As summer winds down and Labor Day approaches, Washington’s policymakers and advocates begin to shift their focus to the upcoming 2026 legislative session. With just a few months to go, the “final stretch” of the interim brings heavy activity as agencies, legislators, and stakeholders set their priorities for the session ahead.
Setting the Stage for the 2025 Session
The Legislature convenes in Olympia on January 12 for a 60-day session. These short sessions move quickly and demand strategy. Lawmakers will debate new policy proposals and adopt supplemental operating, transportation, and capital budgets.
Unlike the biennial budgets that legislators adopted earlier this year, supplemental budgets are narrow in scope. They correct mistakes, address emergencies, and fund smaller projects. This session, policymakers anticipate the budget may address some actions taken at the federal level.
Stakeholder Work Underway
Lawmakers are already meeting with stakeholder groups to shape proposals they want to advance in January. Advocacy organizations, agencies, and associations are beginning to finalize their legislative agendas and prepare to push top priorities forward.
Over the next three months, legislative committees will schedule more work sessions and hearings as legislators dig into issues that will define the 2026 session. Toward the end of the year, reports or studies funded in the 2026 biennial (or earlier) will be due to the Legislature and may be presented in committees.
Agencies Prepare Slim Decision Packages
State agencies face a September 16 deadline to submit their decision packages to the Governor’s Office. Agency leaders plan slim proposals because the Governor’s Office directed them to hold down costs.
The June revenue forecast projected the state’s four-year outlook is down $720 million, which drives this restraint. Agencies are warning the public that new funding will remain extremely limited.
Budget Outlook and Revenue Forecasts
Legislators must balance the state’s four-year outlook during the 2025 session. They will either cut $720 million in the current and/or next biennial budgets, or raise new revenue to close the gap.
The September 23 revenue forecast will provide more detail about Washington’s fiscal position heading into session. In mid-December, Governor Ferguson will release his first regular budget proposal, setting the stage for negotiations in Olympia. Mid-term elections in 2026, where the entire House of Representatives, half of the Senate, and members of Congress will be up for re-election, could have an impact on decisions to raise revenue.
Policy Issues on the Horizon
Although fiscal challenges loom large, the majority party is likely still planning to focus on major policy priorities. Early signals show they will spotlight health care, food insecurity, and immigration issues. At the same time, budget constraints will shape which proposals move forward.
Key Dates to Watch
- September 16 – Agency decision packages due to the Governor
- September 23 – Economic & revenue forecast review
- November 4 – General Election
- December 4–5 – House & Senate committee assembly days
- Mid-December – Governor Ferguson’s first regular budget release
- January 12, 2025 – Start of the 60-day legislative session
Time to Get Your Government Relations Strategy in Place
The final stretch of the interim determines which priorities gain traction and which strategies succeed. By January, the opportunity to shape debate will narrow dramatically.
Now is the time to put your government relations strategy in place. If your organization plans to navigate Olympia in 2026, bring an experienced lobbying team to the table now. With a short session and limited resources, the right advocacy plan—and the right partners—can define your success.