More bills falter as time dwindles for Washington Legislature

The third deadline in as many weeks came Tuesday in the Washington Legislature. It meant the end of the road for numerous bills, including priorities on issues like homelessness, child welfare, gun safety and juvenile detention.

It also signals a turning point in the Legislature’s work, as lawmakers move back to House and Senate committee meetings on bills passed in the opposite chamber. Democratic legislators are also expected to release their proposed budgets in the coming days.

The pressure isn’t letting up, as the next cutoff that could fell more bills is next Wednesday, when legislation needs to pass out of policy committees. Budget bills can remain in play past the deadlines.

The session is set to end March 12.

https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/02/18/more-bills-falter-as-time-dwindles-for-washington-legislature/