Governor Ferguson announces slate of 6 Governor Request Bills for 2026

Proposed legislation will improve housing, affordability, government efficiency, health and public safety for Washingtonians across the state

OLYMPIA -Today Governor Bob Ferguson announced his slate of six Governor Request Bills ahead of the 2026 legislative session, which begins Monday. The proposed legislation includes reforms to help increase the supply of housing, protect Washingtonians from imposters posing as law enforcement, bolster the state's decision-making authority regarding vaccines, and provide safeguards for the public - particularly kids - when using AI companion chatbots, among other critical bills that improve the lives of Washingtonians.

All six Governor Request Bills, with the help of legislative sponsors in the state House and Senate, must pass the Legislature to become state law. The legislative session is scheduled to end March 12.

Among the proposed legislation is a bill that will establish the account necessary for private funds to support the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program, after Governor Ferguson and Ballmer Group announced a new grantto fund early learning for up to 10,000 Washington kids.

Governor Ferguson also previously announced his support for a millionaires' tax, which he hopes will be adopted this legislative session. Additionally, Governor Ferguson supports other policies to protect Washingtonians, including legislation sponsored by Sen. Javier Valdez and Rep. Julio Cortes prohibiting law enforcement from wearing face coverings.

"As the federal government creates chaos and uncertainty, we are taking bold action to make state government work better and improve the lives of all Washingtonians," Governor Ferguson said. "I am partnering with lawmakers to propose creative solutions to critical issues facing our state. These bills, if passed by the Legislature, will make us safer, healthier, more efficient and more affordable."

The Governor has previously announced his proposals for historic investments in our state's transportation infrastructureand affordable housing, as well as his plan to bridge the state's shortfall to balance the budget.

Governor Ferguson's six Governor Request Bills for the upcoming session include:

Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program account: Sponsored by Sen. Claire Wilson (Senate Bill 5872) and Rep. Steve Bergquist (House Bill 2159), this bill will establish an account in the custody of the state Treasurer for private funds to be used to support the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program, or ECEAP. Funds in this account will be used to pay for up to 10,000 additional school day ECEAP slots for the next 10 years, made possible by the partnership with Ballmer Group.

Prohibiting false identification of a peace officer: Sponsored by Sen. Adrian Cortes (Senate Bill 5876) and Rep. Edwin Obras (House Bill 2165), this bill prohibits individuals who are not law enforcement officers from making, providing or possessing badges or other law enforcement insignias. Violation would be a gross misdemeanor, in line with the existing law regulating criminal impersonation. This would help limit the sale, purchase and possession of items with law enforcement insignias on them, with an exception for items used in works of art, commentary, satire, and parody. This bill aims to ensure legitimate law enforcement officers are clearly identifiable, increasing safety and accountability.

Regulating artificial intelligence companion chatbots: Sponsored by Sen. Lisa Wellman (SB 5984) and Rep. Lisa Callan (House Bill 2225), this bill regulates AI companion chatbots, such as ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and Microsoft Copilot.Specifically, the bill mandates developers of AI companion chatbots implement and publicly disclose protocols to detect and respond to self-harm or suicidal ideation, including referrals to crisis resources. It also has specific protections for minors regarding filters for sexually explicit content, prohibiting manipulative engagement techniques, and requiring transparent disclosures. Violations of the bill are enforceable under the state Consumer Protection Act. This bill is partly in response to cases of youth suicides connected to AI chatbots.

Changing commercial zoning to support housing: Sponsored by Sen. Emily Alvarado (Senate Bill 6026), this bill requires local governments to update their land use policies under the Growth Management Act to allow mixed-use and residential developments in areas zoned for commercial use. This bill is in response to the housing crisis, intended to boost the number of housing units statewide. Washington needs to make it easier, and more affordable, to create more housing units of all kinds - faster. This is one way to increase access to affordable housing. For example, an abandoned strip mall or shuttered big-box store could be turned into housing without having to go through the process of changing its zoning to residential.

State decision-making authority on vaccines and preventive services: Governor Ferguson and Insurance Commissioner Patty Kuderer are jointly requesting this bill, which is sponsored by Sen. Annette Cleveland (Senate Bill 5967) and Rep. Dan Bronoske (House Bill 2242). This bill will allow the state Department of Health to propose recommendations for vaccines based on medical and scientific expertise and evidence without having to rely solely on recommendations from federal committees. This will ensure that children and adults in Washington have access to vaccines that are grounded in science around safety and efficacy. The bill also preserves health plan coverage for DOH-recommended vaccines and freezes coverage for federal preventive services recommendations. This bill does not establish new vaccine mandates or change any laws related to consent for immunizations. It is in response to the Trump Administration's politicization of the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Permitting and licensing improvements: Sponsored by Rep. Adison Richards (House Bill 2198) and Sen. Deborah Krishnadasan (Senate Bill 5968), this bill improves license and permit timeliness. Specifically, it requires cabinet agencies to annually report data on permits and licenses they issue to the Governor's Office of Regulatory Innovation and Assistance. Additionally, cabinet agencies are required to establish and publish processing time deadlines for licenses and permits they issue. Cabinet agencies must provide refunds of application fees if published deadlines are not met for complete applications. This bill provides the legal authority needed for some agencies to implement refunds under Governor Ferguson's Executive Order 25-03. Governor Ferguson signed this executive order on Day One of his administration, improving efficiency and transparency in permitting and licensing across state government.