The 2026 session of the 69^th Washington State Legislature adjourned sine die March 12 at 8:25 p.m.

A quick review indicates NFIB tracked 253 bills of interest to Washington small-business owners. We supported 84 (33%), opposed or raised concerns with 108 (43%), and monitored or were able to move to neutral on the other 61 (24%). Of the bills we opposed, only 12 survived. That’s a nearly 90% kill rate this year.

Of the bills we supported, 12 were sent to the governor’s desk for signature. That includes HB 2479, establishing a Wage Recovery Fund, which is scheduled to be signed into law by Gov. Bob Ferguson March 14.

NFIB co-chaired the Wage Recovery Work Group that developed the unanimous recommendations leading to HB 2479.

Week 8 in Review

— HB 2105, Immigrant Worker Protection Act
The House concurred with Senate amendments to the bill on March 11. The bill was delivered to the governor for signature the next day. NFIB remains opposed to the bill despite some modest improvements made by the Senate. We will ask the governor for a veto.

— HB 2156, Attorney General investigator powers
On March 11 the House also concurred with Senate amendments to this bill granting the Attorney General’s Office (AGO) authority for its investigators to electronically serve search warrants on businesses when investigating allegations of “economic and financial crimes.” It too was sent to the governor for signature on March 12. NFIB remains opposed.

— SB 5925, Expanding AGO powers
On March 9, the Senate concurred with House amendments to this third bill expanding AGO authority, this time allowing the agency to issue civil investigative demands for business owners to provide documents, compel oral testimony, and respond to written interrogatories as part of an AGO investigation—without any charges being filed. The bill also includes a gag order prohibiting targeted business owners from discussing the case with anyone other than their attorney. It too was delivered to the governor on March 12. NFIB remains opposed to this bill as well.

— SB 5847, Workers’ compensation medical provider network changes
NFIB continues to oppose this bill that effectively makes the Department of Labor & Industries’ occupational health treatment guidelines optional, is expected to increase injured workers’ time away from the job, and add about $35 million annually to the cost of the state-run workers’ compensation system. The Senate concurred with House amendments on March 10 and delivered the bill to the governor on March 12. NFIB opposes the bill.

— SB 5981, 340B prescription drug program
March 12 was a big day for bills to reach the governor’s office. This bill, superceding contracts between hospitals and pharmaceutical manufacturers, will allow certain hospitals to expand their network of contract pharmacies without limitation. This program has seen explosive growth—nearly $20 billion nationally just last year—which is driving health insurance costs up in the commercial market. The bill is expected to increase costs to Washington employers from $218 million today to $262 million. The Senate concurred with House amendments on March 9. NFIB opposes the bill.

— SB 6346, the Millionaire Tax
The Senate agreed to House amendments on March 12 and sent the bill to the governor. NFIB is asking members to contact the governor’s office—by phone and email—to oppose the bill. Take action here. Our radio and digital ads will continue running through March 20.

With session over, we will be turning our attention to developing our 2025-26 legislative Voting Record and planning for the 2026 legislative elections and a likely initiative campaign to repeal the Millionaire Tax.

The governor has until April 4 to sign or veto bills.

Previous Legislative Reports

— February 27—Millionaire Tax Advances

— February 20—Millionaire Tax Proposal Begins House Journey

— February 15—NFIB Negotiated Wage Bill Wins Unanimous House Approval

— February 8—NFIB Has Busy Week Testifying on Major Legislation

— February 1—Bills Increasing Workers’ Comp. Costs Advance

— January 25—No Small Business Relief in Millionaire Tax Bill

— January 19—Washington Legislature Opens 2026 Session