||| FROM THE OFFICE OF REP. DEBRA LEKANOFF |||
As we move deeper into the 2026 legislative session, I want to take time to share what I am working on, what I am listening to, and why this moment matters so deeply for our district and for Washington State.
This is a challenging year: budget pressures are real, uncertainty is high, and many Washingtonians are feeling the strain. But it is also a year that calls us back to our shared values: dignity, fairness, partnership, and the belief that when we invest in people and communities, we all thrive.
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House Democratic Caucus Priorities: Immigration & Protecting Washingtonians
Standing Up to Fear & Division
This session, our caucus is confronting a deeply disturbing rise in hostility toward people based on race, ability, economic status, and heritage. The Members of Color Caucus has spoken out forcefully against rhetoric and actions that dehumanize our neighbors and seek to divide us for political gain.
Across our state and country, federal immigration enforcement tactics are becoming more dangerous, aggressive, and illegal. Whether someone is undocumented, documented, or a U.S. citizen, no one should live in fear of being seized without clarity, safety, due process, or basic dignity. These actions are tearing families apart and spreading fear into schools, workplaces, and neighborhoods.
As a Native American Woman, I know how fear and bias can shape daily life. I am deeply concerned about the chilling effect this climate is having – particularly on communities of color, people with disabilities, and families already facing economic hardship.
Washington must be a place where the rule of law coexists with humanity, where public safety does not come at the cost of civil rights, and where no one is treated as disposable. I refuse to let fear dictate policy. Our strength comes from unity, diversity, opportunity, and respect for every Washingtonian — the exact qualities they’re trying to remove.
This session, I will continue fighting for laws that uphold dignity, protect civil liberties, and make clear that everyone deserves to feel safe in their own community.
2026 Legislation I Am Supporting
Washington has long been a leader in standing up for immigrant families, workers, and communities. At a time when fear and federal action continue to harm our neighbors, it is more important than ever that we reaffirm our commitment to safety, dignity, and opportunity for all who call Washington home.
This work is deeply personal and profoundly practical. Immigrants are our farmworkers, caregivers, students, business owners, and essential workers. When they are protected, our entire state is stronger. Here are some of the bills we’re working on:
- HB 2105 – Immigrant Worker Protection Act Strengthens protections for immigrant workers against retaliation and coercion.
- HB 2165 – Impersonation of Law Enforcement Makes impersonating a peace officer a misdemeanor to protect public trust and safety.
- HB 2173 – Law Enforcement Face Coverings Prohibits the use of face coverings by law enforcement officers to promote transparency and accountability.
- HB 2409 – Collective Bargaining for Farmworkers Expands collective bargaining rights for farmworkers—essential workers who have long been excluded from basic labor protections.
- HB 2464 – Private Detention Facility Oversight Strengthens reporting requirements and law enforcement responses to incidents at private detention facilities.
- HB 2332 / SB 6002 – License Plate Reader (“Flock”) Camera Regulation Prevents local surveillance tools from being used for immigration enforcement.
These bills reflect a simple principle: no one should live in fear simply because of where they were born or how they speak.
Washington remains a welcoming state for immigrants and refugees. The Office of Refugee and Immigrant Assistance (ORIA) at DSHS provides vital services, including:
Need help? Use ORIA’s resource tool to find services or visit a DSHS Community Service Office by searching your zip code, city, or county here.
A Longstanding Commitment: My Record on Immigrant Justice
This work did not begin this year. Over nearly two decades, Washington has steadily expanded protections and opportunity for immigrant families. I am proud to have supported legislation including:
Housing Stability for All
This week, the House Housing Committee held hearings on two important bills addressing housing stability and community needs: HB 2266 (Rep. Peterson) and HB 2489 (Rep. Gregerson).
These hearings included testimony from a range of stakeholders across Washington, including local elected officials, underscoring how deeply housing policy impacts communities throughout our state. I always value hearing directly from people working on the ground—whether at the local or state level—who are grappling with the real-world consequences of our housing shortage.
As these bills continue through the legislative process, I’ll be closely engaged in reviewing testimony, refining policy, and ensuring that the voices and experiences of communities like ours in Whatcom County are reflected in the final outcomes.
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My 2026 Legislative Agenda
My legislative work this session centers on tribal sovereignty, environmental stewardship, public health, and accountable governance. Below are several of the bills I am proud to sponsor or lead:
Protecting Salmon, Waters, and the Environment
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HB 2598 – Creating the Salmon Advisory Commission
Improves statewide coordination for anadromous fish recovery and long-term salmon stewardship. -
HB 2436 – Oil Tanker Tug Escort Safety Standards
Strengthens safety requirements for tugs escorting oil tankers in Washington waters. -
HB 1652 (2025 carryover) – Low Sulfur Fuel Standards for Ocean-Going Vessels
Reduces pollution and protects air quality in our coastal and maritime communities.
Testimony on my low sulfur fuel standards bill!
Health, Human Services & Public Accountability
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HB 2555 – Medicaid Coverage for Traditional Health Care Practices
Expands culturally appropriate care and supports holistic health approaches. -
HB 2437 – Accreditation Fees for Opioid Treatment Programs
Supports access to treatment while ensuring strong oversight and sustainability. -
HB 2468 – Updating DSHS Terminology in State Law
Aligns statute with agency reorganization to improve clarity and service delivery. -
HB 2520 – Emergency Meetings of Public Agencies
Clarifies rules governing emergency meetings to strengthen transparency and governance.
Each of these bills reflects the same guiding belief: that good governance means honoring sovereignty, protecting public resources, and centering people and communities in our decision-making.
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Budget Prep: Fairness, Responsibility, and One Washington
Washington has one of the most regressive tax codes in the nation. What does that mean? It means our lowest-income families pay a much larger share of their income in taxes than the wealthiest Washingtonians.
We are one of the wealthiest states in one of the wealthiest countries in the world. We have more than enough resources to fund strong schools, healthcare, infrastructure, and public safety—but too often, those costs fall on the backs of the least-advantaged.
Each year, we work to move the dial toward a more progressive system. Some argue that asking the wealthiest to contribute more will drive people away. The evidence shows the opposite: people and businesses are drawn to places with good schools, clean air, safe communities, and strong public services.
The House Finance Committee will soon consider progressive revenue proposals. I am listening, learning, and committed to making thoughtful, values-driven decisions—and I will keep you updated as proposals come forward.
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Honoring Tribal Partnership
As we navigate a difficult budget year, I want to be clear: the partnership between the State of Washington and our 29 federally recognized tribes is not symbolic—it is foundational.
Tribes are co-managers of our natural resources, major employers, first responders, healthcare providers, and economic engines in rural and urban communities alike.
The Impact of Tribal Governments in Washington
According to a recent economic analysis by the Washington Indian Gaming Association and the Taylor Policy Group:
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Tribes generated $7.4 billion in economic activity in 2023
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Supported 52,000+ jobs statewide
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Paid $1.9 billion in wages and benefits
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Contributed $1.5 billion in state and local taxes
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Reinvest 100% of revenues back into Washington communities
Tribal enterprises are rooted here, investing in schools, healthcare, housing, environmental restoration, and public safety.
Pictured with Tribal Chairs and Councilmembers at the State of the State speech.
Tribal Policy Priorities This Session
I am proud to sponsor and support legislation that strengthens sovereignty, treaty rights, and true government-to-government partnership, including:
HB 2435 – Creating the Legislative Office of Indian Affairs
Establishes a dedicated office within the Legislature to strengthen coordination, consultation, and accountability in state–tribal relations.
HB 2554 – Recognizing Judicially Affirmed and Treaty-Reserved Fishing Rights
Repeals outdated statute language that conflicts with treaty fishing rights upheld by the courts.
HB 2578 – Tribal Representation on the Fish & Wildlife Commission
Adds four tribal seats to the WDFW Commission, ensuring tribes have a formal role in decisions affecting treaty-reserved resources.
HB 1982 – Vacating Convictions Involving the Exercise of Treaty Rights
Allows individuals to vacate convictions related to lawful treaty fishing practices.
These policies honor the past, present, and future of our lands, waters, and communities.
Protecting Life, Strengthening Systems, Honoring Generations
This session, I am continuing to advance work to address the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People (MMIWP) and strengthen partnership with Tribal Nations.
I will be requesting a $250,000 proviso for the MMIWP program and moving forward with a no-cost extension for the Attorney General’s Office as it develops an Office of Indian Affairs. This office will bring together existing efforts—including the MMIWP cold case unit and work addressing the impacts of boarding schools—while strengthening meaningful, consistent tribal consultation.
I also want to lift up inspiring news: a new Native American woman police officer from Everett has been hired to join the MMIWP cold case unit. Her leadership is a powerful reminder of why this work matters.
Saving one life means saving generations to come. Thank you for helping share this work with care, respect, and hope
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Investing in the Next Generation: WWU Student Employees
Western Washington University is in the heart of our district, and I consider our students family.
Student employees are the foundation that keeps our universities running—supporting classrooms, research, housing, dining, and student services. In a tough budget environment, protecting these workers is both an educational and economic investment.
That’s why I’m proud to support House Bill 1570, sponsored by Rep. Joe Timmons, which would extend collective bargaining rights to student employees enrolled in academic programs at our public universities, including Western Washington University. This bill affirms that all student employees have the right to fair representation and the ability to negotiate on issues like compensation and workplace conditions.
I’m honored to advance this effort alongside Rep. Timmons to help ensure collective bargaining and fair compensation for WWU student employees. Many of these students stay in Whatcom, Skagit, and across the Northwest, becoming the workforce that sustains our communities.
Pictured with Rep. Joe Timmons, WWU President Sabah Randhawa, and Julio Cortes!
How you can help:
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Share your support with legislators
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Engage through local and campus media
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Stay involved and informed—your voices matter
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I believe deeply in transparent, engaged representation. Please continue to reach out, ask questions, and share your perspective. Thank you for the honor of serving you. Together, we will continue building a Washington where everyone belongs, everyone contributes, and everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
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