Dear friends,
The 2026 Washington State Legislative Session begins January 12 and runs through March 12—just 60 days that will shape education, justice, and opportunity across our state for years to come.
Whether you follow Olympia closely or are brand new to the legislative process, we’re glad you’re here.
What is the short session?
In even-numbered years, Washington lawmakers meet for a short session. This is a fast-paced period focused primarily on:
- Passing a supplemental budget
- Advancing or refining policy proposals
- Responding to urgent needs facing our state
Decisions move quickly, which makes informed advocacy and timely engagement especially important.
Our 2026 legislative priorities
During the session, we’ll be advocating for policies that reflect our values and evidence-based solutions, including:
- Protecting the Ninth Grade Success Initiative, which boosts the number of students statewide who stay on track to graduate ($1.5 million for FY 2027)
- Creating a more individualized approach to youth justice, helping young people stay accountable in their communities when safe and appropriate
- Allowing individuals serving very long prison sentences, who have demonstrated rehabilitation, to request a meaningful second look at their sentence
- Ensuring distraction-free schools that prioritize student learning and student wellbeing
Stay informed
We’ll be sharing weekly updates throughout the session with plain-language explanations of what’s happening in Olympia, what it means for education and justice reform, and how you can take action when it matters most.
If you’ve ever wondered how a bill becomes law, why certain issues move faster than others, or where your voice fits in—we’ve got you covered.
Get involved: Join us for Advocacy Days
One of the most powerful ways to support this work is to show up. Join us and our partners in Olympia for an Advocacy Day focused on issues that matter to you:
- January 15 – Cell Phone–Free Schools Day of Action (organized by Distraction Free Schools WA)
- February 4 – Ninth Grade Success Olympia Day
- February 11 – Day of Empathy (organized by dream.org)
No prior experience needed—just a willingness to learn and speak up.
Thank you for being part of this community and for standing with us during the 2026 Legislative Session. We look forward to learning, advocating, and making progress together.
