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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
As we reach the halfway point of the 2026 legislative session, the pace in Olympia has picked up significantly. Key policy cutoff deadlines are now behind us, which means the bills still moving forward are about to take the next important step in becoming law. We will spend the next week debating and voting on dozens of bills in both chambers.
I’ve been working on a wide range of issues that directly affect our communities, families, and local businesses. Among the proposals moving forward, which could become the most impactful legislation in Washington in years, is the Democrat majority’s state income tax bill (Senate Bill 6346), which they have quickly advanced.
Despite years of voter opposition, including more than 61,000 people signing in to oppose the bill in committee this year, the Democrat majority continues to push for this legislation. A state income tax on millionaires today will apply to everyone in the future. Once established, it will be easy to expand the tax, and Democrat Party leaders have already admitted that this is their real goal.
As these discussions unfold, Republicans remain committed to listening to your concerns and advocating for policies that protect affordability, encourage economic opportunity, and reflect the values of our district.
Pro-Business Legislation Moving Forward
I’m pleased to share that the House Consumer Protection & Business Committee approved my bill to modernize Washington’s alcohol warehousing laws and better reflect today’s business practices.
House Bill 2207 would allow licensed warehouses to store and handle beer under the same framework already used for wine and spirits. This update is designed to provide greater clarity, flexibility, and efficiency for Washington breweries, especially small and mid-sized producers that rely on off-site storage and distribution.
Many breweries have outgrown their production space, and this policy gives them clearer, workable options while remaining fully compliant with state law. By aligning beer warehousing rules with existing standards for other alcohol categories, the bill supports industry growth without reducing oversight or consumer protections.
Democrat Majority Party Says No to Important Public Safety and Education Legislation
I introduced several other bills that would have had a positive impact on our state, but the Democrat majority party ultimately chose not to advance them.
- Public Safety Bills to Protect Our Communities
Two of those bills would have closed loopholes that allow sex offenders to bypass all their requirements to be removed from the registered sex offender list. However, they never received a hearing by the House Community Safety Committee. Click on the image below to watch me explain these bills in greater detail.
- Education Bills That Show Kids We Care
I also sponsored several bills to help improve educational opportunities and outcomes in Washington. Unfortunately, these bills will also not be moving forward this session. Supporting our schools is one of the most important investments we can make as a state, as it strengthens our workforce, our families, and our future. All three bills would have a positive impact on Washington’s education system. I recently authored an op-ed published in The Columbian newspaper, that you can read here: Policies will help Washington students succeed. If you can’t access The Columbian, you can read the article on my website by clicking here.
Please Stay Engaged
With just a month left in this session, it’s important that you stay involved in the process. If you are not happy with the way things are being run in Olympia, then please let your lawmakers know and make your voice heard.
Thank you for staying engaged and for the privilege of representing you.
Stephanie McClintock
