Washington State Legislature Passes 267 Bills Including Controversial 9.9% Millionaires Tax in 2026 Session

Washington State's 2026 legislative session wrapped up on March 12 after a dramatic 60-day sprint, passing 267 bills including a controversial 9.9 percent millionaires tax on income over $1 million, now awaiting Governor Bob Fergusons signature amid expected legal challenges, according to the Seattle Chamber of Commerce. This followed a record-breaking 24-hour House debate on SB 6346, highlighting deep partisan divides as eight Democrats joined Republicans in opposition. Lawmakers also finalized supplemental budgets: the operating budget at $80.2 billion near general fund, up for rising costs in Medicaid and child care; transportation at $16.6 billion with $1.5 billion for infrastructure preservation; and capital investments over $71 million for schools and flood response, as reported by KHQ and the Washington State House Democrats. Economically, gas prices surged past $5 a gallon, second-highest nationally, blamed on global tensions and the Climate Commitment Act per MyNorthwest, while Sound Transit grapples with a $35 billion gap. Housing advanced with SB 6026 easing residential builds in commercial zones, praised by business leaders like those at Greater Spokane Inc. for tackling shortages. Public defense woes persist after rejecting income tax funding for it, with counties warning of crises via Axios. Communities saw arrests in high-profile cases, including Rainier Beach teen killings by KUOW and rising ICE activity per UW data. Education faced $90 million K-12 cuts, though WSU gained facility funds. An atmospheric river brought high avalanche risks and Whatcom County flood threats, noted by the Bellingham Herald. Looking Ahead, watch for Ferguson signing key bills like the millionaires tax and housing reforms, I-5 bridge cost debates hitting $14.4 billion with Oregon, and legal battles over taxes. State parks fee hikes start next month. Thank you for tuning in, listeners—please subscribe for more. This has been a Quiet Please production, for more check out quietplease.ai. Some great Deals https://amzn.to/49SJ3Qs For more check out http://www.quietplease.ai This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.