WA lawmakers will gather in Olympia to gear up for 2026 session

Washington lawmakers will convene in Olympia next week to tackle a projected $16 billion budget shortfall during three days of work sessions. The meetings will cover significant topics such as data centers and vaccine safety, setting the groundwork for the 2026 legislative session that begins January 12. Key discussions will occur on Thursday regarding a new business tax anticipated to generate $1. 1 billion, with lawmakers seeking to refine its implementation. The Senate Ways and Means Committee is expected to address future tax collections and rising lawsuit payouts, emphasizing the financial challenges ahead.

Transportation issues will also be highlighted, including bridge repairs from truck collisions and updates on the multi-billion-dollar electrification program for Washington State Ferries. The Joint Committee on Energy Supply will focus on data centers, which are consuming increasing amounts of electricity as AI technology grows. These sessions will provide a crucial platform for shaping legislative priorities and responses to pressing fiscal challenges. The full schedule and documents will be available on the Legislature’s website.