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Gig Harbor’s lobbyist outlines 2026 state session: budgets, housing trust fund boost and an ALPR law to watch
Summary
City contract lobbyist Shelly Helder told the council the short 60‑day 2026 legislative session produced roughly 1,200 bills with 268 becoming law; she highlighted a $2.4B increase in the supplemental operating budget, a $123M Housing Trust Fund infusion in the capital supplemental, and passage of an ALPR bill (awaiting the governor) with 21‑day data retention.
City contract lobbyist Shelly Helder briefed the council on the outcomes of the 2026 legislative session and what the results mean for Gig Harbor’s priorities.
Helder described the 60‑day session as unusually active, with about 1,200 bills introduced and 268 passed into law. She said the supplemental operating budget increased by $2.4 billion, bringing the operating total to about $80.2 billion, and the transportation supplemental added roughly $1.2 billion with a focus on maintenance and preservation.
In the smaller supplemental capital budget, Helder highlighted a $123 million infusion to the state Housing Trust Fund on top of more than $600 million previously allocated in the biennial budget. "One of the most notable investments in the supplemental capital budget is 123,000,000 for the Housing Trust Fund," she said.
Local priorities and next steps: Helder told the council the city used the session to educate lawmakers about the Gig Harbor Community Center capital request and to lay groundwork for a future capital request in the next biennium. She encouraged the council to begin outreach to local legislators to express appreciation and maintain momentum for the Community Center request.
Policy notes: She also briefed the council on bills of local consequence. Senate Bill 6002, addressing automated license plate reader (ALPR) camera use, passed both chambers and was awaiting the governor's signature; the bill authorizes ALPR use for investigating felony and cross misdemeanors with a 21‑day retention compromise. Helder said that the "millionaires tax" proposal includes elimination of sales tax on some products and that the legislature set aside $200 million in the four‑year outlook to help local governments offset anticipated loss of sales tax revenues if that law takes effect in 2029.
Questions from council: Members asked whether proposals to limit liability exposure (including a bill that would have required arbitration for lawsuits against the state and its subsidiaries) or bills on third‑party litigation financing might advance next year; Helder said watered‑down versions were discussed and interim workgroups will study options.
Helder closed by noting that many bills do not apply to cities but that the Association of Washington Cities remains a key partner in prioritizing and vetting city-level interests. She offered to work with city staff to continue outreach and prepare the council for the next biennium.
