WEEK 4: Making the Cutoffs & Building Momentum
With the following deadlines looming, the week at the Capitol saw a flurry of hearings, executive sessions, and floor preparation, alongside strong advocacy from FAN and coalition partners.
- February 4 – Policy Committee Cutoff:
Bills had to pass out of their assigned policy committees (like Housing, Labor, or Public Safety) to remain alive. Bills that did not advance by this date are generally considered “dead” for the session unless they are deemed necessary to implement the budget.
- February 9 – Fiscal Committee Cutoff:
Bills with a fiscal impact needed to clear committees such as Appropriations, Finance, or Ways & Means. This cutoff narrows the field further, focusing attention on bills that can realistically move forward given budget constraints.
- February 17 – House of Origin Cutoff:
The next big milestone ahead. By this date, bills must pass off the floor of the chamber where they originated (House or Senate) to continue in the opposite chamber.
Big News: Millionaires Tax Introduced
SB 6346 – Millionaires Tax
One of the most significant developments this week was the introduction of SB 6346, the Millionaires Tax. The bill received a long and well-attended hearing in Senate Ways & Means on Friday.
Kristin Ang of FAN signed up to testify in support, as did Rev. Bob Feeney of Westminster Congregational United Church of Christ in Spokane, although both ultimately didn't get the chance. Testimony emphasized that Washington’s deeply regressive tax system requires bold, moral action—and that asking the wealthiest households to contribute more is essential to prevent devastating cuts to housing, healthcare, education, and social services.
While the Governor has expressed ambivalence, the introduction of SB 6346 marks a critical step in the fight for progressive revenue and a budget that reflects our shared values of equity and care for the most vulnerable.
Housing & Homelessness: Key Bills Advancing
SB 6069 – Preventing Local Barriers to Supportive Housing
SB 6069 passed out of the Senate Housing Committee by the 2/4 policy cutoff. This bill prevents local governments from denying or delaying permanent supportive housing, transitional housing, or emergency shelter projects through zoning barriers—an essential step toward expanding housing options statewide.
HB 2266 – Companion to SB 6069
HB 2266 has also cleared its policy committee and is now scheduled for a House Appropriations hearing on February 9, keeping the bill on track through the fiscal cutoff.
HB 2489 – Shelters, Not Penalties Act
HB 2489 passed out of the House Housing Committee on February 2 and has been referred to Rules. This bill establishes a clear statewide standard prohibiting the criminalization of homelessness when adequate shelter is not available, shifting the focus from punishment to services and solutions.
HB 1859 – Affordable Housing on Faith Property
HB 1859 passed out of the House Finance Committee and is now ready for consideration on the House floor. The bill expands affordable housing opportunities by allowing increased density bonuses and sales tax exemptions for housing developments on property owned or controlled by religious organizations.
Law Enforcement Accountability
SB 5974 – Standards for Law Enforcement Leaders
SB 5974 strengthens and standardizes eligibility and accountability requirements for sheriffs, police chiefs, and other law enforcement leaders statewide.
FAN testified in support, underscoring that true public safety depends on consistent standards, transparency, and accountability at the highest levels of law enforcement leadership. Passing this bill is an important step toward rebuilding trust, preventing misconduct, and ensuring leaders entrusted with power meet clear ethical and professional expectations.
Immigrant and Environmental Justice
HB 2105 – Immigrant Worker Protection Act
HB 2105 received a fiscal hearing this week. The bill strengthens protections for immigrant workers by requiring employer transparency and limiting voluntary cooperation with federal immigration enforcement without a warrant. It is scheduled for an executive session in House Appropriations on February 7, 9:00 am.
SB 5906 – Protecting Sensitive Locations
SB 5906 also advanced through fiscal consideration. It bars immigration enforcement from entering nonpublic areas of schools, healthcare facilities, and other sensitive locations without a warrant or court order, protecting community trust and access to services.
HB 2515 – Data Centers & Environmental Accountability
HB 2515 is scheduled for a House Appropriations hearing on Saturday, February 7, addressing affordability, transparency, and environmental impacts of data centers.
HB 1903 – Statewide Energy Assistance Program This bill passed the House Committee on Environment & Energy and was referred to Appropriations. HB 1903 establishes a statewide energy assistance program to help low-income households afford essential utility services and reduce energy insecurity across Washington. More than 270,000 low-income households in Washington are considered energy burdened, spending over 6% of their income on residential energy bills. (Environmental Priorities Coalition)
Civil Liberties & Accountability Wins
SB 6002 – Regulating Automatic License Plate Reader (ALPR) Data
SB 6002 passed the Senate 40–9, with strong bipartisan support. The bill regulates how public agencies use ALPR data to better protect civil liberties and immigrant communities. This victory builds on earlier bipartisan success, including the bill banning law enforcement masking. | 
