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General News
Week two of the 2026 short legislative session was marked by intense activity as lawmakers worked within a highly compressed short session timeline. In a short session, bills have only 24 days to be introduced, heard in committee, potentially amended, and voted on before they can be advanced to the Rules Committee and then the floor. Most House and Senate committees meet approximately a dozen times during this window, which makes time a constant constraint for legislators, staff, advocates, and stakeholders alike.
This week also brought notable retirement announcements for 2026. Sen. Steve Conway (D-29) and Rep. Sharon Wylie (D-49) will not seek re-election. Rep. Sharlett Mena (D-29) announced she will run for Conway’s seat. Sen. Nikki Torres (R-15) will abandon her bid in the 15th, and run in the 8th, as Sen. Matt Boehnke (R-8) announced his intention to run for Congress.
On Monday, Sen. Jamie Pedersen (D‑43) circulated a draft proposal of the much‑anticipated “millionaire tax” to interest groups. While still in draft form, the proposal offers an early look at a significant new revenue concept under consideration. The tax would take effect in 2029 and impose a 9.9% tax on Washington taxable income above a $1 million standard deduction per taxpayer. Married couples or state‑registered domestic partners would share a single $1 million cap. The threshold would be indexed for inflation, and the tax would be prorated for nonresidents. The release of the draft reflects broader legislative discussions about how to address long‑term budget pressures at both the state and local levels. With constrained revenues and increasing demands for public services, lawmakers are evaluating a range of revenue options alongside spending priorities.
On Thursday, the House Finance Committee heard HB 2100 (Scott, D‑43), also known as the Well Washington Fund Act. The bill proposes a new excise tax on large employers to support state public services. Specifically, it would impose a 5% tax on payroll above approximately $125,000 per employee for companies with more than 20 employees, more than $5 million in gross receipts, and a U.S. address. Employers with total wages under $7 million would be exempt. Initially, revenue from the tax would be deposited into the state general fund. Beginning in mid‑2027, however, 51% of the revenue would be directed to a newly created Well Washington Fund. The fund would support investments in higher education, health care, cash assistance programs, energy initiatives, and housing. The remaining revenue would continue to support the general fund.
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