March 9-13
The 2026 legislative session officially adjourned on Thursday, March 12th following the passage of the Operating and Capital budgets.
The Supplemental Operating Budget makes necessary adjustments at the mid-point of the current 2025-27 biennium to account for changes in caseloads, revenue collections, and federal H.R. 1 legislation affecting state spending obligations related to health care and food assistance. The budget allocates a total of $80 billion in spending for the biennium.
The next step is gubernatorial review. Notably, the Governor has authority to veto specific sections or subsections, allowing specific budget items to be rejected without striking down the entire bill.
View an analysis of the final budget.
Addressing critical incidents in child welfare
An important issue before the legislature this year was the recent increase in critical incidents—maltreatment-related child fatalities or near fatalities among children involved in the child welfare system within the past 12 months.
The final operating budget invests approximately $2.5 million towards interventions aimed at improving child safety. These investments help parents access substance use treatment and connect to community-based supports. These proven approaches help meet the needs of families while protecting children and saving lives.
View a summary of budget items to address critical incidents.
Federal SSI benefits for youth in foster care
A key priority for Partners for Our Children this session was ending the state’s practice of withholding federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits from children and youth in foster care who have a disability, or whose parent has died.
The legislature passed SSB 5911 which represents an important and pragmatic first step by focusing on youth in Extended Foster Care who are at a pivotal point in their transition to adulthood. The bill passed both chambers with strong bipartisan support, and the final budget includes funding to backfill the revenue currently retained by the Department of Children, Youth, and Families.
As a result, young people in Extended Foster Care who have a disability will now receive approximately $900 per month to help meet their basic needs and support stability as they transition into adulthood.
Millionaire’s tax
Another hallmark of the session was the passage of ESSB 6346, commonly referred to as the millionaire’s tax. The bill passed the House after a record 25 hours of consecutive floor debate.
The legislation establishes a 9.9% tax on adjusted gross household income above $1 million per year and is expected to generate up to $4 billion in new annual revenue. While this revenue will not address the current budget cycle, it is expected to contribute to long-term budget stability once collections begin in 2029.
The legislation also supports the financial well-being of Washingtonians through the expansion of the Working Families Tax Credit and providing sales tax exemptions on certain household items.
Final bill tracker
The weekly P4C bill tracker highlights bills related to our priorities, particularly in child welfare. Please note that the inclusion of bills in the tracker does not reflect P4C’s position for or against the bill.
This bill tracker notes the status of bills as of March 13th. Bills that were delivered to the Governor within 5 days of the end of the session must be signed or vetoed by the Governor within 20 days.
Thank you!
This is likely to be the final update from P4C on the 2026 legislative session, unless the Governor makes any vetoes to the budget. We appreciate this community’s interest and involvement in this year’s legislative session and your dedication to improving the lives of children, youth and families in Washington state.