Dear Friends and Neighbors, 

Happy New Year! As the 2026 legislative session begins, I’m honored to continue serving you in the 60-day session where we’ll focus on improving state government performance, protecting taxpayers, and strengthening public safety and fairness across our communities. 

This year, my agenda centers on one simple but important goal: I want the state to run better. That means ensuring your tax dollars are spent wisely, government services are efficient and accountable, and our laws support both safety and justice. 

Below is a brief overview of the key bills I’m sponsoring this session and how they fit into these priorities. 

💼 Accountability & Protecting Public Dollars 

• HB 2585 – False Claims & Fraud Prevention — Enhancing whistleblower tools:  

I’m advancing legislation to strengthen our ability to root out fraud against the state. This reform updates our False Claims framework, ensuring people with credible information can come forward and be fairly compensated when they help protect taxpayer funds from fraud.  

⚖️ Fairness in Liability & Insurance 

• HB 2399 — Insurance Benefits Protections: This bill prevents homeowners from unknowingly signing away insurance benefits when working with contractors. It safeguards individuals from losing coverage they’ve already paid for, strengthening consumer protections around property insurance contracts.  

• HB 2393 – Limiting Liability Based on Fault in Custody Deaths: We’re modernizing how liability is determined when someone dies in county or state custody. Instead of strict liability, where payouts happen regardless of fault, liability would be tied to negligence, aligning legal standards with fairness while protecting taxpayers and controlling insurance costs. 

👮‍♂️ Public Safety & Law Enforcement Standards 

• HB 2541 – Use of Force Standards: Current law applies different force standards depending on whether force is deemed “deadly” or “non-deadly,” but the standard isn’t clear until after an incident. We’re working to establish one consistent standard upfront, train officers accordingly, and ensure accountability.  

🔁 Second Chances & Criminal Justice Reform 

• Second Chance Review Policy: This reform would create an assured opportunity for people who’ve served long sentences (~15+ years) to appear before the Independent Sentence Review Board (ISRB) (except for the most serious offenses) to review rehabilitation and consider release. This is both morally responsible and fiscally sound, given the high cost of incarceration and the likelihood of reform.  

• HB 1536 — Juvenile Gun Possession Offenses: Addressing unlawful firearm possession by juveniles, this bipartisan bill seeks to update penalties and responses to youth gun offenses, boosting public safety and accountability.  

• HB 1317 — Juvenile Points Bill (Retroactive): Building on my previous juvenile justice work, this bill would remove juvenile court convictions from counting against someone in adult court, recognizing brain development science and due process principles.  

📉 Consumer Finance & Economic Protection 

• HB 1269 — Pawnbroker Fees & Interest: The statutory limits on pawnbroker loans haven’t been updated in years. This bill reforms fees and interest rates so that pawnbrokers can offer fairer, more flexible options — helping low-income folks access emergency funds without harmful penalties, while still supporting these important small businesses.  

👥 Continued Work in the Public Safety Caucus 

Alongside my colleagues in the Public Safety Caucus, I’m also focused on confronting crime, supporting law enforcement with better training and resources, and backing policies that help victims and neighborhoods feel secure. 

Your voice matters! Whether it’s submitting testimony, attending town halls, or reaching out to my office, your engagement strengthens our democracy and shapes better policy.  

• Testify on bills
• Track legislation
• Follow me on Facebook  

One of the most meaningful ways young people can engage with our democracy is through the Washington State Legislative Page Program. Pages spend a week in Olympia assisting on the House or Senate floor, learning firsthand how laws are made, and meeting legislators from across the state.  

Students ages 14–16 are eligible to apply, and I strongly encourage families in the 40th Legislative District to consider this opportunity. Serving as a page is an unforgettable experience — and for many students, it’s the first step toward a lifetime of civic engagement.  

If you have questions or would like help with the application process, please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office.   

Thank you for trusting me to represent you. Let’s make 2026 a year of better government, safer communities, and stronger public trust. 

Warmly,

Rep. David Hackney