The Washington State Legislature returns to Olympia this week for Committee Assembly Days—an annual chance for lawmakers to gather ahead of the 2026 session and set the agenda for the months ahead. Over two days, legislators meet in their committees and caucuses to review emerging issues, preview major policy debates, and shape priorities for the short 60-day session. As the week unfolds, these early meetings give stakeholders their first look at what the 2026 session may bring.
Environment & Energy: MTCA Funding Concerns
The House Environment & Energy Committee plans to dive into the Model Toxics Control Act (MTCA). MTCA currently generates revenue for the state’s general fund and key agency operations, but recent declines create urgency around the discussion. As a result, legislators and stakeholders will track how committee members approach potential MTCA-related budget decisions heading into the 2026 session.
Finance: Implementation of SB 5814
The House Finance Committee will analyze how Washington continues implementing Senate Bill 5814, which expands sales and use tax to additional services. As the state’s tax base continues to shift, committee members aim to clarify impacts and identify policy needs before the 2026 session begins.
Higher Education: FAFSA Completion Campaign
Meanwhile, the Senate Higher Education & Workforce Development Committee will evaluate Washington’s ongoing FAFSA completion campaign, a priority for the Ferguson Administration. The committee plans to explore ways to strengthen financial aid access for students and outline next steps for the 2026 session.
Budget Preview: Appropriations and Ways & Means
On the budget front, stakeholders will pay close attention to both the House Appropriations and Senate Ways & Means committee meetings. With a multibillion-dollar shortfall in the state operating budget – despite slightly improved revenue projections from the November forecast – lawmakers will preview early elements of the supplemental budget proposal expected during the 2026 legislative session. These work sessions will provide the first indicators of how the Legislature plans to navigate one of the most significant fiscal challenges in years.
Transportation: Highway Preservation Priorities
The Senate Transportation Committee will focus on statewide highway preservation needs. Committee leaders and the Ferguson Administration continue to identify preservation and maintenance as top transportation priorities for the 2026 session. Looking ahead, long-term infrastructure demands and limited revenue will shape the committee’s conversation.
Looking Ahead to January
The 2026 session begins January 12, lasts 60 days, and concludes March 12. With an election year close behind it, the Legislature intends to avoid highly contentious issues and finish its work on time. Even so, lawmakers face a major test as they work to close the budget shortfall, and uncertainty remains around whether they will consider new revenue options—even as several wealth tax proposals continue circulating.
The majority party also plans to take up issues tied to recent federal activity, including potential Medicaid coverage options for Washingtonians who may lose eligibility, along with policies addressing food scarcity, housing insecurity, and immigration.