Dear neighbors,
We’ve reached the halfway point in the 2026 legislative session, and that means it’s time for a town hall! I’ll join my seatmates, Reps. My-Linh Thai and Janice Zahn, for an in-person town hall next Saturday, Feb. 21, from 11 a.m. to noon at the Mercer Island Community Center (8236 SE 24th St, Mercer Island, WA 98040).
This is a great opportunity for you to meet us, ask questions, and hear about how we’re working to protect Washington from the federal government, addressing our state’s housing and affordability crisis, and building a sustainable state budget. To submit questions for us in advance, please fill out this brief survey.
Please don’t hesitate to contact my office if you need any accommodations, such as assisted hearing services, interpretation services, or any other services that will make it easier for you to participate. Email me at Lisa.Wellman@leg.wa.gov or call my office at 360-786-7641. I hope to see you there!
Bill progress
Sen. Lisa Wellman on the Senate floor Feb. 5.
We’re racing toward a key legislative deadline next Tuesday: house of origin cutoff. This is the last day for the Senate to consider bills proposed by senators this session, unless they are necessary to implement the budget. I’m thrilled to share the Senate has passed five of my bills ahead of this deadline. These bills are focused on technology and education — two of my favorite subjects!
Regulating AI, supporting broadband repair
At a time when the federal government is trying to curb artificial intelligence (AI) regulations, I’m proud Washington is standing up and proposing reasonable safeguards to protect everyone who uses this new technology. My marquee bill this year, SB 5894, puts guardrails around the use of AI companion chatbots to ensure our kids stay safe when they interact with them.
AI is becoming more prominent, and we must keep kids safe when they use these tools in their digital playground. My bill would require chatbot operators that know a user is a minor to regularly notify them that the chatbot is AI and not human. It also requires chatbot operators to implement measures that would prevent minors from being shown explicit content, as well establish protocols that would help connect kids to crisis services when they express suicidal ideation.
As a champion of expanding broadband access across Washington, I’m also excited the Senate advanced my bill to help rural and underserved communities stay connected. SB 5188 allows the Public Works Board to issue loans to help fund broadband infrastructure repairs and replacement, ensuring we can continue to reach our goal digital equity and equality.
Lowering costs for schools, improving emergency response, and strengthening teacher preparation
As chair of the Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education Committee, I’m pleased the Senate passed a few of my education-focused bills that help lower costs for schools, improve schools’ response to health emergencies, and strengthen our teacher preparation programs.
SB 5922 allows school districts to transfer their transportation vehicle funds for other uses when they reduce their fleet to reflect current enrollment. SB 5240 enhances schools’ response to allergic reactions by allowing nurses and other trained personnel to use any available epinephrine on school property to help someone experiencing anaphylaxis. And SB 6278 ensures we have a continuous feedback loop between educators currently in the classroom and our teacher preparation programs, so we can adapt our teacher preparation curriculum to respond to the ever-changing needs of our education system.
With only four more weeks left in session, I hope the House moves quickly on these bills so they can be delivered to Gov. Ferguson for signature.
Meet Senate page Tyler Ortiz
Sen. Lisa Wellman with Senate page Tyler Ortiz.
Last week, I enjoyed having Tyler Ortiz serve as my Senate page! Tyler is a 9th grade homeschooled student who enjoys Brazilian jujitsu and playing the piano. During his page experience, Tyler had the opportunity to present a mock bill. He said his favorite part of the program was meeting senators and people from all backgrounds. Thank you for your great work, Tyler!
Keep in touch
As always, please do not hesitate to contact my office. My email inbox is always open, and my phone is always on. You can contact me via email at Lisa.Wellman@leg.wa.gov or phone at 360-786-7641.
Yours in service,
