The 2026 Legislative Session Is Underway - Rep. Mari Leavitt
The 2026 legislative session is officially underway, and I’m back in Olympia focused on the priorities I hear most from our community.
My work this session continues to be guided by your input and centers on education from early learning through postsecondary education, community safety, health care, housing, support for veterans and military families, and strengthening our economy, including keeping small businesses strong.
As always, I’m committed to listening, staying accessible, and working to deliver real results for our district.
National Law Enforcement Appreciation
January 9 was National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, and I want to recognize and thank the officers who serve our communities in the 28th Legislative District and across Washington state.
I’m especially grateful to the dedicated officers of the Washington State Patrol, Tacoma Police Department, Lakewood Police Department, University Place Police Department, Fircrest Police Department, the Steilacoom Department of Public Safety, the DuPont Police Department, and the deputies of the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office. Your work helps keep our neighborhoods safe and supports people during some of their most difficult moments.
As a legislator, I support public safety policies that ensure officers have strong training, clear standards, and the resources they need to do their jobs well, while also strengthening accountability and trust with the communities they serve. Public safety is strongest when law enforcement and communities work together as true partners.
That’s why I am sponsoring HB 2220 this session alongside Reps. Burnett, Richards, and Abell. This bill updates how the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission oversees law enforcement training and accountability, strengthens training and reporting requirements, and improves data to help the state better understand recruitment and retention challenges. Better information allows lawmakers to focus resources where they are needed most, supporting the hiring, training, and retention of qualified officers across Washington.
Thank you to the officers and families who serve our district with professionalism, care, and commitment. Your service matters today and every day.
Bills I'm Working On
I’ll be working to advance bills introduced last session and move more across the finish line, particularly those addressing public safety, housing, small business support, and our National Guard. I also prefiled several bills focused on community safety, public health, early learning, workforce development, and protecting students. Videos of bill hearings are linked on the bottom of each bill page.
Here’s a snapshot of the legislation:
HB 2088 Creates a licensure compact for dietitians, helping expand access to care and strengthen the health care workforce.
HB 2099 Expands access to the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) for military families.
HB 2112 Establishes an age minimum to access certain adult content online, with a focus on protecting children.
HB 2122 Requires hospitals to offer influenza immunizations to certain populations to protect patient health.
HB 2132 Protects student privacy in applications for state financial aid at postsecondary institutions.
HB 2209 Strengthens sentencing enhancements for theft, robbery, and trafficking stolen property to address organized retail crime, and keep workers and communities safe.
HB 2220 Improves state oversight and accountability of the Criminal Justice Training Commission.
HB 2231 Enhances penalties for felony offenses committed at postsecondary institutions.
HB 2240 Updates laws related to storage unit rental agreements to clarify rights and responsibilities for renters and operators.
HB 2309 Reduces barriers to state employment by eliminating unnecessary postgraduate degree requirements.
HB 2349 Improves community notification when sexually violent predators are released or discharged.
HB 2428 Prevents unintentional lapses and cancellations of life insurance policies.
HB 2470 Provides school construction assistance program facilities support for on-base schools.
Join me for two February town halls
One of my favorite parts of this job is hearing directly from you. I’m excited to invite 28th District neighbors to join me for two town halls in February. Whether you participate by phone or come in person, I hope you’ll bring your questions, your ideas, and what you’re experiencing in our community. Your input helps shape the work we do in Olympia.
Tele Town Hall
Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026
7–8 p.m.
To ask a question live, call: (855) 756-7520, Ext. 129391#
Mid-Session Town Hall (in person)
Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026
10–11:30 a.m.
DuPont City Hall
1700 Civic Drive, DuPont
At the in-person town hall, I’m also pleased to welcome DuPont Mayor Ron Frederick and Police Chief Bryan Moore, who will share updates on community matters in DuPont.
I hope you’ll join me to talk about the issues on your mind, including affordability, housing, education, public safety, transportation, and protecting critical services.
Questions or accommodation requests: Please contact my office at 360-786-7890 or email my legislative assistant, Kat Bryant, at kat.bryant@leg.wa.gov
Thank You for a Great Pre-Session Town Hall in Fircrest
I’m grateful to everyone who joined us for our pre-session town hall in Fircrest on January 7. These conversations are an important opportunity to come together, talk openly about the issues impacting our community, and share what you would like to see prioritized as we head into the 2026 legislative session.
Thank you to the Fircrest and 28th District community for showing up and engaging, to Police Chief Victor Celis for being part of the conversation, and to Mayor Pro Tem Nikki Bufford and Councilmember Joe Barrentine, who helped moderate. Public safety and strong community partnerships work best when we listen to one another and work collaboratively.
Your perspectives help guide my work in Olympia and ensure the policies we pursue reflect the real needs of our district. I look forward to continuing these conversations throughout the session and to listening and learning from you.
Stay Engaged
The legislative session moves quickly, and your voice matters at every step. I’ll continue sharing updates on the bills I’m working on, key budget discussions, and how decisions in Olympia affect our district.
Thank you for staying engaged! I look forward to working together this session to uplift residents of the 28th.
It's an honor to serve you,
Respectfully,
Representative Mari Leavitt