Dear friends and neighbors, 

The 2026 legislative session has officially come to a close. It was a challenging session. Balancing tight budgets while facing continued federal uncertainty tested all of us. Yet through it all, my Democratic colleagues and I remained focused on what matters most: protecting essential services, supporting working families, and keeping our communities safe and strong. 

I want to share some of the session’s key accomplishments and what they mean for our communities. 

SB 5855: Holding Law Enforcement Accountable 

 

I’m very excited to share that my bill, Senate Bill 5855, passed the Legislature and is now on Gov. Bob Ferguson’s desk for signature. This bill addresses something deeply important: keeping ICE and other law enforcement officers accountable and preventing fear in our neighborhoods. 

For too long, federal agents have masked their identities while operating in our communities, spreading fear and making families feel unsafe, intimidated or outright terrorized. SB 5855 changes that. 

The law ensures that officers cannot hide their identities behind masks or face coverings during routine public interactions, such as traffic stops, arrests or patrols. These rules apply to local, state, and federal agents, including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. 

Masks for medical reasons, helmets, protective gear, undercover operations, and religious coverings are still allowed. But everyday interactions shouldn’t feel like fear or intimidation – they should feel accountable and transparent. 

Protecting Washington From Federal Overreach 

 

We also passed several bills to safeguard Washingtonians’ rights and privacy, helping keep federal overreach in check: 

  • HB 2105 – Protects immigrant workers by requiring employers to notify employees when federal immigration authorities request or complete inspections of workplace employment records, ensuring workers know their rights and are protected from retaliation. 
  • SB 6002 – Establishes strong privacy protections for automated license plate reader cameras, limiting how the technology can be used, restricting data sharing and requiring most license plate data to be deleted within 21 days to prevent misuse and protect drivers’ privacy. 
  • HB 2242 – Protects public health by ensuring access to vaccines and medical care based on scientific evidence and medical expertise, helping prevent misinformation from interfering with lifesaving treatments. 
  • SB 5892 – Strengthens voter privacy protections by safeguarding sensitive voter information and limiting how personal voter data can be accessed or shared. 
  • HB 2165 – Prevents impersonation of law enforcement by restricting the possession and sale of official law enforcement badges and insignia to authorized officers and agencies. 

The chaos coming from Washington, D.C., is unprecedented. But here in this Washington, we are standing firm to defend civil liberties and uphold our values. 

A Historic Step: The Millionaires Tax 

The Legislature also passed the Millionaires Tax, a historic step toward a fairer tax system. It applies only to income above $1 million, affecting less than 1% of Washingtonians while funding programs that benefit everyone. 

  • 60% of revenue will support schools, child care, health care and other essential services, helping build a stronger foundation for our communities. 
  • 40% of revenue will go toward tax relief for working families and small businesses, ensuring relief where it is needed most. 

Direct benefits for families include: 

  • No sales tax on diapers, personal care items and many medications, reducing everyday costs for households. 
  • Expanded Working Families Tax Credit for roughly 460,000 households, including young adults and seniors, putting money back in families’ pockets. 
  • Free breakfast and lunch for all public school students, helping ensure children get the nutrition they need to succeed. 
  • Investments in early learning through the Fair Start for Kids Act, giving children a strong start in life. 

Supporting small businesses: 

  • The largest B&O tax break in state history, fully exempting about 70% of small businesses. 
  • Options for pass-through businesses to reduce tax liability, making it easier for entrepreneurs to grow and hire. 

The tax takes effect January  1, 2028, with the first returns due in April 2029. It ensures the wealthiest pay their fair share while funding programs that keep our communities strong and thriving. 

Making Life More Affordable 

Cost-of-living pressures remain a challenge, so we also passed additional measures that directly help families: 

  • HB 1903 – Provides energy assistance for low-income households, helping families stay safe and keep the lights on during periods of high energy costs. 
  • HB 6162 – Expands property tax relief for seniors, people with disabilities, and disabled veterans by increasing eligibility thresholds and exemptions. The change is expected to make roughly 30,000 more Washington residents eligible for the program, helping more people stay in their homes and communities. 

Combined with the Millionaires Tax and the expanded Working Families Tax Credit, these policies make a real difference in the day-to-day lives of Washington families. 

Staying Connected 

Even though the legislative session has ended, my work in the community continues. I’ll be spending more time in the district meeting with constituents, local organizations, and community members – listening to you about the issues that matter most. 

In the coming weeks, I’ll share more updates on the final budget and policy wins so you can see exactly how our work is shaping Washington State. 

Thank you for trusting me to serve you. As always, 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, or X.  

With gratitude, 

Sen. Javier Valdez
Washington State Senate