Not for Nothing: A recap of the 2026 legislative session

Washington’s 2026 legislative session ended with only 265 bills passing out of 1,628 introduced—the fewest in a short session since 2000. Key environmental priorities like the Bottle Bill (SB 5502/HB 1607) didn’t make it, but lawmakers did pass the millionaire’s tax (HB 2724/SB 6346), which places a 9.9% tax on incomes over $1 million and is expected to generate $3 billion annually starting in 2029. Other bills passed include measures addressing derelict boats, community weatherization, and coal plant regulations.