Washington's 2026 Legislative Session Ends With Millionaires Tax, Record Budget Spending, and Housing Reform Bills

Washington states 2026 legislative session wrapped up on March 12 after intense debates and budget wrangling, passing 267 bills now awaiting Governor Bob Fergusons signature. Top headlines include the controversial millionaires tax in SB 6346, a 9.9 percent levy on income over one million dollars after deductions, which sparked a record 24-hour House debate and passed narrowly at 51-46 despite opposition from eight Democrats; Seattle Chamber of Commerce reports it faces certain legal challenges over state constitutionality. Lawmakers also approved massive supplemental budgets: 80.2 billion dollars for operating expenses, 889.7 million for capital projects, and 16.6 billion for transportation, boosting infrastructure preservation with 1.5 billion in new investments including ferry upgrades and flood recovery, per the Seattle Chamber. In housing and business, reforms like SB 6026 allow residential development in commercial zones of larger cities to ease shortages, while HB 2304 streamlines condo warranties; MBKS notes these aim to spur construction. Employment saw workforce investments of 14.5 million dollars via Commerce Department grants for career pathways, and a pending full ban on non-compete agreements effective 2027. The Commerce Department highlights community reinvestment aiding small businesses amid rising costs, with Washington ranking fifth most expensive state per a recent report and fifth most innovative per The Olympian. Community efforts advanced with middle housing expansions and building code updates for safer designs. Public safety gained from cleared DUI backlogs via new laws, as House Republicans note. No major recent weather events reported. Looking Ahead: Implementation of tax and housing laws looms with court battles likely, plus 2027-29 budget talks factoring in new revenues. 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.