Dear friends and neighbors,
With the 2026 legislative session behind us, I want to take a moment to reflect on where we’ve been, and more importantly, where we’re headed next.
This was a challenging session. We faced real budget constraints, growing affordability pressures, and continued uncertainty at the federal level. Even in that environment, we worked to protect core services, stand up for Washingtonians, and make progress where we could.
Now, as we move into the interim, our work continues.
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Join Us: Upcoming Town Hall
I’d love to hear directly from you.
I’ll be joined by Rep. Parshley and Sen. Bateman for a community town hall next week:
📍 Olympia Center
🗓 April 29
⏰ 6:30 PM – 8 PM
We’ll be sharing updates from the session, discussing what’s ahead, and answering your questions. These conversations are one of the most important parts of this job, and I hope you’ll join us.
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Continuing the Work: Data Centers & Energy Demand
One of my top priorities this year was addressing the rapid expansion of large energy users like data centers. While HB 2515 did not make it across the finish line this session, the issue is not going away, and neither am I.
The way we talk about “the cloud” can make it feel invisible, but the reality is very different. Data centers are some of the most resource-intensive industrial facilities being built today. They require enormous amounts of electricity and water, and their growth is accelerating quickly across Washington. They also provide family wage jobs, particularly in the building phase and can be a driver of revitalization in rural areas.
Without clear standards, the costs of that growth risk falling on everyday ratepayers—families already struggling with affordability, small businesses, and local communities. At the same time, our grid must remain reliable for everyone, especially during extreme weather events or emergencies.
This legislation was grounded in a simple principle: growth should reflect our values. That means:
- Affordability – ensuring large users pay the full cost of the infrastructure they require
- Reliability – protecting the stability of our electric grid
- Transparency – giving communities clear information before projects move forward
- Climate integrity – ensuring new demand aligns with our clean energy goals
I will continue working with colleagues, utilities, and communities over the interim to refine this policy and move it forward next session.
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Continuing the Work: Safe Firearm Storage
Another proposal that I will continue to work on this interim is HB 1152, an evidence-based measure to establish clear, enforceable standards for the secure storage of firearms in homes and vehicles. We know that secure storage works. Research consistently shows it reduces youth suicide, accidental shootings, and school gun violence. Just as importantly, clear standards help shift behavior and establish stronger norms around responsible gun ownership.
This legislation is grounded in a simple goal: preventing the most common and preventable forms of gun-related harm in Washington.
During committee hearings, we heard powerful testimony from survivors, medical professionals, and community leaders underscoring what is at stake. Parents shared stories of children lost to preventable incidents. Physicians described treating injuries that should never have happened. Public health experts emphasized that while tools like gun locks are widely distributed, gaps in storage practices and outdated laws continue to put lives at risk.
While HB 1152 did not advance this session, the case for action is clear. Preventing these tragedies is achievable. I remain committed to moving this policy forward and working with colleagues and community partners to ensure more Washington families are spared from preventable loss.
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Protecting Consumers: Fraud & Financial Safety
Another area where more work is needed is protecting Washingtonians from increasingly sophisticated fraud.
Across the country, bad actors are targeting people through property title fraud and unregulated financial tools like cryptocurrency kiosks. These scams often disproportionately impact older adults and vulnerable communities.
Proposals introduced this session would:
- Allow counties to create property title protection programs, helping prevent fraudulent transfers of home ownership
- Establish common-sense guardrails for virtual currency kiosks, including transaction limits, fee caps, and clearer disclosures
- And my bill HB 1900, inspired by a constituent who was a victim of fraud, would require additional safeguards on accounts like trusted third party contacts and red flags when there is concerning transactions being requested.
If you have been a victim of financial fraud and are interested in being engaged in the bill development in the interim, please reach out to my legislative assistant at Kevin.Snow@leg.wa.gov.
While these bills did not pass this year, they reflect a growing need to modernize consumer protections in a rapidly changing financial landscape. I’m committed to continuing this work so people can feel confident their homes, savings, and financial futures are secure.
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A note on communication during the election period
Because we’re in an election year, there are restrictions under the state’s Ethics in Public Service Act (EYA) that limit how legislators can communicate using official channels.
Because of these restrictions, my office will not be sending updates through official legislative communications until after the election is certified.
That said, I remain fully committed to serving you. You are always welcome to reach out to me directly with your questions, concerns, ideas, and advocacy. Hearing from you is essential to this work, and I look forward to continuing the conversation.
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Looking Ahead
The interim is not a pause, it’s a critical time to dig deeper into the issues that didn’t fully resolve during session, collaborate with stakeholders, and prepare strong legislation for the year ahead.
Whether it’s energy affordability, consumer protection, or building a more resilient and equitable economy, my focus remains on ensuring that Washington continues to be a place where innovation and community wellbeing go hand in hand.
Thank you, as always, for your engagement, your advocacy, and the many conversations that help guide this work. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with your thoughts, questions, or concerns. Hope to see you around this summer!
Best,
Beth