Legislative Session Update, from our Advocate Amber Lewis

As of February 21st, the Washington State Legislature has already moved through several major deadlines, and the pace of the session is accelerating.

Earlier this month, fiscal committees wrapped up hearings and votes ahead of the February 9 cutoff, significantly narrowing the number of bills that could continue moving forward this session. Lawmakers then shifted into extended caucus meetings and lengthy floor sessions leading up to the February 17 Floor Cutoff, when bills had to pass out of their house of origin to remain viable.

With that deadline now behind us, attention turns to bills moving through the opposite chamber.

A Quick Refresher: The Role of Rules Committees

Before a bill reaches the floor for debate, it must pass through the Rules Committee, which acts as a gatekeeper by determining which bills are scheduled for floor action.

• In the House, Rules meetings are not publicly announced and deliberations occur behind closed doors.

• In the Senate, the Rules process is open to public observation.

Leadership typically prioritizes broadly supported bills early in floor action. More controversial or complex measures are often debated later — sometimes during extended evening sessions as deadlines approach.

Update on SB 6346: The Millionaire’s Tax

One of this session’s most watched bills is SB 6346 — a proposal to impose a tax on high-income earners.

Here’s where it stands as of February 21:

• The bill has successfully passed the full Washington Senate on a 27–22 vote.

• After Senate passage, it was read into the House and referred to the House Finance Committee.

• The bill is currently awaiting committee action in the House — with a scheduled public hearing and executive session anticipated later this week before key House cutoff dates.

  
  

What the Bill Would Do

Under the current version of the legislation:

• A 9.9 % tax would be levied on personal income above $1 million annually, with the tax scheduled to take effect Jan. 1, 2028 and collections starting in 2029.

• Revenue is projected to be in the billions annually once fully implemented and is intended to help fund public services such as education, health care, and early learning.

• The bill has been amended on the Senate floor — including adjustments to deductions and business tax provisions — and is now poised for House consideration.

  
  

Next steps: Following House committee action, the bill would need to clear the House floor before the legislative session concludes on March 12.

Budget Process Update

February 16 also marked an important milestone, as the Economic and Revenue Forecast Council adopted the official revenue forecast. Budget writers rely on this forecast as they finalize spending proposals and adjust for economic trends.

Operating budgets are expected to be released and heard during the week of February 22, with Transportation and Capital budgets typically following shortly thereafter.

Remaining Key Deadlines

With several deadlines already passed, here is what remains ahead:

• February 25 – Policy Committee Cutoff (Opposite House)

• March 2 – Fiscal Committee Cutoff (Opposite House)

• March 6 – Floor Cutoff (Opposite House)

• March 12 – Sine Die (Session Adjournment)

  
  

We are grateful to our legislative advocate, Amber Lewis, for closely monitoring developments and keeping WAMFT informed. As bills continue moving through the opposite chamber and budget negotiations intensify, we will provide additional updates on issues impacting Marriage and Family Therapists.

The next few weeks will be critical as the Legislature works toward final passage deadlines.