The 2026 Legislative Session is getting started! This is a 60-day session is also known as a short session.  Typically, a 60-day session is used to correct any issues that come up from choices made during the last session.  

Right now, the list of policy bills is short. You can track the bills on The Arc of Washington’s Bill Tracker and hearings on their Hearings page. This year, there is a general expectation that bills will not have a fiscal impact or cost money.  Between Washington State not having enough money collected to fully fund existing services, and the impacts of HR1, which was passed federally last summer, the budget conversation this Session is going to be critical to maintaining programs and supports for people with IDD.

We are just at the beginning of the process and discussions about bills and the State budget are just getting started. The Governor’s supplemental budget came out just before Christmas. Next, the Senate and House budgets will be released. By the end of the session, they all must come to an agreement about how the State should move forward.

Things you can do:

• Talk with your legislators: You have a very important role. Let legislators know what programs and services are essential for your life.  Your personal story puts you in a powerful position to let them know the impact that their choices make. Check out the Telling Your Story template for a step-by-step guide to help you share what is important to you with policy makers.

• Submit your testimony to legislators: Both the Senate, Ways and Means committee, and the House, Appropriations committee, have hearings about the bills and budgets they create.  

• You can testify online or in person, visit the Committee sign-in page.  

• You can submit written testimony - The option to submit written testimony can save you time since you won’t have to wait your turn to testify on a long Zoom meeting.

• You can submit comments - this is a way you can get your comments directly to your legislators.  

I am looking forward to working together this Session!

With Much Respect,

Emily Rogers, Director of Public Policy

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