Dear friends and neighbors,
We are now in the third week of the 2026 legislative session, and work at the Capitol is moving quickly. I want to share an update on where we are and the steps we are taking to protect our communities and stand up for families across Washington.
Standing up to federal overreach and protecting our communities
This session, Senate Democrats are advancing a strong package of legislation to limit federal overreach and ensure accountability and transparency in law enforcement. Under the Trump administration, aggressive enforcement tactics, mass deportation strategies, and policies targeting immigrant communities have fueled fear, undermined due process, and eroded trust between communities and law enforcement. The following legislation affirms that Washington state will not be complicit in policies that criminalize families, weaponize law enforcement, or sacrifice civil rights in the name of political extremism.
- SB 5855 – Law Enforcement Transparency
I introduced this bill to prohibit local, state, and federal law enforcement officers — including ICE agents — from wearing face coverings while interacting with the public. Transparency matters. People deserve to know who is exercising authority over them. The bill has made it out of the Senate Rules Committee, and I am hopeful it will pass the Senate very soon.
- SB 6002 – Driver Privacy Protections
This legislation, sponsored by Sen. Yasmin Trudeau, establishes clear rules for the use of automatic license plate reader systems to protect driver privacy. It limits when and how data can be collected, shared, and retained, and prohibits its use for immigration enforcement or surveillance near sensitive locations such as schools, places of worship, and health care facilities. The bill passed the Senate Law & Justice Committee and is awaiting a vote on the Senate floor.
- SB 5906 – The SAFE Act
This bill, sponsored by Sen. Drew Hansen, protects students, families, patients, and voters by limiting immigration enforcement in sensitive public spaces. Schools, early learning providers, health care facilities, higher education institutions, and county elections offices would not be required to allow ICE into nonpublic areas without a judicial warrant or court order. The bill received a hearing in the Senate Law & Justice Committee and is awaiting executive session in the committee on Jan. 29 at 10:30 a.m.
- SB 5852 – Immigrant Worker Protection Act
This bill, sponsored by Sen. Rebecca Saldaña, strengthens protections for immigrant workers by requiring employers to notify workers when federal immigration inspections occur and by limiting cooperation with ICE unless legally required. The bill received a hearing in the Senate Labor & Commerce Committee and is awaiting further action.
- SB 6286 – ICE Detention Accountability
This bill, sponsored by Sen. Tina Orwall, allows the Department of Health to fine private ICE detention facilities that block required health and safety inspections. Any funds collected would support individuals and families harmed by ICE through housing assistance, legal aid, food support, and other essential services. The bill is scheduled for a public hearing in the Senate Human Services Committee today at 4 p.m.
- SB 5876 -Preventing Law Enforcement Impersonation
This bill, sponsored by Sen. Adrian Cortes, makes it a crime to impersonate a peace officer by creating, possessing, or displaying fake law enforcement or ICE badges, insignia, or vehicles. The bill is awaiting a committee hearing in the Senate.
Together, these bills are critical steps toward accountability, safety and justice for all Washingtonians.
Updates on My Legislation
Here are updates on some of my other bills as they move through the legislative process:
- SB 5098 – Gun Safety in Family Spaces
Limits firearms in places where children and families gather, including parks, playgrounds, community centers, public buildings, and county fairgrounds. The bill passed the Senate last week and has moved to the House for consideration.
- SB 5973 – Initiative and Referendum Integrity
Protects Washington’s ballot process by banning pay-per-signature practices and requiring a modest showing of public support before initiatives move forward. The bill passed out of the Senate Committee on State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections last week and now awaits a vote on the Senate floor.
Meeting With Constituents
One of the highlights of my job is meeting with community members and constituents to hear from you, learn about your priorities, and see firsthand the work happening in our neighborhoods.
I recently had the pleasure of meeting with members of the Parent Teacher Association at McDonald International School. Their PTA is a vibrant and engaged group supporting one of Seattle’s language-immersion elementary schools. From fundraising and volunteer efforts to cultural events and support for dual-language instruction in Spanish and Japanese, their work strengthens students, families, and the broader school community.
Stay Engaged
As legislation continues to move through the process, I encourage you to stay engaged and share your feedback with my office. Public input makes our laws better. Here are a few ways you can participate:
- Learn how a bill becomes a law at leg.wa.gov/learn-and-participate/how-a-bill-becomes-a-law
- Find legislation at leg.wa.gov/bills-meetings-and-session/bills
- Watch your democracy in action at tvw.org
- Testify in committee hearings remotely or in person at leg.wa.gov/bills-meetings-and-session/session/how-to-testify-at-a-committee-meeting
- Stay informed by calling the Legislative Hotline at 800-562-6000.
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 contact me by email at javier.valdez@leg.wa.gov or by phone at (360) 786-7690. You can also stay informed about my work by visiting my website or following me on Facebook, Instagram and X for regular updates.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve our community.
Sincerely,
Sen. Javier Valdez
46th Legislative District
