We advocate for positive changes that improve Washington State’s response to domestic violence and sexual assault and increase survivors’ options for safety and independence. We do this through tracking bills, lobbying in Olympia, and informing and mobilizing our membership to take action on important policy and budget issues.
There are lots of ways to get involved and make a difference for survivors in your community!
2026 Legislative Session
The 2026 Washington State legislative session ran from January 12 to March 12, 2026.
Our top priority this session was securing stable funding for crime victim services. Victim service providers across Washington faced a deepening funding crisis driven by steep declines in federal support. Many programs were at risk of closing or significantly reducing services, creating serious barriers for survivors seeking safety and support.
The legislature ultimately allocated $21.3 million to maintain victim services, meeting our full funding request for the year. We are grateful to lawmakers for taking action to stabilize victim services. While this investment keeps programs operating, it does not establish a long-term, sustainable funding solution.
In addition to funding, we tracked and engaged on legislation affecting survivor safety and healing, including housing stability, access to healthcare, immigration protections, privacy, and system accountability.
To learn more, download the 2026 Legislative Session Report or review a summary of key bills from the 2026 session below. For questions about the Coalition’s 2026 legislative advocacy, please contact Roshelle.
2026 Priority Bills
Did Not Pass
SB 6017 / HB 2493 – Crime Victims & Witnesses
Would have expanded the definition of sexual violence, restricted direct questioning of victims by pro se defendants, and allowed minors (13+) to consent to certain forensic exams.
SB 6070 – Missing Persons Alerts
Would have expanded the definition of endangered missing persons and created new alert systems.
HB 1591 – Survivor Justice Act
Would have allowed courts to consider abuse history in sentencing and created pathways for resentencing and vacating convictions for survivor-defendants.
Passed
SB 5852 / HB 2105 – Immigrant Worker Protections
Required employer notification of federal immigration audits and limited voluntary sharing of worker records without a warrant.
SB 6346 – Millionaire’s Tax
Established a tax on high-income earners to support public services and improve tax equity.
HB 2173 / SB 5855 – Law Enforcement Masking
Prohibited most use of face coverings by law enforcement during public interactions to increase accountability.
SB 6027 / HB 2359 – Affordable Housing Funding
Expanded allowable uses of housing-related funds and updated eligibility requirements to support housing stability.
HB 2182 / SB 5917 – Abortion Medication Access
Allowed (but did not require) the Department of Corrections to seek reimbursement for abortion medications and clarified definitions.
HB 2320 – Firearm Manufacturing Restrictions
Restricted the production and distribution of untraceable firearms and digital manufacturing code.
Looking Ahead
While the 2026 session resulted in critical investments and several policy wins, most legislation introduced did not pass — a common outcome in a short session. Eight of the Coalition’s priority bills were signed into law.
The funding secured this year keeps programs operating, but survivors and advocates cannot rely on temporary solutions. Stabilizing and sustaining crime victim services funding remains a top priority moving forward.