Alex Ramel | 40th District legislative update

The last time we connected, the legislative session had almost concluded, but additional work remained as we passed the final state supplemental budgets, and the Governor signed legislation into law. My colleagues – Senator Lovelett and Representative Lekanoff, and I have mailed you a full legislative update. Below are highlights I believe are critical to understanding the challenges and progress made during the 2026 legislative session, along with additional information on the Millionaires Tax. I hope you find it helpful.

Highlights of the Legislative Session

Safeguarding our communities, addressing affordability, and maintaining essential services and protections amid federal actions were my top priorities this session. We focused on what we can control at the state level and worked to reduce costs by increasing energy assistance, protecting access to preventive health care and education, expanding food and pharmacy access, and reaffirming our commitment to critical environmental preservation programs.

Federal Overreach

We built on the existing protections of the Keep Washington Working Act by advancing the Immigrant Worker Protection Act (HB 2105), which strengthens workers’ rights during federal audits and limits the sharing of personal records without proper legal process. To increase transparency and accountability, we passed legislation prohibiting law enforcement – including federal agents, from wearing face-concealing masks while interacting with the public (SB 5855).

Additional bills addressed public safety and trust. Washington now has a framework to regulate the use and data-sharing of automatic license plate reader cameras and created remedies for improper use (SB 6002). We also banned the impersonation of law enforcement officers (HB 2165).

Together, these laws protect civil rights, strengthen oversight, and ensure Washington communities are not exposed to unnecessary harm from federal actions.

Affordability

As costs continue to rise, affordability remains top of mind for most households. We focused on practical steps to make everyday life more affordable. We passed several bills to lower expenses and provide families with greater financial stability, including launching a new statewide energy assistance program (HB 1903) to provide more consistent help with utility bills, and expanding access to consumer-owned energy devices like home solar (HB 2296) to help households save money.

To keep health care costs down, we passed legislation ensuring preventive services like cancer screenings and vaccines remain available without new out-of-pocket costs (HB 2242). We also helped Island Health avoid cuts to critical care services in our region (SB 5923). To address the high cost of prescription drugs, we increased transparency in the federal 340B drug pricing program (SB 5981). To promote grocery and pharmacy access, we passed legislation (HB 2294) allowing these businesses to more easily reopen in vacant spaces, improving competition and lowering prices.

The Millionaires Tax

A key achievement this session was the passage of the Millionaires Tax, which improves fairness in our tax system while funding health care, schools, and childcare.

Washington has long had one of the most regressive tax systems in the country, where low- and middle-income families pay a higher share of their income in taxes than the wealthiest residents. The Millionaires Tax begins to rebalance that system by asking those with the highest levels of wealth to contribute more toward the public services we all rely on.

When fully implemented, this policy will:

• Expand the Working Families Tax Credit, putting more money back into the pockets of working households
• Double small business tax exemptions to support local entrepreneurs
• Eliminate sales tax on everyday essentials like diapers and over-the-counter medications

Importantly, the tax is narrowly targeted and affects only the wealthiest individuals, ensuring that most Washington residents will see either no change or a net tax reduction.

Despite a budget shortfall, we adopted a balanced supplemental budget focused on harm reduction—preserving funding for food security, health care, and education—while making targeted reductions where necessary. The Millionaires Tax plays a key role in sustaining these investments and building a more equitable, sustainable revenue system for the future.

Washington’s tax system should reflect our shared values: fairness, responsibility, and investing in strong communities. This policy is an important step toward aligning our tax code with those values.

We also heard from our local government partners about the need for flexibility and additional resources to meet shared challenges. HB 2442 empowers cities and counties to address urgent needs like childcare, and public health. We strengthened stability for seniors and people with disabilities by delivering the largest expansion of property tax exemptions in decades (SB 6162), and we closed a tax preference that primarily benefited large data centers (SB 6231).

At the same time, we invested $12.2 million in the 40th District, including funding for the Anacortes Events Center, the Pea Patch Community Campus on Orcas Island, housing at Lila Lane, the Samish Nation People’s House, and more than $3.9 million for behavioral health facilities across the region. Additional critical resources are directed toward flood recovery and infrastructure as we continue preparing for the future.

In the transportation budget, we protected continued investment in the ferry system, so that we can maintain and ultimately replace vessels to improve reliability and performance.

Environment

Federal actions are making it harder for Washington to meet its climate goals, from rolling back vehicle emission standards to weakening environmental protections. Despite these challenges, Washington continues to lead.

This year, we made it easier to complete energy-efficient home upgrades (HB 2296), updated taxation for wind and solar projects to benefit communities and streamline permitting (HB 1960), improved standards for marine oil transport (HB 1652/SB 5519), and protected groundwater by ensuring timely septic inspections (SB 6291).

We also strengthened Tribal consultation on energy projects (HB 2496), reduced industrial emissions (HB 2537/SB 6246), and ended outdated coal tax preferences (HB 2367). A new Transmission Development Authority (SB 6355) will help deliver affordable clean energy from where it is produced to the homes and businesses that need it.

Washington is demonstrating that federal setbacks will not stop practical, equitable climate progress. Companies like Tidal Vision, which I had the pleasure of visiting this interim, are showing that opportunities exist to help our planet and community by finding new solutions to reduce waste and encouraging sustainable water treatment, agricultural practices, and advancing material science. Another great example in Bellingham’s Waterfront District is the innovative and sustainable Energy System, which is a result of a partnership between the port, PSE, and Corix.

Housing

Strong, resilient communities start locally, and housing affordability and availability are critical. Washington faces a significant housing shortage and will need more than one million new homes by 2044.

This session, we focused on reducing barriers to construction and expanding housing options across income levels. Mixed-use and middle housing received a boost through SB 6026, which removes barriers to housing in commercial zones. HB 2269 clarifies middle housing in rural communities, and HB 1345/SB 5413 allows detached accessory dwelling units (ADUs).

Notably, HB 2266 ensures shelters and supportive housing are treated like other housing developments, with clear permitting standards. HB 1859 allows religious organizations to use underutilized land for long-term affordable housing, with flexible density bonuses to support financial viability while maintaining long-term affordability.

Initiatives to the Legislature

This session, the Legislature did not hear two initiatives that will go directly to the November ballot. IL26-001 would have rolled back protections for students – particularly LGBTQ+ youth – by weakening parental rights and school guidance, creating confusion, risk, and unsafe situations. IL26-638 would have required invasive “biological sex” verification for girls’ athletics, disproportionately affecting transgender students and girls. Both initiatives threatened equitable access to education and extracurricular opportunities, putting vulnerable students at risk of harassment or exclusion. By not advancing these initiatives, the Legislature is allowing the voters to decide while protecting fairness, inclusion, and safety for all Washington students.

Staying in Touch

During election years, certain restrictions apply to legislative communications, including a pause on newsletters and social media content. However, my office remains available year-round to assist you. If you have questions about legislative issues or need help with a state agency, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Thank you for your continued support and for the opportunity to serve the 40th Legislative District.