanks to Rep. Brianna Thomas for sponsoring the House companion bill and helping bring this across the finish line, and to the workers, advocates and organizations who fought tirelessly for years to make this moment possible. This victory belongs to them. 

Immigrant Worker Protection Act 

This year I introduced the Immigrant Worker Protection Act, legislation aimed at strengthening protections for immigrant workers and ensuring fairness and transparency in the workplace. 

At a time when national rhetoric and policies continue to target immigrant communities, it is more important than ever that Washington stand firmly on the side of dignity, safety and justice for all workers. 

I’m proud that the House companion bill, House Bill 2105, sponsored by Rep. Lillian Ortiz-Self, made it across the finish line and was signed into law. 

Beginning Oct. 1, 2026, the new law requires employers to notify workers within five business days whenever federal officials inspect employment eligibility forms (I-9s) or share the results of those inspections. Notices must be posted in the workplace and sent directly to affected employees in English and the most commonly spoken non-English languages in Washington. 

The law also includes anti-retaliation protections, ensuring workers cannot face termination or other negative consequences for exercising their rights. 

Washington has long recognized the contributions of immigrants, and this law helps ensure every worker can go to work without fear. 

The Millionaires Tax 

One of the most significant developments this session was the passage of the Millionaires Tax (SB 6346).  

Our district has long supported making Washington’s tax system more equitable, and thanks to one of the most diverse legislative bodies in our state’s history, we found a way to take this historic step. 

The tax asks the wealthiest individuals in our state to contribute a little more so we can invest in the things that make Washington stronger—schools, child care, health care and other essential services—while also providing tax relief for working families and small businesses. Here’s how it works: 

  • The 9.9% tax applies only to annual earnings over $1 million. For example, if a household earns $1,000,500 in a year, only the extra $500 is taxed—about $50. 
  • Less than 1% of Washingtonians will pay this tax, but everyone benefits. 
  • Each household receives a $1 million deduction, which will increase over time with inflation. 

Revenue from the tax will help: 

  • Eliminate sales tax on diapers, personal care products and many over-the-counter drugs 
  • Expand the Working Families Tax Credit to 460,000 additional households, including young adults and seniors 
  • Set aside 5% of annual proceeds for early learning programs through the Fair Start for Kids Act 
  • Provide free breakfast and lunch for all public school students 

It also provides the largest small-business tax break in state history: 

  • Doubles the B&O credit so small businesses with gross receipts under $300,000 pay no B&O tax, and businesses with up to $600,000 in receipts receive a credit beginning in 2028. About 70% of all Washington businesses will be fully exempt. 
  • Allows 80% of net operating losses to carry forward to reduce future taxes. 
  • Gives businesses the option to pay the tax at the business level, which can reduce federal taxes, while owners receive credit for their share of pass-through income. 

The tax also protects homeowners and capital gains: 

  • Real estate sales and home equity are exempt. 
  • Income from long-term assets already exempt from Washington’s capital gains tax is excluded. 

When it takes effect Jan. 1, 2028, Washington will join 41 other states that tax earnings over $1 million per year. The first returns and payments will be due in April 2029. 

This tax is an important step toward a more equitable state, funding the services families rely on and helping working people and small businesses thrive. 

Stopping Kidnappings and Assaults by Masked Men Through a Ban on Face-Concealing Masks for Law Enforcement 

This session we also passed Senate Bill 5855, sponsored by Sen. Javier Valdez, designed to increase transparency, accountability and trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve. 

The law prohibits local, state and federal officers from wearing masks or other facial coverings while interacting with the public during routine duties. The goal is simple: When someone is exercising authority over us, we have the right to know who they are. 

Masks can create fear and make it harder for the public to hold law enforcement accountable. Passing this bill sends a clear message that trust, dignity and transparency are central to public safety. Law enforcement should protect our communities without creating fear, and everyone deserves to know who is exercising authority over them. 

Other Bills Awaiting the Governor’s Signature 

In addition to these major pieces of legislation, several other bills I sponsored passed the Legislature and are now awaiting the governor’s signature: 

  • SB 5185 establishes a pilot program creating a pathway for internationally trained doctors to earn full physician licensure in Washington. By providing supervised clinical experience, mentorship and structured evaluation, the program helps bring skilled doctors into primary care, expanding access to health care and strengthening our medical workforce.
  • SB 5847 strengthens access to medical care for workers injured on the job by allowing them to choose a qualified provider within the state’s network and streamlining approvals for necessary treatment.
  • SB 6058 gives the Department of Labor & Industries more discretion in investigating wage complaints, allowing the agency to prioritize serious cases and protect workers from retaliation.
  • I also want to celebrate a historic bill successfully advanced by Rep. Santos, HB 1408. This legislation creates a dedicated fund for Historic South Downtown to help stabilize and preserve some of our state’s cultural gems — Pioneer Square and the Chinatown–International District — for our elders and for the next generation. 

Thank You to My Team 

None of this work would have been possible without the incredible team I’ve had the privilege to work with. Legislative staff are often the unsung heroes of the Capitol. They answer your calls and emails, meet with constituents, research policy and work long hours behind the scenes to move legislation forward. 

To my staff, past and present, thank you. Your dedication, compassion and tireless work made it possible for our office to serve this district with care and commitment. I am endlessly grateful. 

A Heartfelt Thank You 

Now that the session has officially closed, I find myself reflecting on the last 10 years serving you in the Senate. From the very beginning, I saw this role not just as a job but as a responsibility—to workers fighting for fairness, immigrant families seeking opportunity, young people dreaming about their future and neighbors who believe government can be a force for good. 

Serving you has been one of the greatest honors of my life. 

Thank you for your trust. Thank you for your advocacy. Thank you for holding me accountable and pushing our state to do better. 

While my time in the Senate is ending, my commitment to our community is not. I look forward to continuing this work, standing alongside you as we keep building a Washington where everyone can thrive. 

With deep gratitude, 


Sen. Rebecca Saldaña