Bob Ferguson

Republican State Senator Chris Gildon sent a letter to Governor Ferguson requesting that he temporarily suspend Washington's Climate Commitment Act, citing high gasoline prices in the state. Gildon stated that Washington drivers pay approximately $1.20 more per gallon than the national average and estimated that suspending the carbon-cap program could reduce gas prices by about 55 cents per gallon. Gildon indicated that Ferguson could pause the law by declaring an emergency and suggested that economic conditions should stabilize and fuel prices return to sustainable levels before the policy resumes.

Governor Ferguson identified narrow eligibility requirements as a primary obstacle to the distribution of Washington's $3.5 million in state flood assistance made available following December 2025 flooding, noting that only $1 million of the funds had been distributed to households five months after the disaster. The state aid required homes to sustain major damage or destruction, limited recipients to those earning 80% or less of area median income, and restricted eligibility to six counties, which excluded damaged homes in other counties and displaced lower-income residents whose homes were insured. Ferguson stated he had discussed with legislative leaders the possibility of expanding these qualifications for future disaster assistance while maintaining safeguards against fraud and duplication with federal aid.

Governor Ferguson appointed Theo Angelis to the Washington State Supreme Court in March 2026. Angelis was formally sworn in on Monday in a ceremony at the Temple of Justice in Olympia, succeeding retired Justice Barbara Madsen who had served on the court since 1993. Angelis came to the court from private practice at K&L Gates, where he specialized in intellectual property and appellate litigation.

Governor Ferguson appointed Theodore Angelis to the Washington State Supreme Court seat vacated by retiring Justice Barbara Madsen, with Angelis sworn in on May 18, 2026. Angelis, a 26-year intellectual property litigator at K&L Gates LLP who previously worked with Ferguson as a young lawyer, will serve through the end of 2026 and must compete in a November election to retain the position. Angelis becomes the first justice of Middle Eastern descent to serve on the Washington State Supreme Court.

Governor Ferguson signed Senate Bill 6346, legislation that establishes a tax on income exceeding one million dollars, set to take effect in 2028 with collection beginning in 2029. The bill requires high-income earners to establish primary domicile outside Washington within 12 to 24 months or face taxation on all income over the threshold. Following the bill's passage and Ferguson's signature, luxury real estate listings worth more than $2 million increased by 65 in a single day, while luxury listing sales declined across the state.

Governor Ferguson stated on social media that he would personally lead an effort to redraw Washington's U.S. congressional maps if Democrats achieved a two-thirds supermajority in both chambers of the state legislature following the November 2026 elections. Such redistricting would require amending the state constitution, which currently establishes a bipartisan redistricting commission established in 1983. Ferguson's statement indicated that redrawing the maps could potentially change the composition of Washington's congressional delegation, which currently consists of eight Democrats and two Republicans across ten U.S. House seats.

Ferguson signed into law a five-cent increase in Washington state's gas tax that took effect in the summer of 2026. The tax increase contributed to rising gasoline prices in the state, which reached an average of $5.75 per gallon amid international conflict and existing state carbon emissions regulations. The additional revenue from the gas tax increase was designated to fund transportation infrastructure projects including road maintenance and public transit systems.

Governor Ferguson signed legislation establishing a 9.9% income tax on millionaires, projected to generate over $3 billion annually beginning in 2029, as part of Democratic efforts to address Washington's multibillion-dollar budget shortfall. The measure was accompanied by an increase in the state estate tax rate from 20% to 35%. Ferguson's approval of these tax measures reflected the administration's approach to closing projected budget deficits while funding rising costs for state services.

Governor Ferguson denied a clemency petition from Travis Comeslast, who was convicted of shooting and robbing a couple in Spokane in 1996 and is currently 30 years into a 46-year prison sentence. The Washington State Clemency and Pardons Board had voted 3-1 in March 2026 to recommend commutation, but Ferguson determined that Comeslast had not demonstrated that the interests of justice required a sentence reduction. The surviving victim's family and Spokane County Prosecuting Attorney's Office had submitted statements opposing the commutation request.

Governor Ferguson signed HB 2266 in March 2026, legislation that requires cities to allow shelters and supportive housing in any residential zone and prohibits cities from using zoning regulations to block such projects. Following the law's implementation, Seattle announced the placement of a third major shelter site in South Park, a neighborhood with a median household income of $61,935, bringing the total of shelter units in that single district to over 260. The siting decision occurred after zoning restrictions were removed as a regulatory barrier to shelter placement.

Governor Ferguson denied clemency for Travis ComesLast, who was convicted of murdering Christopher Gongyin in Spokane in 1996 and has served approximately 30 years of a 46-year sentence. Ferguson's decision overrode a March 2026 recommendation by the Washington State Clemency and Pardons Board that voted 3-to-1 in favor of ComesLast's release. ComesLast will continue serving his sentence at age 50.

The Washington State Executive Ethics Board approved a $4,000 fine against Governor Ferguson in May 2026 after determining he violated the Ethics in Service Act by allowing former aide Mike Webb to fly on a state plane in June 2025. Ferguson agreed to the settlement on April 27, with half of the fine suspended if no additional ethics violations occur within two years, and was required to pay the remaining $2,000 within 45 days, with reimbursement for flight costs factored into the penalty calculation. The violation stemmed from Webb, who was no longer a state employee at the time, being permitted to travel on State Patrol aircraft to a Tri-Cities meeting on the same day Ferguson conducted official business in the area.

Washington Governor Ferguson and Attorney General Nick Brown filed a lawsuit against The GEO Group, the private contractor operating the Northwest ICE Processing Center in Tacoma, alleging that the Washington State Department of Health was blocked from conducting inspections at the facility on ten separate occasions. The lawsuit was brought in response to more than 3,500 complaints concerning unsafe food, medical neglect, and unsanitary conditions at the detention center. Ferguson and Brown contend that state law requires unannounced inspections and that The GEO Group cannot selectively restrict access to state inspectors.

Governor Ferguson and the state Department of Ecology launched an initiative on Wednesday to address Washington's fourth consecutive drought emergency by convening roundtable discussions throughout the summer months. The initiative brings together representatives from local and tribal governments, industries, environmental groups, utilities, and community members to assess the scope of the water crisis and identify potential solutions. Ferguson stated that the state must take steps to protect its water supplies in response to climate change impacts on winter snowpack and drought conditions.

Governor Ferguson signed Senate Bill 5974 on April 1, 2026, establishing heightened qualifications and certification standards for county sheriffs in Washington state. The law grants the state's Criminal Justice Training Commission authority to deny or revoke sheriffs' certifications, with failure to meet requirements or loss of certification serving as grounds for removal from office. A Washington Supreme Court commissioner declined on May 6, 2026, to pause a judge's ruling that had blocked parts of the law from taking effect, allowing the previous eligibility standards to remain in place during ongoing litigation over the law's constitutionality.

Governor Ferguson's office implemented a centralized approval process for public health communications across state agencies, according to documents obtained by Axios in May 2026. The process resulted in a two-hour delay in releasing a measles alert during an outbreak in Snohomish County in January, and a similar delay occurred in October regarding a confirmed measles case at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Internal communications showed that after media inquiries about the policy, Ferguson's spokesperson instructed Department of Health communications staff not to discuss the approval process with reporters and to extend response times if disclosure became necessary.

Maine Governor Janet Mills signed legislation in May 2026 that established a 2 percent tax on households with annual incomes exceeding one million dollars. The measure was enacted as Maine joined other Democratic-led states including Washington in implementing new tax provisions targeting high-income earners amid widening wealth inequality and state budget constraints. Similar proposals have been introduced in at least a dozen other states, while California advocates announced collection of sufficient signatures for a ballot initiative imposing a one-time tax on billionaires.

Maine Gov. Janet Mills signed legislation this month that adds a 2% tax to households whose income exceeds $1 million per year. The law makes Maine one of the latest Democratic-led states to implement a specific tax on high earners as states face budget pressures and wealth inequality widens. The measure follows similar actions in Washington state and other states including New Jersey and Massachusetts that have enacted taxes targeting wealthy taxpayers.

Ferguson signed legislation in May 2026 that terminates the overfunded Law Enforcement Officers' and Firefighters' System Plan 1 pension account at the end of June 2029 and reinstates it at 110% funding, allowing the state to redirect nearly $4 billion in surplus funds. The law directs $880 million from the pension fund to backfill spending from the state's rainy day savings account to help address an estimated $2 billion budget gap. Retired police officers and firefighters, including former Congressman Dave Reichert, filed a lawsuit challenging the action on constitutional grounds.

Ferguson admitted to violating the Ethics in Public Service Act by allowing former chief strategy officer Mike Webb to travel on a state aircraft to the Tri-Cities in June 2025, a violation that the Executive Ethics Board determined constituted use of state resources for private benefit and provision of a special privilege to a non-state employee. Under a stipulated agreement signed by Ferguson and board executive director Kate Reynolds, Ferguson accepted a $4,000 fine with half to be paid immediately and the remainder suspended contingent on no new violations within two years. The Executive Ethics Board scheduled consideration of the agreement for its May 8 meeting, which if approved would close the investigation without requiring a public hearing that could have resulted in fines up to $5,000 per violation.

Governor Ferguson agreed to a $4,000 settlement with the Washington State Executive Ethics Board to resolve an ethics investigation into his decision to invite former aide Mike Webb to fly on a state aircraft during an official June visit to the Tri-Cities. Under the stipulated settlement, Ferguson admitted to violating state ethics law, with $2,000 of the penalty suspended contingent on no additional ethics violations within two years. The board had determined in January that Ferguson unlawfully provided a benefit to Webb, who was no longer a state employee at the time of the flight.

Ferguson's office implemented a centralized communications policy requiring state agencies including the Department of Health, Department of Transportation, and State Patrol to route media inquiries and news releases through the governor's office for review before publication. According to documents obtained by Axios, the policy resulted in delays to time-sensitive public information including a measles outbreak alert at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport in October, bridge repair updates, accident investigations, and vaccine guidance. Ferguson's communications director stated the policy was designed to improve coordination across agencies, while internal agency emails characterized the review process as creating significant delays to their work.

Governor Ferguson declined to implement a temporary gas tax holiday when asked about providing relief as Seattle-area gas prices reached an all-time high of $5.72 per gallon in April 2026. Ferguson attributed rising gas prices to international geopolitical factors rather than state policy, directing constituents to address concerns with the federal government regarding Middle East conflict. Washington's gas tax of 55 cents per gallon, the third-highest in the nation, was scheduled to increase by 2 percent in July as part of the state's transportation funding mechanism.

Governor Ferguson filed a petition in federal court on Tuesday requesting that a judge compel The Geo Group to permit health inspectors from the Washington Department of Health to enter the Northwest ICE Processing Center in Tacoma. State health inspectors have been denied entry to the facility ten times since Washington's 2023 law asserted state authority to enforce health and safety standards at private detention facilities, most recently on April 20 when inspectors attempted to examine the facility's water system. The detention center, which holds approximately 1,600 immigrants under contract with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, has generated 3,500 complaints from detainees in recent years, including nearly 1,000 concerning water, food, and air quality.

Governor Ferguson and Attorney General Brown announced the filing of a motion seeking a preliminary injunction against GEO Group, the private prison company operating the Northwest ICE Processing Center in Tacoma, to compel the facility to allow state health inspections. The state alleged that facility operators had repeatedly prevented state health inspectors from entering the facility despite state law and a federal court order granting such authority, and that the Department of Health had received more than 3,500 complaints alleging substandard conditions. The legal action represented an escalation in the state's efforts to conduct oversight of health and safety conditions at the immigration detention facility.

Washington Governor Ferguson and Attorney General Nick Brown filed an injunction against GEO Group, the company operating the Northwest ICE Processing Center in Tacoma, to require the facility to allow state health inspectors access for inspections. GEO Group had blocked health department inspectors from entering the facility since 2023 despite over 3,500 complaints from detainees regarding substandard conditions. The injunction seeks to enforce compliance with a 2023 law signed by former Governor Jay Inslee that authorized the state Department of Health to inspect private detention facilities.

Ferguson signed Senate Bill 6346, Washington's millionaires' income tax, into law in March 2026. Public records obtained by The Center Square revealed that Ferguson's office and Democratic lawmakers, including Senate Majority Leader Jamie Pedersen who sponsored the bill, coordinated to design the tax as a test case intended to overturn a 1933 Washington Supreme Court ruling that classified income as property subject to the state constitution's uniformity clause. The legislation imposed a tax on long-term capital gains and certain high-income earners, with lawmakers explicitly seeking to force the state Supreme Court to reconsider its precedent on income taxation.

In March 2026, Ferguson signed a roughly $79.4 billion budget plan that adjusted the $77.8 billion two-year budget passed by the Democratic-controlled legislature for the fiscal period from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2027. The budget balanced spending by drawing $880 million from the state's rainy day reserves and transferring $375 million from the Public Works Assistance Account. Following this action, Moody's revised its outlook for Washington's finances from stable to negative, citing concerns about continued reliance on reserves and one-time budget solutions rather than structural revenue measures.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency approved nearly $1.5 million in flood mitigation funding for Washington communities following December 2025 flooding, with awards including approximately $930,000 to Enumclaw for culvert replacement, $300,000 to Snohomish County for a flood risk study, and $180,000 to the Washington State Department of Ecology for a flood-risk reduction strategy. FEMA denied Ferguson's application to the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, which sought up to $36.6 million in statewide preventive infrastructure funding, determining such assistance was "not warranted" according to agency correspondence. Ferguson's office did not indicate whether the denial would be appealed within the 30-day window allowed by the agency.

Governor Ferguson terminated Jeremiah Bourgeois, director of the office of the corrections ombuds, after Bourgeois refused to comply with a home duty assignment during an ethics investigation into allegations of unethical and unprofessional conduct. Ferguson's chief operating officer Franklin Plaistowe cited "direct insubordination and misconduct" in the termination letter dated April 24, 2026. Bourgeois had publicly rejected the suspension order and accused the governor's office of retaliating against him and undermining the independence of the ombuds office.

Governor Ferguson made a statement of support regarding the University of Washington's launch of the Housing Futures Center, a research and policy coordination initiative established to address housing affordability and supply challenges in Washington state. The Housing Futures Center, directed by UW professor Gregg Colburn, brings together faculty, staff, and students to analyze housing data and support policymakers and housing developers working on affordability and construction issues. Ferguson stated that he looked forward to the center's contributions to ongoing housing policy work in the state.

Governor Ferguson signed a final state budget for the 2025-2027 biennium that included more than $8 million in cuts to the Department of Natural Resources recreation program over two years. In response to these reductions, DNR announced the closure of four campgrounds for the entire 2026 season and shortened access at several additional recreation sites. Ferguson's budget was characterized by DNR Commissioner Dave Upthegrove as less severe than earlier proposals, allowing the department to avoid some deeper closures that had been initially considered.

Governor Ferguson appointed Matt Segal, a founding partner of the Pacifica Law Group and former King County Superior Court judge, to the state Public Disclosure Commission on April 16, 2026. Segal's appointment filled one of two vacancies on the five-member commission that enforces Washington state campaign finance laws, with his term running through the end of 2030. The appointment came two weeks after a recall petition was filed against Ferguson for leaving two of the commission's seats unfilled for an extended period in violation of state law timelines.

President Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act into law in July 2025, legislation passed by the Republican-controlled Congress that included sweeping tax and spending provisions. According to IRS data as of March 28, 2026, the law resulted in average tax refunds increasing by approximately 11% compared to the prior year, or an average of $351 per taxpayer, falling short of the $1,000 increase Trump had promised. Tax policy experts noted that the tax cuts provided by the legislation were offset for many households by increased costs from tariffs on imported goods and higher energy prices resulting from geopolitical conflicts.

Governor Ferguson signed legislation requiring sheriff candidates to meet specific qualifications and sign a sworn statement confirming compliance with standards set by the Criminal Justice Training Commission, including a minimum of five years of law enforcement experience, age limits, and no disqualifying criminal history. Four eastern Washington sheriffs filed a lawsuit challenging the law as unconstitutional, arguing the sworn statement requirement amounts to a loyalty oath that could allow state control over who can run for sheriff and may infringe on free speech rights. A Lincoln County Superior Court judge declined to rule on the merits or issue an emergency injunction, instead ordering the case moved to Thurston County to consolidate with a related lawsuit pending a May 1 hearing, just before the May 4-8 candidate filing deadline.

Governor Ferguson announced that Washington awarded nearly $56 million in grants to child care providers for maintenance, renovation, and creation of new early learning spaces. The funding is projected to generate approximately 2,000 new child care slots across the state. The grants follow a legislative session in which lawmakers reduced funding for certain early learning programs, including subsidies for working parents and the Transition to Kindergarten program.

Ferguson proposed reducing funding for the Transition to Kindergarten program in his spending plan issued in December 2025, which called for eliminating approximately 1,800 program slots and saving $19.5 million. The budget Ferguson signed into law in April 2026 reduced the program by $27 million, resulting in the loss of nearly 2,000 slots statewide. The cuts reduced program funding by 25 percent, affecting an early learning initiative that serves over 7,000 students, with priority enrollment for children from low-income families.

Washington Governor Ferguson approved legislation designed to protect patient access to discounted prescriptions through a federal program serving low-income and rural hospitals. The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington challenging the law on constitutional grounds, arguing the state lacked authority to modify a federal spending program. This was the third lawsuit filed against the state over the new law, following separate suits from pharmaceutical companies Novartis and AbbVie.

President Donald Trump approved a major disaster declaration for Washington state following December floods that caused an estimated $182 million in damages, allowing the state, counties, and cities to seek federal reimbursement covering 75 percent of eligible cleanup and repair costs. The declaration also enables individual residents and families to apply for federal assistance to cover uninsured flood losses such as severe home damage. Ferguson's office indicated the state will establish a formal agreement with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and coordinate with local governments to submit reimbursement applications, with the process potentially taking four to six years to determine the final total of federal aid provided.

Governor Ferguson requested a major disaster declaration from the Federal Emergency Management Agency following devastating floods in Washington state in December 2025, estimating $182 million in infrastructure damages. The Trump administration approved the disaster declaration, making available up to $173 million in federal funding for rebuilding roads and levees and constructing new flood protection infrastructure. Ferguson also requested an additional $21 million from FEMA for flood victim assistance and separately pursued funds from the Federal Highway Administration for highway repairs.

Governor Ferguson issued an executive order in December 2024 establishing a new state Department of Housing tasked with expanding housing supply across all income levels, addressing homelessness, and reforming land use and permitting processes. Ferguson convened a task force of elected officials, state agency staff, tribal members, local government advocates, and developers to develop recommendations for the department's structure and implementation. The task force is scheduled to deliver a report by November 15, 2026, with the expectation that the state legislature will consider establishing the cabinet agency during the 2027 legislative session.

Governor Ferguson signed Senate Bill 5974 on April 1, 2026, establishing heightened standards for Washington sheriffs and creating a removal mechanism through the state Criminal Justice Training Commission. The law requires sheriffs to obtain state certification within nine months of taking office, meet standards including no felony or gross misdemeanor convictions and at least five years of law enforcement experience, and submit to background investigations by the Washington State Patrol. The Washington State Sheriffs' Association and a Kitsap County sheriff candidate filed suit in Thurston County Superior Court arguing the law improperly transfers removal authority from voters to an unelected state board.

Governor Ferguson signed legislation imposing a 9.9% tax on incomes exceeding $1 million during the 2026 legislative session. The legislation passed without the two-thirds supermajority typically required for tax measures, as supporters characterized it as a targeted income tax rather than a broad income tax. The signed tax faces ongoing legal challenges and potential repeal efforts through voter initiatives.

Governor Ferguson signed the millionaires tax legislation on March 30, enacting a high-earners income tax in Washington. The law drew a legal challenge filed in Klickitat County Superior Court on April 9 by business owners and organizations represented by former Washington Attorney General Rob McKenna and former state Supreme Court Justice Phil Talmadge. The lawsuit contends the tax violates the state constitution, citing a series of court decisions dating to 1933 that have prohibited graduated income taxes.

Governor Ferguson signed legislation enacting a 9.9% income tax on annual earnings over $1 million, with implementation scheduled for 2029. The state Department of Revenue will begin hiring over 300 new employees starting July 1 to administer the tax, expand the Working Families Tax Credit, and repeal portions of a 2025 service tax, with total costs estimated at approximately $557.4 million for the 2029-31 biennium. The hiring process will occur incrementally over several years, with approximately 131 positions directly dedicated to administering the new income tax and about 106 positions supporting the expansion of the Working Families Tax Credit.

Governor Ferguson signed legislation on March 30 establishing a 9.9% tax on income exceeding $1 million annually, estimated to generate $3 billion to $4 billion per year with proceeds directed to the state operating budget, tax cuts, and other programs. Opponents filed a lawsuit in Klickitat County Superior Court on April 9 challenging the tax's constitutionality, arguing it violates state constitutional prohibitions on graduated income taxes established in prior court decisions. State Attorney General Nick Brown's office announced it would defend the tax in court.

McKenna filed a lawsuit in Klickitat County in April 2026 challenging Washington State's newly enacted millionaires' income tax, which was signed into law in March 2026, on the grounds that it violates the state constitution. McKenna, joined by the Citizen Action Defense Fund and former Supreme Court Justice Phil Talmadge, argued that the tax is unconstitutional because state precedent establishes income as property subject to uniform taxation requirements. The lawsuit included plaintiffs from across Washington and sought to overturn the tax based on prior court decisions that had struck down similar income tax measures on constitutional grounds.

The Trump administration proposed a $400 million budget cut to the Hanford nuclear site cleanup program, including $228 million from the tank waste program. Governor Ferguson stated in 2025 that Washington would pursue legal action if the Department of Energy delayed or canceled plans to start up the waste treatment plant, citing violation of federal court orders and legal agreements. Ferguson characterized the potential delay as inconsistent with federal obligations to treat 56 million gallons of radioactive waste stored in underground tanks at the site.

Ferguson did not fill two vacancies on the Public Disclosure Commission, the state agency responsible for enforcing campaign finance laws, with one position remaining open for nearly his entire first term as governor. The commission operates with only three of its five allotted members, preventing it from achieving the quorum required to adopt rules, conduct hearings, and decide cases. A recall petition was filed against Ferguson in April 2026 alleging misfeasance and violation of his oath of office for failing to meet the timeline prescribed in state law for filling these positions.

On March 23, 2026, Governor Ferguson signed House Bill 1155, which bans noncompete agreements in Washington state and renders existing noncompete provisions void and unenforceable beginning June 30, 2027. The law applies retroactively to noncompete clauses signed under previous law, affecting thousands of existing employment contracts across the state. Employers will lose noncompete protections and must rely instead on alternative contractual arrangements such as confidentiality, trade secret, and nonsolicitation provisions.

A recall petition was filed against Washington Governor Bob Ferguson in April 2026 for failing to fill two vacant seats on the Public Disclosure Commission, the state agency responsible for enforcing campaign finance laws, within the 30-day timeline prescribed by state statute. One vacancy had remained open for nearly Ferguson's entire term, which began in January 2025, while the other opened in August 2025, leaving the five-member commission unable to maintain the quorum required to conduct official business. The petition alleges Ferguson violated his oath of office and committed misfeasance through his failure to make the appointments, and was filed by attorney Conner Edwards after the commission was unable to hold substantive meetings due to insufficient membership.

Governor Ferguson was tasked under state law with filling two vacancies on the Public Disclosure Commission within 30 days of each seat becoming vacant. Commissioner Allen Hayward's seat became vacant in February 2025, and Commissioner Nancy Isserlis's seat became vacant in August 2025, but Ferguson had not filled either position as of April 2026, exceeding the statutory deadlines by 394 days and 183 days respectively. A recall petition was filed against Ferguson in April 2026 citing his failure to promptly fill these commission seats, which enforce state campaign finance laws.

Governor Ferguson stated that Senate Bill 6002, which regulates automated license plate reader cameras, is necessary to protect community privacy and respect Washington's constitutional privacy protections. The Renton Police Department shut down its Flock Safety ALPR cameras on March 31, 2026, to comply with the new state law while the department rewrites policies, conducts training, and works with vendors on software updates. Multiple Washington cities including Seattle, Redmond, Lynnwood, and Pierce County similarly paused their ALPR systems following the bill's passage, which was prompted by privacy advocates' concerns about potential mass surveillance and misuse by federal immigration enforcement agencies.

Ferguson signed Senate Bill 5974 on Wednesday, legislation that ties a sheriff's ability to hold their position to their state-issued peace officer certification. Four Eastern Washington sheriffs filed suit against the state, the Legislature, and Ferguson on Friday in Pend Oreille County, arguing the law violates state and federal constitutions by allowing decertification to remove an elected sheriff rather than requiring a recall election. The sheriffs contend the law strips voting rights from constituents by centralizing power in a decertification process rather than preserving the electoral process.

Washington Governor Ferguson signed legislation establishing new guardrails for the use of automated license plate readers (ALPRs) to address concerns about federal immigration authorities accessing the data. The bill excluded the state's tolling camera system from its privacy protections despite toll cameras capturing license plate information processed by a private Texas company. The legislation restricted ALPR data sharing with federal agencies while leaving toll camera data outside the scope of the new privacy requirements.

Governor Bob Ferguson signed legislation establishing new standards for Washington county sheriffs, including requirements for five years of full-time law enforcement experience, absence of felony or gross misdemeanor convictions, and maintenance of state peace officer certification. The law grants the Criminal Justice Training Commission authority to revoke a sheriff's certification, which would result in removal from office, with county officials empowered to appoint replacements. Four county sheriffs, including Spokane County Sheriff John Nowels, filed suit in Pend Oreille County seeking to block enforcement of the legislation, arguing it unconstitutionally allows removal of elected officials outside the voter recall process.

Governor Ferguson signed Washington's income tax on millionaires into law in April 2026. Ferguson subsequently reposted a statement from Seattle resident Rick Steves endorsing the tax, characterizing support for the measure as consistent with concern for the public good. The signing drew criticism from JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon, who warned the tax would trigger an exodus of high earners from the state.

State Auditor McCarthy's office published a statewide audit in April 2026 examining how Washington spent nearly $24 billion in federal funding during fiscal year 2025, identifying $37 million in questionable childcare subsidy payments made by the Department of Children, Youth, and Families. The audit found that some providers failed to submit attendance records, overbilled for unreimbursed services, and lacked required parental signatures, while also recommending the department strengthen its overpayment detection systems. McCarthy stated the audit did not identify fraud but found issues warranting follow-up, while DCYF disputed the findings and noted that federal audits have not identified misused funds.

Governor Bob Ferguson signed legislation regulating the use of automated license plate readers in Washington state, restricting their deployment to specific purposes including searches for stolen vehicles, missing or endangered persons, and felony warrant investigations, while prohibiting their use near sensitive locations such as schools, churches, and immigration courts. In response to the new restrictions, the Spokane County Sheriff's Office disabled all 70 fixed-location cameras, 18 mobile ALPRs, and between six and ten cameras on mobile radar trailers across the greater Spokane area. Sheriff John Nowels stated that the restrictions made continued operation of the mobile license plate reader systems impractical due to ambiguities in the legislation regarding proximity to restricted areas and expressed intent to work with legislators to modify the law.

Governor Ferguson signed the state's operating budget into law on April 1, 2026, which reduced funding for the Department of Natural Resources, Washington State Parks, and the Department of Fish and Wildlife by more than $1 million collectively. The budget cuts resulted in at least 19 recreation sites across Washington state facing closure or service reductions, with multiple campgrounds expected to close entirely for the 2026 season and dozens of trails experiencing reduced maintenance. The Department of Natural Resources indicated that closed sites would be reconsidered for reopening in the next budget cycle based on available staff capacity.

Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson signed Senate Bill 5974 on April 1, 2026, establishing heightened eligibility standards for county sheriffs and a process for their removal from office. The law requires sheriffs to meet the same certification requirements as police chiefs, including five years of full-time law enforcement experience and state peace officer certification within nine months of taking office, with failure to obtain or maintain certification resulting in removal. Ferguson expressed reservations about the bill's vacancy appointment process during the signing but did not veto any provisions, stating he would explore potential revisions with bill sponsors when the legislature reconvenes in 2027.

Governor Ferguson signed Senate Bill 6002, the Driver Privacy Act, which requires agencies to delete most license plate reader data within 21 days, prohibits data collection near schools and immigration facilities, and restricts sharing information with out-of-state or federal agencies. The law establishes violations as gross misdemeanor charges with penalties under the Consumer Protection Act. Following the signing of this legislation, the City of Stanwood reactivated its Flock Safety cameras in compliance with the new regulatory framework, while other jurisdictions including Spokane County chose to deactivate their automated license plate reader systems in response to the restrictions.

Governor Ferguson vetoed $500,000 in funding designated to continue a retail theft pilot program that had been established the previous year with legislative support. Ferguson stated that state agencies were facing significant budget constraints and lacked capacity to absorb additional expenses without dedicated funding in the base budget. The vetoed funding had supported local jurisdictions in expanding enforcement and prosecution of retail theft cases, with data from the first half of 2025 showing increased prosecutorial activity in King County and other counties utilizing the program.

Gov. Ferguson signed legislation on April 1, 2026, establishing eligibility standards for elected county sheriffs, including requirements for five years of full-time law enforcement experience, absence of felony or gross misdemeanor convictions, minimum age of 25, and no prior revocation of peace officer certification. The bill grants an oversight board authority to remove sheriffs from office if they lose their state certification as peace officers. Ferguson stated he had reservations about the removal process but indicated he would work with legislators to refine it during the interim period.

Governor Ferguson signed Washington's "millionaire tax" into law, establishing a new tax on high earners in the state. Legal challenges to the tax were filed immediately following its enactment, and a repeal effort was initiated. The tax represents a renewed legislative attempt at implementing an income-based tax in Washington after voters rejected similar proposals eleven times previously.

Governor Ferguson appointed Colleen Melody to replace retiring Justice Mary Yu and appointed Theo Angelis to replace retiring Justice Barbara Madsen on the Washington State Supreme Court. Both appointees are now running for election to retain their seats in the November 2026 election, giving them incumbent advantages including name recognition and fundraising infrastructure. Ferguson's appointments to the court occur as his signature legislation, including a state income tax, faces legal challenges that will likely reach the Supreme Court for review.

Governor Ferguson signed Senate Bill 6002 into law, which establishes new restrictions on the use of automated license plate reader data by federal immigration authorities. The legislation addresses concerns about access to ALPR information collected by law enforcement agencies. Radio host Jake Skorheim subsequently called for Ferguson to apply the same data protection standards to license plate cameras operated on state toll bridges.

Governor Ferguson signed three artificial intelligence protection bills in 2026 that establish requirements for AI-generated content disclosure and protections for minors. The first bill mandates that video, photo, and audio recordings created or enhanced by artificial intelligence include distinguishable provenance data to identify AI-enhanced content, effective February 1. The second bill requires AI chatbots targeted to minors to include a disclaimer of their non-human nature, prohibits manipulative engagement techniques, mandates crisis resource referrals for users expressing self-harm, and bans creation of sexually suggestive content for minors, effective January 1.

Pierce County Sheriff's office deactivated approximately 200 automated license plate readers on Tuesday morning, stating the devices cannot comply with Senate Bill 6002, the Driver Privacy Act, which took effect Monday. The law, signed by Governor Ferguson, prohibits license plate readers from operating in specified locations including schools, courts, food banks, places of worship, and facilities related to immigration or reproductive health services. The sheriff's office determined that its mobile Axon dashboard cameras, affixed to patrol vehicles, cannot be configured to avoid collecting data in these protected areas as required by the statute.

McKenna announced his intention to file a lawsuit challenging Washington's millionaires' tax, which Governor Ferguson signed into law in March 2026. McKenna stated the legal challenge would be filed in superior court and argued the tax violates the state constitution because income is classified as property and must be taxed uniformly under existing precedent. McKenna cited a previous income tax case from approximately five years earlier that was struck down on similar constitutional grounds, with the state's court of appeals and supreme court declining further review.

Governor Ferguson signed Senate Bill 6346, known as the "millionaires tax," into law on March 30, 2026, establishing a 9.9% tax on incomes exceeding $1 million beginning in 2029. The measure is projected to generate approximately $3 billion in revenue from roughly 20,000 households and would fund child care subsidies, tax breaks for low-income families, sales tax exemptions on certain items, and support for the state's general fund. The law faced immediate legal challenges from Republican opponents and business organizations who questioned its constitutionality under Washington state's tax uniformity requirements.

Washington Governor Ferguson signed legislation on Monday establishing restrictions on the use of automated license plate readers throughout the state, including a 21-day data retention limit and prohibitions on camera deployment within 500 feet of schools and places of worship. The law was enacted following concerns that federal immigration authorities were accessing automated license plate reader data to support immigration enforcement operations. Pierce County Sheriff Keith Swank responded to the new law by deactivating his county's entire automatic license plate reader system.

Governor Ferguson signed Washington's millionaire income tax into law on Monday morning, making it effective immediately. The tax targets high-income earners and was formally designated as a millionaire tax rather than an income tax. Legal challenges and a repeal effort were announced following the signing.

Governor Ferguson signed Senate Bill 6346, Washington's "millionaires tax," into law on Monday morning, implementing a 9.9% income tax on residents earning more than $1 million annually, effective for the 2028 tax year. Ferguson stated at the bill-signing event that the tax would fund health care, the working families tax credit, and services including school meals and childcare. The Citizen Action Defense Fund announced its intention to file a lawsuit challenging the tax's constitutionality within the following week, with former Washington State Attorney General Rob McKenna representing the group.

Governor Ferguson advocated during a February 17 news conference that more than half of projected revenues from Washington's new high-earners income tax should be returned to residents through tax cuts and business rebates. The Legislature ultimately allocated less than one-third of Senate Bill 6346's proceeds to tax cuts and rebates, with the remainder directed toward the state's operating budget. Ferguson is expected to sign Senate Bill 6346 into law, enacting a 9.9 percent tax on earnings exceeding one million dollars for individuals and couples, effective on 2028 income with first payments due in 2029.

Governor Ferguson signed legislation on March 30, 2026 that restricts school district employees from using pepper spray, mace, sedatives, handcuffs, zip-ties, belts, or physical restraints that restrict breathing or blood flow when restraining students. The law, sponsored by Representative Lisa Callan, permits restraint and isolation only when there is imminent likelihood that a student or others would be seriously harmed. The legislation passed the state Legislature after three previous unsuccessful attempts to enact similar restrictions.

Governor Ferguson signed legislation on March 30, 2026, imposing a 9.9% tax on income for joint filers or individuals with incomes exceeding $1 million, effective in 2029, making Washington one of the first states without a prior income tax to enact such a measure. The bill, sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Jamie Pedersen, is estimated to generate approximately $3.5 billion annually, with revenues allocated to tax cuts and rebates including expansion of the Working Families Tax Credit, universal free school meals for K-12 students, and exemptions on diapers and over-the-counter medicine. Ferguson acknowledged that legal challenges would follow the signing, as anti-tax activists including Tim Eyman announced immediate efforts to challenge the law through the ballot box and court system.

Governor Ferguson signed legislation establishing a 9.9% income tax on earnings above $1 million threshold, with projected revenue of approximately $3.5 billion beginning in 2029. The bill expands the Working Families Tax Credit, provides tax relief for small businesses, eliminates sales taxes on essential items, and directs 5% of revenue to childcare and early learning programs. The measure faces an immediate legal challenge from the Citizen Action Defense Fund, which argues the tax violates the state constitution's uniformity and rate cap requirements.

Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson signed legislation that makes noncompete agreements illegal statewide, effective June 30, 2027. The law, sponsored by state Rep. Liz Berry, voids all restrictive covenants that prevent workers from creating or joining competing businesses and requires employers to notify current and former workers in writing about voided agreements by October 1, 2027. The measure expands upon a 2019 Washington state law that had limited noncompete agreements to high-earning employees and contractors above specified income thresholds.

Governor Ferguson signed Senate Bill 6026 on March 27, 2026, which requires Washington jurisdictions with populations exceeding 30,000 residents to permit housing in most commercial and mixed-use zones. The legislation was sponsored by Senator Emily Alvarado and aims to increase housing construction capacity by converting vacant retail spaces and strip malls into residential units. Ferguson stated the measure was designed to accelerate affordable housing development and help the state achieve its goal of constructing over one million housing units within twenty years.

Ferguson signed Washington House Bill 2416 on March 26, 2026, legislation that extends compliance timelines for Spokane's Waste-to-Energy Plant to meet state greenhouse gas emission reduction targets. The bill requires the Department of Ecology to provide no-cost carbon credits to the facility through 2030 while it gradually reduces emissions, and mandates submission of a compliance plan by December 2030 showing how the facility will meet statewide greenhouse gas standards by 2040 and 2050. The legislation passed the House 76-20 on March 11 and the Senate 39-10 on March 4.

Gov. Ferguson signed legislation that restricts Washington counties from sharing voter information, including names, dates of birth, addresses, and identification numbers, in response to federal requests for such data. The bill, sponsored by state Sen. Marcus Riccelli, authorizes only the Secretary of State to release voter information and makes violations a Class C felony. The legislation was requested by Secretary of State Steve Hobbs in response to the Department of Justice's requests for voter data from multiple states, which Hobbs had declined on the grounds that such information is protected under state law.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development announced an investigation into Washington's Covenant Homeownership Program, which provides no-interest loans of up to $150,000 to help cover down payments and closing costs for homebuyers from racial groups harmed by historical housing discrimination. Governor Ferguson responded to the federal investigation by stating the state would be thoughtful in its response and expressed confidence that the program could withstand legal challenge, having adopted it only after determining it could do so. The investigation examines the program's compliance with the federal Fair Housing Act, with HUD specifically noting that people of European, Arab, and Jewish descent do not qualify for assistance under the program.

Governor Ferguson signed House Bill 2225 into law on March 26, 2026, making Washington the first state to enact AI chatbot regulation specifically designed to protect minors. HB 2225 requires AI platforms to detect potential self-harm indicators, provide crisis support resources, restrict inappropriate or exploitative content when engaging with underage users, and prohibit manipulative design practices known as dark patterns that exploit feelings of loneliness or abandonment. The legislation follows mounting concerns about risks posed by AI technology to at-risk youth.

Representative Scott introduced House Bill 2089, which was signed into law in March 2026, narrowing a tax deduction for mortgage lenders with annual issuance of $10 billion or more. The legislation eliminates what Scott characterized as a tax break originally intended to benefit community banks but primarily utilized by large financial institutions such as Rocket Mortgage. Revenue generated from the measure will be dedicated to forest health initiatives, community wildfire preparation, and firefighting workforce development.

Ferguson signed legislation establishing rounding rules for cash transactions in response to the U.S. Mint's cessation of penny production. The law requires cash transactions to be rounded to the nearest nickel according to a specified formula, with amounts ending in 1-2 cents rounding down to 0 cents, amounts ending in 3-4 or 6-7 cents rounding to 5 cents, and amounts ending in 8-9 cents rounding up to 10 cents. The legislation takes effect in mid-June and applies only to cash payments, leaving electronic transactions unaffected.

Ferguson signed legislation in the previous year making Washington the first state in the United States to recognize Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha as official state holidays. The law established legal recognition for both Islamic holidays observed by Muslims in the state. This action followed broader efforts to acknowledge religious observances in Washington's official calendar.

Governor Ferguson signed House Bill 2355, the workers' bill of rights, in March 2026. The legislation establishes employment protections for domestic workers, requiring written agreements that specify schedules, pay, expectations, duration, and termination notice procedures. The bill defines domestic workers as those hired for four or more hours per month, though critics noted the threshold's ambiguity regarding casual labor arrangements.

Governor Ferguson proposed a supplemental budget in December that would have reduced Washington State University's funding by approximately $11 million, representing a 3.2% cut to the institution. The Washington Legislature passed a revised supplemental budget that reduced WSU's allocation by $1.4 million instead, a substantially smaller reduction attributed partly to an improved state revenue forecast in February. The final budget also included $6 million in capital funding to address deferred maintenance and $7 million for renovation of the Team Health Education program in Spokane.

Governor Ferguson signed legislation in March 2026 that modifies Washington state law to allow local jurisdictions to contract with certified outside laboratories for blood test analysis in DUI cases, rather than requiring all analysis to be performed by the state toxicology lab using methods approved by the state toxicologist. The new law, which passed both houses unanimously, was designed to address a backlog of more than 16,800 samples at the state toxicology lab and reduce case processing delays. Spokane County Prosecutor Preston McCollam acknowledged the legislation addresses the state backlog but expressed concern that the law provides no funding to support local jurisdictions that use private laboratories for analysis.

Mayor Wilson announced a pause on the expansion of police surveillance cameras across Seattle on March 19, 2026, with an exception for 26 cameras in the Stadium District ahead of the World Cup, which would remain inactive except during credible threats. Wilson simultaneously ordered hundreds of license plate readers on Seattle police vehicles to be turned off pending completion of an audit to determine what federal agencies could access through the surveillance systems. The decisions reflected an effort to balance requests from businesses and community members seeking expanded surveillance capabilities with concerns from activists and supporters regarding potential federal government access to local surveillance data.

Governor Ferguson signed legislation on Thursday that prohibits law enforcement officers from wearing facial coverings during official duties and bars individuals from falsely identifying themselves as police officers. The bills were passed during the recent legislative session amid concerns about federal immigration enforcement actions. The signing ceremony took place at a cultural and resource center in Seattle and was attended by state legislators and city officials, though protesters outside the venue called for additional state protections regarding data sharing with federal immigration authorities.

Governor Ferguson signed Senate Bill 6084 on March 19, 2026, clarifying Washington state law to explicitly prohibit voting more than once in an election, regardless of whether ballots cast on the same election date contain different candidates or measures. The legislation was prompted by a state appeals court decision in January 2026 that overturned a felony conviction for double voting, with the court finding ambiguity in the existing statute's definition of "election." The bill, which included an emergency clause and took effect immediately, defines an election as the same election when voting occurs on the same date, independent of variations in candidates, offices, or ballot measures.

Washington Governor Bob Ferguson announced that the state will not issue a proclamation honoring Cesar Chavez Day in 2026 following publication of sexual abuse allegations against the late labor activist. Ferguson's office stated that in light of the allegations, the governor would not recognize the holiday, which Washington had observed as a state legal holiday since 2018. Instead, Ferguson indicated he would celebrate Dolores Huerta Day on April 10.

Governor Ferguson received legislation on Thursday that would establish asymmetrical rounding rules for cash transactions in Washington state as the nation phases out penny production. The bill authorizes rounding to the nearest nickel using specific guidance: totals ending in 1 or 2 cents round down to zero, totals ending in 3, 4, 6, or 7 cents round to 5 cents, and totals ending in 8 or 9 cents round up to 10 cents. The measure had not been signed as of Monday afternoon.

Governor Ferguson signed legislation clarifying Washington state law regarding double voting after an appeals court overturned a man's felony conviction for voting in both Oregon and Washington in 2022. The new law, requested by Secretary of State Steve Hobbs, specifies that attempting to vote in two elections in Washington or in an election in Washington and another state during the same election cycle constitutes a felony punishable by up to five years in prison or a $10,000 fine. The legislation passed the state House unanimously and the state Senate 43-1, and took effect immediately upon Ferguson's signature.

Governor Bob Ferguson signed Senate Bill 5880 on Wednesday, legislation that permits accredited private laboratories to conduct drug and alcohol testing for impaired driving cases in Washington State. The law addresses a backlog of approximately 16,700 DUI cases awaiting analysis at the state toxicology lab, where testing wait times exceed 10 months statewide and average 22 months in Seattle. SB 5880 passed the legislature unanimously and allows local jurisdictions to contract with private labs while maintaining requirements that lab personnel be available for court testimony.

Governor Ferguson signed Senate Bill 6084 in March 2026 following a state appeals court decision that overturned a double voting conviction by interpreting two ballots cast on the same day in different states as separate elections. The legislation, sponsored by Senator Adrian Cortes, clarifies that an election refers to any general, primary, or special election and specifies that elections occurring on the same date are considered the same election regardless of differing candidates, offices, issues, or measures. The bill contained an emergency clause and took effect immediately upon Ferguson's signature.

The Washington State Clemency and Pardons Board voted 3-to-1 to recommend the release of Travis ComesLast, who has served approximately 30 years of a 46-year sentence for the 1996 murder of Christopher Gongyin in Spokane. ComesLast was convicted of shooting Gongyin in the head during a home invasion when Gongyin was 20 years old and present with his wife and infant daughter. Ferguson received the clemency board's recommendation and faces a decision on whether to grant or deny ComesLast's release.

Washington Gov. Ferguson announced commitment to proceeding with core elements of the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program despite cost estimates increasing 140% from $6 billion to $14.4 billion. Ferguson stated that the core projects, including replacing the two bridge spans, connecting to Interstate 5, and extending light rail from North Portland to downtown Vancouver, would cost $7.65 billion and would be funded through $5.5 billion in available state and federal funding plus an additional $1 billion sought from the Federal Transit Administration. The remaining components of the full five-mile corridor would be completed in phases as funding becomes available, with overall construction expected to span up to 15 years beginning in 2028.

Governor Ferguson signed Senate Bill 6084 on Tuesday, legislation that clarifies Washington state law to explicitly prohibit voters from casting ballots in multiple elections held on the same day. The bill passed with overwhelming support in both chambers, receiving 47-1 approval in the Senate and 93-0 in the House. The legislation was prompted by a 2022 case in which a Lewis County resident's double-voting conviction was overturned on appeal due to ambiguous language in state election law, and the new statute takes effect immediately with double voting classified as a Class C felony.

Ferguson signed Senate Bill 5917 on Saturday, legislation that eliminates a requirement for Washington State to receive payment when distributing mifepristone pills from its state stockpile to healthcare providers. The law also requires the Department of Corrections to coordinate with the Department of Health to identify recipients for the medication. The change removes a cost barrier that previously required the state to charge at least the purchase price plus a $5 fee per dose.

Governor Ferguson proposed allocating up to $629 million in revenue from the state's Climate Commitment Act to fund tax rebates for low- and middle-income families as part of budgetary negotiations during the 2026 legislative session. Legislative negotiators from the House and Senate ultimately rejected this approach and instead adopted a Senate budget version that did not use climate commitment revenues for tax relief purposes. The negotiated budget directed funding for expanded tax credits through a tax on income above $1 million, scheduled to take effect in 2029, which Ferguson stated would provide between $300 and $1,300 annually to approximately 460,000 additional households.

Governor Ferguson signed Senate Bill 5963 into law on Saturday, legislation sponsored by Senator T'wina Nobles that expands automatic eligibility for the Washington College Grant to more youth who have experienced homelessness or foster care. The bill streamlines the financial aid application process for these students to access state colleges and workforce training programs. The legislation passed the Legislature with bipartisan support.

During the 2026 Washington legislative session, Governor Ferguson issued a statement affirming the passage of a bill imposing a 9.9 percent income tax on earnings above one million dollars, which is projected to raise approximately 3.5 billion dollars annually when it takes effect in 2029. Ferguson cited the income tax legislation and associated tax relief measures as key priorities addressed during the 60-day session. The bill, which awaits Ferguson's signature, challenges nearly a century of state tax policy and existing state Supreme Court precedent regarding income taxation.

During his second legislative session as governor, Ferguson worked with Washington state lawmakers over a multi-month period to develop and advance his legislative agenda. Ferguson insisted that lawmakers eliminate a sales tax on equipment replacements for data centers to ensure the nearly $80 billion dollar operating budget would balance without requiring a special session. Ferguson stated that the legislature addressed virtually every issue he had outlined in his State of the State address, though he noted disappointment that a bill creating a "mosquito fleet" passenger ferry system for Puget Sound did not reach agreement before session's end.

Washington's Senate Bill 6346, which imposes a 9.9% tax on income above $1 million annually beginning in 2029, cleared the state Legislature with a 27-21 Senate vote on Wednesday and a 51-46 House vote on Tuesday. The legislation represents the first income tax in Washington state in nearly 100 years and directs revenue toward tax relief and government spending increases, including expanded free school meal programs. Governor Ferguson is expected to sign the bill into law in the coming weeks.

Governor Ferguson signed legislation establishing Washington state's first income tax on high earners, a measure passed by the Democratic-controlled House of Representatives on Tuesday and the Senate on Wednesday. The tax applies to income above a specified threshold and Ferguson stated it would affect less than one half of one percent of Washington residents while generating revenue for public services. The enactment of the millionaires tax occurred amid debate within the business community about its economic effects, prompted by concerns about affordability and inequality in the state.

Washington Governor Ferguson announced legislation to provide free breakfast and lunch to all K-12 public school students in the state, approximately 1.5 million students regardless of family income level. Ferguson stated the measure would expand access beyond current income-based eligibility thresholds and cited benefits including improved student learning and time and cost savings for working parents. The proposed legislation was developed in collaboration with Senator Riccelli and Representative Berg.

Governor Ferguson included a proposal to repeal special tax exemptions for drug wholesalers and data centers in his December budget proposal, which was incorporated into a state budget agreement unveiled by lawmakers on Wednesday. The budget agreement, which increases overall spending from $77.9 billion to $80.2 billion for the biennial period through June 2027, dedicates $55.4 million through June 2027 to implement a new income tax on millionaires and draws $880 million from the state rainy day fund. Ferguson will have more than three weeks to decide whether to sign the budget after the state legislature votes on it Thursday.

Governor Ferguson indicated he would sign legislation imposing a 9.9% tax on income exceeding $1 million annually, known as the "millionaires tax," which the Washington State Senate approved in March 2026. The measure represents the state's first-ever income tax and was expected to generate $3 billion to $4 billion in annual revenue. Ferguson's approval would complete the legislative process, though the tax faced potential ballot measure campaigns for repeal and anticipated legal challenges expected to reach the state Supreme Court.

The Washington state Senate voted 27-21 to concur with House amendments to Senate Bill 6346, a measure imposing a 9.9% tax on income exceeding one million dollars annually, and sent the bill to Governor Ferguson for signature. The legislation is estimated to generate between three billion and four billion dollars annually for state services including schools and free K-12 school lunches, with first payments due in 2029. Ferguson was expected to sign the measure into law.

Senate Bill 5974, which passed both the Washington House and Senate on a party-line vote, grants the state authority to remove elected county sheriffs through a review process conducted by the Washington state criminal justice commission. The bill awaits Governor Ferguson's signature. Pierce County Sheriff Keith Swank publicly stated he would not accept removal under the legislation's provisions.

The Washington state Legislature passed a bill imposing a 9.9% income tax on earnings exceeding $1 million annually, with collections beginning in 2029. Governor Ferguson announced his intention to sign the measure into law following the Senate's final approval on March 12, 2026. The tax is projected to generate $3 billion to $4 billion annually for state education and services, affecting an estimated 20,000 to 30,000 households in the state.

The Washington State Senate voted 27–21 on March 11, 2026, to concur with House amendments to Senate Bill 6346, a proposed tax on households with more than $1 million in annual income at a rate of 9.9%. The bill includes an amendment expanding the Working Families Tax Credit and reducing taxes on small business owners. Governor Ferguson indicated he would sign the revised version of the legislation.

Governor Ferguson signed legislation on March 11, 2026, that extends the time parents have to review special education evaluation reports before meeting with school districts to discuss their child's eligibility for services. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Rob Chase of Spokane Valley, requires school districts to provide parents or legal guardians at least five days to examine their child's evaluation report prior to eligibility discussions. The law takes effect 90 days after the end of the legislative session.

Governor Ferguson announced his support for a proposed income tax on high earners, commonly referred to as the "millionaires tax," after the Washington state House passed the legislation in a 51 to 46 vote following a 25-hour floor debate on March 10, 2026. Ferguson's endorsement came after amendments were added to the bill that expanded the Working Families Tax Credit, earmarked 5% of revenue for child care and early learning programs, and added over-the-counter medications to sales tax exemptions. The bill would impose a 9.9% tax on household incomes exceeding one million dollars and is estimated to generate approximately three billion dollars annually once it takes effect in 2029.

The Washington State Senate voted 39-10 on March 10, 2026, to concur with House amendments to SB 6002, a bill regulating the use of automated license plate reader cameras, sending it to Governor Ferguson's desk. The legislation establishes a 21-day data retention period for information collected by the cameras and permits their use in investigations of felonies and gross misdemeanors. The bill received bipartisan support in both chambers, with the House passing it 84-10 and the Senate having previously approved it 40-9.

Washington Governor Bob Ferguson announced his intention to sign a revised version of Senate Bill 6346, legislation that imposes a 9.9% tax on state residents with more than $1 million in annual income. The revised bill includes an amendment expanding the Working Families Tax Credit to reach more households and reducing taxes on small business owners. Ferguson stated the measure is part of a broader effort to address affordability for Washington residents through initiatives including funding for free school meals and additional sales tax exemptions.

The Washington State Senate gave final approval to Senate Bill 5974 on March 10, 2026, with a 30-19 vote, advancing legislation that would allow the state to decertify and remove elected sheriffs and police chiefs who fail to meet professional standards set by the Criminal Justice Training Commission. The bill also raises the minimum age for sheriff candidates from 18 to 25 and requires at least five years of full-time law enforcement experience. The legislation now proceeds to Governor Bob Ferguson for his signature.

Democratic Governor Ferguson indicated support for a Washington state measure that would impose approximately a 10% annual tax on personal income exceeding $1 million, a proposal the state House adopted and sent back to the Senate before legislative adjournment. The tax is designed to generate billions in new revenue intended for funding free K-12 school meals, childcare services, a family tax credit, and eliminating sales taxes on personal care items. Ferguson's support is conditional on the Legislature sending the bill to him before the Thursday adjournment deadline.

Governor Bob Ferguson signed legislation creating a $100 million state grant program designed to increase law enforcement hiring across Washington, with the first two grants awarded to the Kent Police Department for $1.9 million to hire 20 officers and the Black Diamond Police Department for $375,000 to hire one officer. The program requires participating jurisdictions to meet specified criteria including adopting a 0.1% public safety sales tax, following state model policies, and collecting use of force data. Agencies must spend awarded funds by mid-2028, with grants covering up to 75 percent of officer salary and benefits.

Senate Majority Caucus Chair Hasegawa introduced Senate Bill 6358 on Monday, which would strip corporations, limited liability companies, and nonprofits of their legal existence if they spent money attempting to defeat a ballot measure or influence an election. Senate Majority Leader Pedersen stated the bill cannot advance during the current legislative session due to constitutional restrictions on bills introduced in the final ten days. Hasegawa indicated the bill was introduced to initiate discussion about campaign finance rather than to pass in the current session, citing growth in outside spending since the Citizens United ruling.

Ferguson blessed a proposed state income tax on high earners that the Washington House brought to a final vote in March 2026. The measure would create a 9.9% state income tax on personal earnings exceeding $1 million annually, applying to approximately 30,000 taxpayers beginning in 2028. The Democratic majority voted down approximately 80 amendments proposed by Republicans and some Democratic critics before advancing the legislation.

The Washington state Senate approved Senate Bill 5855, sponsored by Javier Valdez, which prohibits law enforcement officers from wearing face-concealing masks during public interactions. The bill requires local, state, and federal officers, including ICE agents, to remain visibly identifiable while wearing items such as balaclavas, tactical masks, and gaiters, with exemptions for safety equipment and religious coverings. The measure now proceeds to Governor Ferguson for signature.

Gov. Ferguson appointed Theo Angelis, a partner at K&L Gates with experience in appellate work and intellectual property litigation, to fill a vacancy on the Washington Supreme Court created by Barbara Madsen's retirement. Angelis, who has no prior judicial experience, will formally assume the position on April 3, 2026, and will serve until a special election determines who will complete the remainder of the six-year term. Angelis will be the first justice of Middle Eastern descent on the state Supreme Court, according to the governor's office.

Governor Ferguson appointed attorney Theo Angelis to the Washington State Supreme Court, making Angelis the first justice of Middle Eastern descent on the state's high court. Angelis, who has 25 years of legal experience as a partner at K&L Gates focusing on appellate work and intellectual property litigation, will replace retiring Justice Barbara Madsen on April 4. This marks Ferguson's second Supreme Court appointment, following his November appointment of Colleen Melody to replace Justice Mary Yu.

Governor Ferguson announced his renewed support for Washington's proposed "millionaires tax," which would impose a 9.9% tax on individual income exceeding $1 million annually and a 9.9% charge on pass-through business income over $1 million. The tax is expected to generate $4 billion annually and would take effect in 2028, with revenue directed toward education, health care, and other state programs. The measure has generated significant debate within Washington's business community regarding its potential effects on small businesses and entrepreneurs.

Governor Ferguson stated that more than 50% of the estimated $3.5 billion annual revenue generated by a proposed tax on millionaires must be directed toward tax relief. Ferguson's position differed from that of Senate Majority Leader Jamie Pedersen and House Speaker Laurie Jinkins, who called for allocating 25% to 40% of revenue to tax relief. Ferguson's stance influenced the debate over the income tax bill during the 2026 legislative session.

Governor Ferguson announced his intention to sign legislation establishing a new state income tax of 9.9% on individual earnings exceeding $1 million annually, affecting approximately 30,000 taxpayers with taxes owed beginning in 2028. Ferguson's pledge came after negotiations with Democratic legislative leaders over the bill's provisions, including the scope of tax breaks for families and businesses. Washington would become one of the first states without a personal income tax to implement such a measure if the bill passes and is signed into law.

Governor Ferguson announced he would sign a revised version of Washington's proposed "Millionaires' Tax" after lawmakers added an amendment expanding the Working Families Tax Credit to reach an additional 460,000 households and providing qualifying families with checks ranging from $300 to $1,300. The amended bill, which imposes a 9.9% tax on Washington residents earning more than $1 million beginning January 1, 2028, also exempts over-the-counter medications from sales tax, eliminates sales taxes on diapers and hygiene products, and dedicates 5% of tax revenue to the Fair Start for Kids Account for childcare and early learning programs. Ferguson stated that the amendment addressed his previous condition that a significant portion of revenue be returned to residents as part of a broader affordability effort.

Senate Bill 5974, sponsored by Senator John Lovick, passed the Washington House on a party-line vote in March 2026 and now proceeds to Governor Bob Ferguson for signature. The bill would establish minimum age and experience requirements for sheriffs, require background checks and Criminal Justice Training Commission certification, and permit the commission to revoke certification for misconduct, which would automatically remove an elected sheriff from office. The legislation would apply the same professional standards to elected sheriffs that currently apply to appointed law enforcement officers throughout the state.

Governor Bob Ferguson received House Bill 2303 from the Washington legislature, which prohibits employers from requesting, requiring, or coercing employees or job applicants to receive subcutaneous microchip implants. The bill passed the state Senate unanimously and the House 87-6, establishing legal remedies including actual damages, punitive damages, and attorney fees for workers subjected to such demands. If Ferguson signs the legislation, Washington would become the 14th state to enact a ban on mandatory workplace microchipping.

Governor Bob Ferguson announced his backing of a state income tax proposal on individuals and couples earning at least $1 million annually, which would generate approximately $3.5 billion annually beginning in 2029. The legislation, currently awaiting a House vote, would fund universal free school meals for students alongside tax relief measures including a proposed tax holiday on items under $1,000, sales tax exemption on diapers, and expansion of the Working Families Tax Credit. Ferguson stated Friday that he would sign the legislation into law once passed.

Washington House Bill 2303 prohibits employers from requesting, requiring, or encouraging employees to have microchips implanted in their bodies. The bill passed the Washington House of Representatives 86-6 on February 14, 2026, and the Senate unanimously on March 5, 2026, and now awaits Governor Bob Ferguson's signature. If Ferguson signs the legislation, Washington would become the 14th state to enact a preemptive ban on employer-mandated microchipping.

The Washington Legislature passed legislation that prohibits law enforcement officers from wearing masks while engaged in public duties, with the state House approving the bill 56-37 along party lines. Governor Bob Ferguson had requested related legislation that separately passed the state Senate 30-18, which bars members of the public from making, providing, or possessing law enforcement badges or insignia when a reasonable person would believe the person is a peace officer. Supporters of both bills cited the need for officer accountability and public transparency, while the legislation is understood to address concerns about masked federal immigration enforcement officers operating in the state.

Attorney General Bob Ferguson filed a lawsuit against O'Reilly Auto Parts in August 2023 alleging the company systematically violated Washington's Healthy Starts Act by failing to provide reasonable pregnancy-related workplace accommodations to more than 50 women employed at its Puyallup distribution center. The lawsuit documented that the company did not train its Washington management and human resources staff on state accommodation requirements and engaged in practices including prohibiting pregnant employees from sitting or resting, limiting rest breaks, requiring handling of hazardous materials, and preventing postpartum employees from pumping breastmilk. O'Reilly Auto Parts was ordered to pay $5.6 million in compensation to the affected employees.

The Washington House of Representatives passed a bill banning police officers and federal agents from wearing masks while performing public-facing duties, with a vote of 56 to 37 on March 4, 2026. The measure returned to the Senate for consideration of House amendments before proceeding to Governor Ferguson for signature. Ferguson is expected to sign the bill into law.

Ferguson proposed capping the Working Connections Child Care program as part of his budget deficit reduction plan. The proposal would have reduced benefits to approximately 16,000 low-income families and allocated nearly half of his proposed cuts to the program. The Washington Legislature rejected Ferguson's proposal to cap the program.

Gov. Ferguson stated in March 2026 that passage of the income tax legislation, specifically Senate Bill 6346, could be delayed until 2027 if lawmakers and the governor could not resolve disagreements over revenue allocation by the end of the legislative session on March 12. Ferguson had consistently demanded that a majority of the estimated $3 billion in annual revenue from the proposed 9.9% tax on household income over $1 million be directed toward tax relief for working families and tax credits for small businesses, while lawmakers were targeting between 25 and 40% for such purposes. The governor indicated he remained committed to reaching an agreement during the current session but would accept postponement to achieve his stated fiscal priorities.

Ferguson, then serving as Washington Attorney General, initiated an investigation in May 2024 into whether the Catholic church in Washington misused charitable funds to cover up allegations of child sex abuse. A state appeals court ruled on March 3, 2026 that the attorney general's office could continue seeking information from the church, directing a lower court to determine the scope of permissible subpoenas. Ferguson, now Governor, stated the ruling represented an important victory for transparency and called on church leaders to cooperate with the investigation.

Governor Ferguson expressed hope that a deal on Senate Bill 6346, which would impose a 9.9% income tax on Washington households earning over $1 million annually, could be reached before the 2026 legislative session ended on March 12. Ferguson told political donors that passing the millionaire income tax could require returning in the next year to complete the bill in a longer session. Ferguson stated he sought a majority of the revenue to go toward tax relief for working families and small businesses in Washington state.

The Washington State Court of Appeals unanimously ruled that the Attorney General's Office has authority to investigate whether the Catholic Church used charitable funds to cover up alleged child sexual abuse by clergy, reversing a lower court decision that had blocked the investigation. The three-judge panel rejected the Archdiocese's argument that religious organizations are categorically exempt from the Attorney General's subpoena power, holding that constitutional religious protections do not shield evidence of criminal or tortious conduct. The case returns to King County Superior Court, where the investigation into decades of alleged abuse and the Archdiocese's response to abuse allegations will proceed.

Governor Ferguson announced his support for a proposed state income tax on individual earnings exceeding $1 million per year in late December, with the tax rate set at 9.9% and implementation scheduled for 2029. Ferguson stated during a February 17 news conference that he would support a constitutional amendment to prevent the threshold from being lowered to apply to additional taxpayers in future years and to include an inflation adjustment. The proposal was moving toward passage in the state legislature as the legislative session entered its final weeks in February 2026.

Governor Ferguson proposed capping enrollment in the Working Connections Child Care program to achieve an estimated $217 million in savings during the current biennium as part of efforts to address the state budget shortfall. The proposal would restrict eligibility for the child care subsidy program, which currently serves over 33,000 families earning below 60% of the state median income. Democratic lawmakers in both the House and Senate rejected Ferguson's enrollment cap approach in favor of alternative reimbursement restructuring proposals outlined in Senate Bill 6353 and competing House budget frameworks.

Community activists called on Governor Ferguson to block U.S. Customs and Border Protection access to Washington driver data after a University of Washington report documented that federal immigration agents continued accessing license plate information and driver records despite state laws prohibiting such cooperation. The report identified cases in which CBP agents obtained driver data from the Department of Licensing prior to making immigration arrests, including an incident involving an abandoned vehicle on Interstate 5 in December 2025. Ferguson's office stated that his administration was working on options to limit CBP access to driver information while maintaining cooperation with legitimate law enforcement needs.

Governor Ferguson's office backed legislation to lower Washington's blood alcohol content limit for driving while intoxicated from 0.08% to 0.05%, with senior policy adviser Nathan Olson testifying before the House Community Safety Committee in February 2026 that the change would improve road safety. The Washington Senate previously approved the bill on a 26-23 vote, with most Democrats supporting it and most Republicans opposing it. The House Community Safety Committee failed to act on the legislation before a Wednesday deadline in late February 2026, effectively killing the bill for that legislative session.

Governor Ferguson championed a $100 million grant program designed to address Washington state's ranking as last in the nation for police staffing per capita by providing funds to cities and counties for police hiring. The program, which Ferguson vowed to veto the state budget without, requires local governments to impose a new 0.1% sales tax or redirect an existing public safety sales tax and meet various criteria including training standards and use-of-force data collection. As of February 2026, the first round of applications remained open with minimal uptake, and local officials reported frustration with slow implementation and technical difficulties in accessing the funds.

Governor Ferguson proposed borrowing $1 billion against future gas tax receipts to fund the purchase of three additional hybrid electric ferries for the Washington State Ferries system. The House and Senate transportation budget committees declined to include Ferguson's borrowing request in their spending proposals unveiled in February 2026, with committee chairs citing the need to wait for delivery of already-ordered ferries and to explore alternative procurement methods such as leasing. The Legislature's transportation budget writers instead allocated funding for highway safety and maintenance while deferring decisions on additional ferry acquisitions to future budget negotiations.

Governor Ferguson introduced a state budget plan designed to close a multibillion-dollar budget deficit through ending tax exemptions for drug wholesalers and data centers, withdrawing $1 billion from the state rainy day fund, reducing spending by $800 million, and reallocating unspent funds across state government. Both the House and Senate Democratic budget plans adopted Ferguson's proposals for closing the tax exemptions while rolling back the state's top estate tax rate from 35% to 20%. The legislative plans called for increased overall spending in the current biennium through June 2027, with budget writers attributing the increases to inflation and higher demand for state services rather than new policy decisions.

Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson issued a statement welcoming the U.S. Supreme Court decision that restricted President Trump's ability to impose sweeping tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977. Ferguson noted that a coalition of state officials, including his office, had submitted a brief supporting the legal challenge to the tariffs. He stated that the tariffs had undermined Washington's economic well-being and disrupted key sectors including agriculture, manufacturing, and technology.

Lt. Gov. Denny Heck stated that the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to strike down the Trump administration's sweeping tariffs was widely anticipated and noted that the ruling did not address repayment of the approximately $130 billion collected from importers since the tariffs took effect. Heck indicated that the court's invalidation of most tariffs could allow the Federal Reserve greater flexibility in considering interest rate cuts and reduce inflationary pressures. Gov. Bob Ferguson issued a statement recognizing that Washington is the most trade-reliant state in the nation in response to the court's decision.

Governor Ferguson submitted a formal application to the federal government on February 17, 2026, requesting a major disaster declaration for Washington state following December flooding that caused $182.3 million in damage to public infrastructure. Ferguson stated that the damage assessment represents the largest dollar amount of public infrastructure damage in Washington state in more than four decades when adjusted for inflation, and noted the figure was preliminary and likely to increase. The major disaster declaration, if approved by President Trump, would authorize the Federal Emergency Management Agency to provide public assistance funds covering up to 75 percent of the state's recovery costs.

Governor Ferguson stated his dissatisfaction with an income tax bill approved by the Washington state Senate on a 27-22 vote, which imposes a 9.9% tax on adjusted gross household income above $1 million annually. During a press conference, Ferguson outlined a blueprint for allocating the resulting revenue that included $1 billion in small business tax relief, expansion of the working families tax credit by 30%, and temporary sales tax holidays on items under $1,000. Ferguson's proposals drew criticism from House lawmakers who questioned his approach to communicating his priorities to the legislature as the 2026 legislative session neared its March 12 conclusion.

Governor Ferguson proposed directing approximately $1.9 billion annually from estimated revenue generated by a state income tax on millionaires toward tax breaks and cuts for residents. Ferguson specifically called for a state sales tax exemption on all diapers and baby products, estimating the exemption would cost around $200 million per year. Democratic lawmakers in the Legislature indicated willingness to consider Ferguson's proposals, though they had rejected a similar Republican amendment on the Senate floor earlier in the week.

Governor Ferguson stated that pending legislation to impose a 9.9% income tax on individuals earning more than $1 million annually represents a positive step but requires modification before he would sign it into law. Ferguson called for lawmakers to allocate approximately $1.9 billion of the estimated $3.5 billion in annual revenue to direct tax relief, including raising the small business tax credit threshold to exempt businesses' first $2.5 million from the B&O tax. Ferguson also expressed support for an amendment to repeal the previous year's sales tax expansion on services while maintaining the tax on advertising services.

Governor Ferguson announced a budget framework in December that proposed tapping Washington's rainy-day fund, cutting $800 million in spending, and shifting nearly $600 million from carbon auctions to fund tax credits for low- and moderate-income families to address a projected $2.3 billion budget shortfall. The framework included proposed reductions to state services such as closing enrollment for the Working Connections Child Care program, cutting higher education funding, and halting planned increases in school district funding. Ferguson stated he looked forward to working with the legislature to deliver a responsible, balanced budget, though the proposal drew criticism from Democrats who preferred revenue increases alongside spending cuts.

Ferguson announced on February 17, 2026 that Washington state would request $182 million in major-disaster assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to cover infrastructure damage from December flooding. The application seeks federal reimbursement for approximately three-quarters of qualifying repair costs for roads, public buildings, parks, and water control facilities damaged in what Ferguson characterized as the largest dollar amount of public infrastructure damage in Washington state in four decades. Ferguson stated that the figure remained preliminary and would likely increase as repair assessments continued.

King County Prosecuting Attorney Manion urged Washington state lawmakers to restore $21.38 million in funding for crime victim services in the 2027 supplemental budget, warning that programs providing domestic violence shelter, crisis lines, victim advocacy, and civil legal aid could face approximately 50 percent reductions without the additional allocation. The office and multiple community organizations noted that the current supplemental budget allocated $12 million, approximately half of the requested amount needed to maintain baseline funding levels. Manion stated that without the funding increase, some communities could experience program closures that would impact crime survivor safety and access to support services.

The Washington Senate approved Senate Bill 5917 on February 10, 2026, which removes a requirement that the Department of Corrections sell its stockpile of abortion medication at cost. The bill allows, but does not require, the DOC to receive any amount of payment when distributing mifepristone and misoprostol to healthcare providers. The legislation passed 48-0 and addresses the state's need to distribute medication purchased by former Governor Jay Inslee in 2023 and 2024 before the remaining doses expire in 2028 or 2029.

Two Washington Fish and Wildlife commissioners, Lorna Smith and Melanie Rowland, rejected allegations contained in a 10-page memo prepared by Department of Fish and Wildlife Director Kelly Susewind's staff in May 2025 that claimed they coordinated with Claire Davis, president of the advocacy group Washington Wildlife First, and circumvented open meetings and public records laws. The memo, which became public in February 2026 through a records request, alleged the commissioners' interactions with Davis posed conflicts of interest and favoritism risks to the department. Governor Bob Ferguson had previously ordered a separate investigation into whether the commissioners violated state transparency laws, an inquiry that remains ongoing.

The Environmental Protection Agency formally rescinded a 2009 determination that greenhouse gas emissions from motor vehicles threatened public health and welfare, eliminating the legal basis for federal regulation of greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles, power plants, and the oil and gas industry. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced the decision, citing high costs of regulations and stating the proposal could save $54 billion annually. Governor Ferguson stated in response that the federal action was unlawful and ignored science, and that Washington would not allow short-term politics to harm long-term community interests.

Washington Governor Bob Ferguson stated in response to the Trump administration's February 12, 2026 action that the Environmental Protection Agency's repeal of the endangerment finding for greenhouse gases was unlawful and ignored science. Ferguson referenced Washington state's experience with climate impacts including floods and wildfires as evidence that climate change endangers communities and health. Ferguson did not announce a specific state action in the statement but indicated Washington's position that the federal action would be challenged.

Washington State Senator John Lovick introduced Senate Bill 5974, which would authorize a state oversight board to remove sheriffs who have lost their peace officer certification, while preserving counties' authority to appoint replacements. Lovick stated the bill aims to hold elected sheriffs to the same accountability standards applied to their deputies, citing Washington's sheriff standards as unchanged since 1854. Radio host Jake Skorheim challenged the proposal on grounds that it would transfer appointment authority from local counties to a state board appointed by the Attorney General.

Governor Ferguson advocated for the enactment of Senate Bill 6346, which would impose a 9.9% tax on Washington residents with annual income exceeding one million dollars. Ferguson stated that high-income earners were not contributing their fair share in taxes. The Senate Ways and Means Committee advanced the bill for consideration.

Governor Ferguson sought to add mental health safeguards to artificial intelligence chatbots through the introduction of House Bill 2225 and Senate Bill 5984 in Washington State. The proposed legislation would require chatbot operators to disclose to users that they are interacting with AI rather than humans at the beginning of interactions and every three hours thereafter, and to notify users that AI systems are not health care providers when mental or physical health advice is sought. Additionally, the bills would mandate that chatbot operators establish protocols for detecting self-harm and suicidal ideation and provide referral information for crisis services.

Reykdal announced support for Senate Bill 6346, which proposes a 9.9% tax on individuals earning more than $1 million annually beginning in 2028, expected to generate over $3 billion in annual revenue. Reykdal stated at a news conference that the proposal should pass without amendments and would make the state's tax code more equitable. Reykdal advocated for allocating revenue from the tax to reduce property tax burdens on middle-class families and increase funding for basic education and college programs.

Governor Bob Ferguson did not support the Democratic-proposed millionaires' tax bill in its current form, which would impose a 9.9% tax on income over $1 million and was estimated to raise $3.7 billion for education and social programs. Ferguson joined Washington Republicans in opposing the legislation, citing historical voter rejection of income taxes in the state. The proposed tax faced additional legal and electoral hurdles before potential implementation.

State Sen. Yasmin Trudeau, D-Tacoma, and State Sen. Jeff Holy, R-Cheney, jointly advanced Senate Bill 6002, legislation that would regulate automated license plate reader use by local jurisdictions and establish data retention limits. The bill passed the Washington Senate 40-9 on February 4, 2026, receiving support from all 30 Democratic senators and 10 of 19 Republican senators. The legislation specifies permitted uses of the technology, including searches for stolen vehicles, missing persons, felony warrants, and vehicles connected to felony investigations, and addresses concerns raised by a University of Washington report documenting unauthorized federal immigration enforcement access to the data.

Washington Supreme Court Justice Barbara Madsen announced her retirement effective April 3, 2026, after serving on the court since 1992. Governor Bob Ferguson will appoint Madsen's replacement to fill the vacancy created by her mid-term departure. Madsen's retirement is one of three Washington Supreme Court justice departures occurring in 2026, following Ferguson's recent appointment of Colleen Melody to replace Justice Mary Yu.

Democratic lawmakers unveiled a proposed income tax on Washington residents earning more than one million dollars annually, designed to generate 3.7 billion dollars in annual revenue, on February 3, 2026. Governor Bob Ferguson stated in a written statement that he could not support the proposal in its current form, citing concerns that it did not include sufficient tax cuts alongside the new revenue. Ferguson indicated that discussions between his office and legislators would continue, describing prior conversations as productive despite the disagreement over the plan's structure.

Governor Ferguson framed a proposed income tax on millionaires as necessary to address a projected $12 billion to $16 billion budget shortfall while making Washington's regressive tax system fairer. Washington lawmakers introduced bills HB 2724 and SB 6346 in February 2026, which would impose a 9.9% tax on individual income exceeding $1 million and would override Initiative 2111, the legislature-approved measure that banned state and local income taxes in Washington. If passed, the tax would not take effect until January 1, 2029, with the delayed implementation reflecting the time needed to build collection systems and account for anticipated legal challenges.

Governor Ferguson stated he could not support a proposed 9.9% income tax on annual earnings exceeding $1 million, scheduled to begin in 2028, without substantial revisions to the bill introduced by legislative Democrats in February 2026. Ferguson estimated that the proposal allocated approximately $230 million annually to tax relief measures, representing roughly 7% of the projected $3 billion in revenue, and called for a significantly larger percentage of the tax revenue to be directed toward tax relief rather than general fund spending. Ferguson's statement came shortly after legislative Democratic leaders indicated they had held a positive conversation with the governor regarding the proposal.

Washington state Democrats introduced a proposed income tax on households earning over one million dollars, which would apply a 9.9 percent tax rate to income above that threshold and generate an estimated 3.7 billion dollars in revenue. Governor Ferguson stated in February 2026 that he could not support the bill in its current form, asserting that it did not allocate a sufficient percentage of revenue toward making life more affordable for residents. Ferguson indicated he would work with legislators in the coming weeks to modify the proposal to meet his requirements before considering his endorsement.

Governor Ferguson stated he could not support HB 2724 and SB 6346, legislation that would impose a 9.9% tax on individual income above $1 million, in their current form. Ferguson cited concerns that the bills allocated insufficient revenue directly to residents, noting that approximately 7% of generated revenue would return to taxpayers, and stated that he wanted substantially larger tax relief provisions for small businesses and expanded eligibility for the Working Families Tax Credit. Ferguson indicated his willingness to continue negotiations with legislative leaders during the ongoing session to address his stated concerns before any measure reached his desk.

Washington Supreme Court Justice Barbara Madsen announced her retirement effective by the start of April 2026, ending a tenure that began with her election in 1992 as the first woman elected to the Washington Supreme Court. Governor Ferguson will select Madsen's replacement by April 3, with the appointee required to run for election later in 2026 to fill the remainder of her term, which would have concluded in 2029. Madsen's retirement represents one of three judicial vacancies on the bench occurring within a year, following Justice Raquel Montoya-Lewis's announced retirement and Justice Charles Johnson's mandatory retirement upon reaching age 75.

Washington Governor Ferguson declared that the actions of immigration officials in the fatal shooting of intensive care nurse Alex Pretti in Minneapolis on January 24, 2026, were unconstitutional. Ferguson joined state Attorney General Nick Brown in questioning the legal authority of federal immigration enforcement agents in their conduct during enforcement operations. The statements followed increased Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrests and detention activity in Washington state.

Washington Governor Bob Ferguson appointed Jane Nesbitt as interim director of the Office of Independent Investigations following the resignation of the agency's first director, Roger Rogoff, effective May 3, 2026. Nesbitt, who has served as chief of staff at OII since August 2022, will oversee the agency's mission of conducting investigations into police use-of-force cases statewide. Her appointment became effective February 1, 2026, and Ferguson stated he was confident in her ability to provide leadership during the transition period.

The Washington State Senate passed Senate Bill 5067 on January 28, 2026, legislation that would lower the state's driving under the influence blood alcohol concentration threshold from 0.08% to 0.05%. The bill passed 26-23 and now proceeds to the House for consideration. Governor Ferguson indicated support for the measure through his senior policy adviser, stating the change would align state law with current research on impairment.

The Washington Senate passed Senate Bill 5855 on January 28, 2026, which would prohibit law enforcement officers from wearing face coverings while engaged in public duties, with limited exceptions for undercover operations and tactical protective gear. The bill passed along party lines with 30 Democratic votes in favor and 19 Republican votes against and now proceeds to the House of Representatives. Governor Ferguson requested that legislators expedite the bill's passage so he could sign it into law, with the legislation containing an emergency clause that would make it effective immediately upon his signature.

Washington lawmakers, led by state Senator Manka Dhingra, introduced Senate Bill 6239 to require civil claims involving government misconduct to proceed through arbitration rather than directly to court litigation. Governor Bob Ferguson included $955 million in his budget proposal to address the state's growing tort liability costs, which reached approximately $500 million in settlements and verdicts in the previous year. The legislation would apply arbitration requirements to all claims against state and local government entities, with the measure scheduled for committee consideration and set to take effect immediately upon passage and Ferguson's signature.

Governor Bob Ferguson and Attorney General Nick Brown announced on Monday that state officials have prepared contingency plans in response to potential increased federal immigration enforcement operations in Washington. Ferguson stated that while state officials cannot prevent Immigration and Customs Enforcement from operating in the state, they have taken preparatory steps including assigning the chief of the Office of Refugee and Immigrant Assistance to attend governor's cabinet meetings and hiring senior adviser David Kim to focus on immigration and refugee issues. Ferguson indicated he would consider activating the Washington National Guard if necessary to protect state residents, referencing Minnesota Governor Tim Walz's deployment of 1,500 National Guard members following a weekend incident.

Washington Governor Bob Ferguson and Attorney General Nick Brown held a press conference to condemn federal shootings in Minneapolis and signed a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stating that an internal memo allegedly directing Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers to enter homes without judicial warrants violates the Fourth Amendment. Ferguson stated he met with the state's National Guard leadership to discuss potential scenarios and said he would take necessary steps to keep Washington residents safe should similar federal actions occur in the state. Brown indicated that his office, working with Ferguson, has closely monitored the situation in Minnesota and stated they would use every legal option available to hold the federal government accountable if ICE attempts unconstitutional measures in Washington state.

Governor Ferguson held a press conference condemning federal immigration enforcement following the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by a Border Patrol agent in Minneapolis and stated that Washington state is prepared to use every legal option available if similar incidents occur in the state. Ferguson met with Major General Gent Welch of the Washington National Guard to discuss potential scenarios and indicated he would not hesitate to activate the Guard if necessary to protect state residents, potentially positioning it as a buffer between federal agents and public protest. Ferguson did not offer specific criteria for deployment but stated his decision would be based on protecting the people of Washington state.

Ferguson requested $21.3 million in federal disaster relief funding from FEMA following record river flooding in December 2025 that damaged nearly 4,000 homes across Washington state. The request seeks to provide grants to individuals and businesses in affected counties and tribal nations for home repair, rebuilding, and recovery efforts. Ferguson announced the state would separately request additional federal funds to repair public property in February and is seeking a major disaster declaration from the federal government to enable residents to apply for federal loans.

Rep. Tarra Simmons introduced House Bill 2641, the ICE Out Act of 2026, which would prohibit Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents hired after January 20, 2025, from becoming law enforcement officers in Washington state. The bill applies only to ICE agents hired during the current presidential administration and does not affect current law enforcement officers already employed in the state. Rep. Shaun Scott of Seattle is listed as a co-sponsor of the legislation.

The Office of Management and Budget directed federal agencies to compile detailed spending reports on Washington state and 14 other states regarding federal funding allocations, characterizing the request as a data-gathering exercise that does not involve withholding funds. The directive followed President Trump's statement that the federal government would withhold federal funding to states and localities with sanctuary policies beginning February 1, 2026. Washington state's sanctuary status stems from the Keep Washington Working Act, passed in 2019, which restricts local law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration enforcement efforts.

Governor Ferguson appointed Colleen Melody to the Washington Supreme Court, a position she formally assumed at the beginning of the year. Melody previously served as division chief for the Wing Luke Civil Rights Division in the Office of the Attorney General, a department Ferguson had established during his tenure as attorney general. Melody became the 100th justice in the history of the Washington state Supreme Court and will serve a six-year term on the nine-member court responsible for interpreting state laws, hearing appeals, and upholding state and federal constitutions.

Brown, Washington's attorney general, filed 50 lawsuits against the Trump administration during his first year in office, beginning the day after the president's inauguration. The legal challenges addressed federal funding for Washington state, the dismantling of federal agencies, and constitutional questions including birthright citizenship. Brown secured victories at the district and appeals court levels in his challenge to an executive order restricting birthright citizenship, though the Supreme Court separately took up the issue through another case.

Governor Ferguson expressed support for legislation to lower Washington's legal blood alcohol content limit for driving from 0.08% to 0.05%, according to reporting by The Spokesman-Review. A senior policy adviser for Ferguson's office stated that the change would update the state's BAC threshold to align with current research on impairment and would not alter how DUI enforcement is conducted. The proposal was heard by members of the House committee in January 2026, with passage potentially positioning Washington as the second state with the lowest BAC limit in the nation.

Ferguson released a budget proposal on December 23, 2025, to address a projected $2.3 billion shortfall in the state's current operating budget by reducing spending by $800 million, withdrawing $1 billion from the state's budget stabilization account, and utilizing revenues from air pollution allowance auctions. The proposal included reducing child care program enrollment, implementing cuts to public schools and higher education institutions, and redirecting climate funding toward tax credits for low-income working families. During public hearings before the House Appropriations and Senate Ways and Means committees, dozens of testifiers criticized the budget approach, while the governor's proposed income tax on millionaire-earners received applause but faced concerns about delayed revenue generation.

Washington Governor Ferguson requested $1 billion in additional transportation budget funding to address the aging Washington State Ferry fleet, which has an average vessel age of 35 years with 11 of 21 vessels operating beyond typical maritime service lifespans. The ferry system currently operates 18 boats that carried over 20 million passengers in the previous year but experiences service disruptions due to mechanical failures and vessel deterioration. Three new electric hybrid ferries are under contract with an out-of-state shipyard, with the first vessel expected to enter service in 2030.

Governor Ferguson's office announced backing for House Bill 2362, which would lower Washington's blood alcohol content limit for drivers from 0.08% to 0.05%. Nathan Olson, a senior policy adviser for the governor's office, testified before the House Committee on Community Safety in support of the measure, stating that the lower limit reflects current research on impairment levels. The legislation was scheduled for a committee vote, with passage positioning Washington to become the second state after Utah to implement the lower BAC standard.

Governor Ferguson's office expressed backing for legislation in the Washington House Community Safety Committee that would lower the state's blood alcohol limit from 0.08% to 0.05% of alcohol per liter. Nathan Olson, a senior policy adviser for Ferguson's office, testified before the committee in January 2026 that the proposed change would align the legal standard with current research on impairment. If approved, Washington would become the second state in the nation to adopt the lower limit, following Utah.

Governor Ferguson included an additional $120 million in his proposed supplemental budget for 2027 to support the OneWashington project, a $776 million upgrade to the state's financial systems that had been struggling. The project was restructured to establish a more realistic launch date for its first phase in 2027 at the earliest, following the state Office of Financial Management's announcement of major changes in December 2025. Ferguson's budget proposal also represented support for the restart of a $292 million effort at the Department of Labor and Industries to upgrade the state's workers' compensation system, which had been suspended in August 2025 after repeated delays and cost overruns.

Governor Ferguson's 2026 budget proposal continues a funding cut to a state housing program for homeless students that the Washington state Legislature had previously reduced. The program, identified as one of the state's most effective initiatives addressing student homelessness, would lose approximately one-third of its funding under the proposal. This reduction occurs amid a documented worsening of student homelessness in Washington's public schools over the past decade.

In his State of the State address on Tuesday, Governor Ferguson called recent ICE conduct "horrific" and "unjust," stating that "it needs to stop now." Ferguson expressed support for a new bill in the state legislature that would prohibit local, state, and federal law enforcement officers from wearing masks while interacting with the public, except during undercover or SWAT operations. The governor's remarks came in response to escalating federal immigration enforcement activity across the United States, including an ICE shooting in Minneapolis and arrests in Seattle.

Governor Ferguson requested Senate Bill 6026, legislation that would prohibit cities from requiring ground floor retail and restaurant spaces in new apartment buildings. Under the proposed bill, developers could instead add additional apartments or tenant amenities such as gyms and recreation rooms in place of mandatory storefronts. The bill received its first hearing on January 16, 2026, as Ferguson cited housing affordability concerns, noting that developers often pass the costs of unprofitable ground-floor commercial spaces to renters through higher housing prices.

Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson proposed redirecting $569 million in revenue from the state's carbon pollution permit auctions away from environmental spending to fund sales-tax refunds for lower-income taxpayers as the state faces budget pressures. The Climate Commitment Act, which established the cap-and-trade system in 2023, permits the use of auction proceeds for the tax rebates, though no auction funds have previously been allocated for this purpose. Environmental groups characterized the proposal as a reduction in clean energy funding, while Republican legislators expressed support for using the climate auction revenue to address affordability concerns.

State Senator Emily Alvarado introduced Senate Bill 6026, which would legalize residential development within most commercial zones across Washington state cities and counties. The bill aims to convert vacant commercial properties such as empty big box stores, vacant strip malls, and parking lots into residential housing. Lieutenant Governor Denny Heck, working on behalf of Governor Bob Ferguson's housing production initiative, has been investigating similar solutions after two previous bills attempting to allow housing on underutilized commercial properties failed in the prior legislative session.

Governor Ferguson announced a proposal for a 10% state income tax on individuals earning more than $1 million annually during his annual State of the State address. The revenue from this millionaire's tax would fund a $3 billion infrastructure plan, including $1 billion for ferries and $244 million for affordable housing. Ferguson characterized the tax as a measure to address what he described as an inequitable tax system in which lower-income households pay a higher percentage of their income in taxes than wealthy households.

Governor Ferguson urged Washington state lawmakers to pass legislation that would ban federal, state, and local law enforcement from wearing face masks while on duty, with exceptions only for preventing virus spread. The bill was introduced in both the House and Senate and debated by a state Senate committee in January 2026, with Ferguson reiterating his support during his State of the State address and calling for immediate passage. Similar legislation had been enacted in California the previous year, though the Department of Justice subsequently filed suit claiming the law discriminated against the federal government.

During his first State of the State address delivered to the Washington legislature on January 13, 2026, Ferguson called for lawmakers to establish an income tax on individuals earning more than one million dollars annually and to invest billions into the state's aging transportation infrastructure. Ferguson proposed a $2.1 billion spending plan over the next decade for road maintenance and preservation. The governor characterized these investments as priorities for his first proposed budget and urged legislators to address infrastructure needs during the 58-day legislative session.

Governor Ferguson's office expressed support for Senate Bill 5855, which would require law enforcement officers to be clearly identifiable and generally prohibit them from wearing opaque facial coverings while performing their duties, with exceptions for undercover officers, SWAT teams, and those using medical or safety equipment. Nathan Olson, a policy advisor with the Governor's Office, stated that the measure builds trust between law enforcement and communities by ensuring officers are identifiable. The bill cleared the Senate Law and Justice Committee in January 2026 and advanced to the Senate Rules Committee.

The Washington State Executive Ethics Board ruled that Governor Ferguson likely violated state law by permitting his former advisor Mike Webb to travel with him on a state plane during summer 2025. Ferguson has 30 days to request a hearing to contest the allegations or enter settlement discussions with the board, which could result in a penalty ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. As of the article's publication, Ferguson stated he had not yet reviewed the ruling and had not directly responded to the charges.

Governor Ferguson proposed budget cuts of 3% for the University of Washington and Washington State University, and 1.5% for regional universities and community colleges, which would save the state an estimated $50 million in a supplemental budget. The cuts would result in reductions of $19.3 million at UW, $11.6 million at WSU, and $1.7 million at EWU, with each institution required to trim administrative expenses as part of the reduction. University officials expressed concern about the cumulative effect of the cuts, particularly given that public universities had already undergone similar reductions in the prior year's budget.

Governor Ferguson proposed a supplemental budget for the 2026 legislative session that includes approximately $800 million in spending cuts, nearly $1 billion drawn from the state's rainy-day fund, and redirection of Climate Commitment Act revenue to address a multibillion-dollar budget shortfall. Ferguson also introduced a proposal for a 10% tax on annual earnings above $1 million, estimated to generate about $3.5 billion annually, with a stated plan to direct significant revenue toward tax relief including expanded Working Families Tax Credit rebates and exemptions for small businesses. The proposals were presented to lawmakers as the state legislature convened to address the budget crisis and related fiscal challenges.

The Washington State Executive Ethics Board voted to find reasonable cause that Governor Ferguson violated state ethics law by allowing Mike Webb, his former chief strategy officer, to travel on a state aircraft in June 2025 while Webb was no longer employed by the state. The board determined that Ferguson illegally provided a special privilege by granting Webb passage on the State Patrol plane during an official visit to the Tri-Cities, contrary to state law prohibiting use of state resources for private gain. The case will proceed to an enforcement hearing where the ethics board will determine whether a violation occurred and may impose a financial penalty of up to $5,000.

Washington Governor Bob Ferguson asked state legislators to introduce Senate Bill 5984, which would establish safeguards on artificial intelligence chatbot companions, particularly those used by minors. The bill would require chatbots to disclose their non-human nature at the beginning of conversations and every three hours thereafter, prohibit sexually explicit interactions with underage users, and mandate referrals to mental health services when chatbots detect signs of self-harm. Ferguson's request followed multiple high-profile cases in which teenagers using AI chatbots experienced mental health crises and suicide.

Ferguson proposed approximately $800 million in spending cuts, closing tax preferences, shifting revenue from other state accounts, and withdrawing $1 billion from the state's rainy day fund to address an estimated $2.3 billion budget deficit through June 2027. Ferguson also backed a 9.9% income tax on individuals earning more than $1 million annually, which could generate approximately $3 billion per year if implemented, though the revenue would not be available until 2029. Democratic legislative leaders indicated openness to considering the proposed millionaires' tax during the upcoming 60-day legislative session.

Governor Ferguson proposed selling bonds to pay for transportation expenditures, including setting aside $1 billion for repairing 10 of the most at-risk bridges in the state. Ferguson visited Spokane in the summer to reinforce the commitment to completing the North Spokane Corridor by 2030, a project that was fully funded through a 6-cent increase to the state gas tax passed by the Legislature. The proposal drew scrutiny from some Republicans on the Senate transportation committee who questioned whether bond financing was an appropriate funding mechanism for transportation infrastructure.

Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson allowed his former chief strategy officer Mike Webb to travel on a state plane to the Tri-Cities on June 26, 2025, during a trip that included official business and a political fundraiser. The state Executive Ethics Board unanimously determined on January 10, 2026, that there was "reasonable cause" to believe Ferguson violated the Ethics in Public Service Act by providing Webb, a non-state employee, use of state resources. The board scheduled a hearing where Ferguson may contest the charges in person or through written testimony before determining whether a violation occurred and what enforcement action, if any, is warranted.

The Washington State Executive Ethics Board found reasonable cause that Governor Ferguson violated state ethics law by allowing his former chief strategy officer Mike Webb passage on a state aircraft in June 2025. Webb, who had resigned from state employment in March and was subsequently hired by a law firm to advocate for a wildfire victims compensation fund, traveled with Ferguson on a State Patrol plane during an official trip to the Tri-Cities. The board's staff investigation concluded that Ferguson illegally provided a special privilege to Webb by allowing him use of state resources for private purposes.

Governor Ferguson proposed redirecting $559 million from Washington's Climate Commitment Act account toward working family tax credits, despite objections from the policy's original architects. The Climate Commitment Act has accumulated approximately $4.3 billion since 2023 from greenhouse gas emitters, with funds originally designated for emissions reduction and climate mitigation projects. Ferguson's proposal prompted additional budget requests from other officials, including State Representative Jim Walsh's proposal to allocate funds toward schools.

Reykdal delivered his annual "State of Education" address on January 8, 2026, calling for reform to Washington's tax code, which he characterized as unsustainable and harmful to public schools and middle-class families. His remarks came in response to Governor Ferguson's proposed supplemental budget, which included approximately $147 million in education spending reductions. Reykdal called on state lawmakers to initiate tax reform discussions during the legislative session and stated that education funding should receive at least one billion dollars to address inflationary pressures.

Governor Ferguson's administration discovered that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement continued accessing Washington state Department of Licensing data through September and November 2025, despite prior commitments to restrict such access, according to a University of Washington Center for Human Rights report released in January 2026. The licensing department and Washington State Patrol stated that Ferguson "stands prepared to take further action" while committing to comply with applicable laws and balance data protection with legitimate law enforcement investigations. Ferguson characterized Washington as a "national leader on protecting the private information of our residents" and stated the state would "evaluate all our options to protect Washingtonians" from both criminal threats and federal government actions.

Governor Ferguson proposed allocating nearly 15 percent of Washington state's Climate Commitment Act funds toward working family tax credits. The Climate Commitment Act, a state carbon pricing program, had previously accumulated a surplus through what the letter writer characterizes as responsible fiscal management. Ferguson's proposal would redirect a portion of these climate-designated revenues to provide tax relief for working families experiencing cost-of-living pressures.

Governor Ferguson proposed spending carbon auction revenue, accumulated from the state's cap-and-invest program since February 2023, on non-climate purposes including reducing families' sales tax payments and lowering schools' utility bills. The proposal emerged after the Washington Department of Ecology issued corrected calculations showing that auction-funded projects would reduce emissions by approximately 300,000 metric tons over their lifespans, substantially lower than the previously claimed 8.6 million metric tons due to data-entry errors. Ferguson's proposal was developed alongside Republican legislators as both parties sought to allocate the carbon auction fund, which has generated $5 billion in proceeds from major polluters purchasing permits to emit carbon dioxide.

Ferguson announced support for a 9.9% income tax on millionaires in Washington State, stating he intended to direct a significant portion of the tax revenue toward affordability assistance for working Washingtonians. The proposal drew criticism from KIRO Newsradio hosts who questioned both its constitutionality under Washington's tax law and its necessity given current state spending levels. Ferguson framed the tax as a response to the state's affordability crisis.

Ferguson backed the establishment of a state income tax in Washington, reviving a proposal that voters had approved in 1932 but which was struck down by the state Supreme Court in 1933. Ferguson's support came as Washington remained one of nine states without an income tax, despite over 90 years of periodic ballot measures on the issue. The governor's backing represented an effort to address the state's tax structure through a mechanism that had previously failed to gain voter approval in subsequent elections.

Governor Ferguson's proposed budget includes a request for $4.7 million in funding to the attorney general's office designated for federal litigation, representing a slight increase from the $4.5 million allocated in fiscal year 2026. The funding would support the state's ongoing lawsuits challenging federal government actions, with Washington having filed or joined 49 cases against the Trump administration over the preceding 11 months to protect over $15 billion in at-risk federal funding. The attorney general's office indicated in its funding request that litigation expenses are expected to continue and potentially increase as federal agency appointees become more established in their positions.

Governor Ferguson identified closing a carbon-market loophole in Washington's Climate Commitment Act as a priority for the 2026 legislative session beginning January 12. The loophole allows polluters to evade obligations under the existing climate policy. Ferguson's agenda for the short session also includes wildfire protection measures, new revenue mechanisms from natural resources, and regulatory focus on data centers.

Governor Ferguson released a $79 billion supplemental budget proposal on Tuesday designed to address a $2.3 billion state shortfall without general tax increases. The proposal included modifications to Washington's Medicaid policies that health care provider groups stated would reduce funding to low-income clinics and assisted living facilities by hundreds of millions of dollars. Ferguson's office indicated the budget proposal represented an initial step in the budget process and welcomed alternative suggestions from advocates and legislators.

Governor Ferguson was named as a defendant in a class-action lawsuit filed in Thurston County in December 2025 by property owners challenging the constitutionality of Washington's COVID-19 eviction moratorium. The suit alleges that the moratorium, which prevented landlords from evicting tenants for more than a year beginning during the pandemic, constituted an unlawful taking of property under the Fifth Amendment. The lawsuit names Ferguson, the state of Washington, and twelve municipalities including Spokane and Seattle as defendants.

Governor Ferguson announced Tuesday that a section of Highway 2 between Skykomish and Stevens Pass would reopen by Sunday following damage from historic flooding earlier in December. Ferguson stated that repair crews working seven days a week had cleared debris and that inspectors determined the bridge at Milepost 54 was structurally sound, though some repairs would be deferred until summer. Ferguson indicated that overall highway repairs could extend until March, with the state pursuing a federal disaster relief request to cover costs still being determined.

Gov. Bob Ferguson attended a roundtable meeting at Seattle City Hall on December 29, 2025, with Somali American community members and elected officials to hear concerns about doxxing of child care providers and immigration enforcement actions. Members of the Somali community reported that child care providers' licensing information had been posted online and amplified by public figures, leading to harassment and unannounced visits to their businesses, while others faced detention by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Ferguson and other state officials indicated they would seek investigations into the matters raised during the meeting.

Ferguson released his first supplemental budget proposal addressing a $2.3 billion budget gap through June 2027, which included a $1 billion withdrawal from the state's rainy-day fund. The governor indicated that new taxes would not be used to close the current budget shortfall, stating that lawmakers must spend within existing revenues. Ferguson expressed conditional support for a proposed millionaires' tax beginning in 2029 that would levy a 9.9 percent tax on earnings above $1 million annually, contingent on pairing it with tax reductions for lower-income residents and small businesses.

Ferguson announced a partial reopening of U.S. Highway 2 on the east side of the Cascades beginning Monday, allowing access to Stevens Pass ski resort after flooding and debris slides closed approximately 50 miles of the highway. The reopening will initially extend 20 miles between Coles Corner and Stevens Pass with pilot car escort service in one lane between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m., expected to continue for at least one month. Ferguson stated that full reopening would require extended time due to ongoing damage assessment and weather-dependent repairs, and separately proposed approximately $2 billion in funding for state bridge and road preservation and maintenance for legislative consideration.

Washington Governor Ferguson proposed a 9.9% income tax on individuals with adjusted gross income exceeding $1 million to address an anticipated multi-billion-dollar budget shortfall in 2026. Ferguson argued that Washington's current tax structure contributes to income inequality. The proposal generated public commentary, including criticism from media figures who suggested alternative approaches to addressing the state's fiscal challenges.

Governor Ferguson backed a Washington state income tax on millionaires as a proposal to address what he characterized as an affordability crisis in the state. The tax proposal was presented as part of Ferguson's approach to state budget challenges. The letter referenced Ferguson's repeated public statements regarding the need to address the state's fiscal situation through this taxation measure.

Governor Ferguson proposed allocating nearly $13 million in his supplemental budget request to enhance security at the Capitol campus following an October 5 break-in that caused over $600,000 in damage. The funding would restore a 24/7 security operations center with six full-time staff members and a public compliance space team that had been eliminated by earlier legislative budget cuts. The proposal would also increase physical security measures across the 486-acre campus, which Ferguson's administration noted has the largest geographic footprint but fewest law enforcement resources of any state Capitol campus in the country.

Gov. Bob Ferguson stated support for a state income tax on individuals earning more than $1 million annually during a news conference on Tuesday in Olympia. Ferguson proposed coupling the income tax with reductions in sales taxes on baby and hygiene items, expansion of the working families tax credit, increased K-12 school funding, and a lower tax rate for small businesses, while also supporting legislation to lock the income threshold into state law. Ferguson characterized Washington's current tax system as regressive and stated that the proposed changes would address what he described as an affordability crisis facing the state.

Ferguson announced support for a millionaires' tax on incomes over $1 million in Washington state during his December 2025 budget presentation and stated he would work with Democrats to pass such legislation in the upcoming legislative session. Ferguson specified the proposed tax would levy approximately 10 percent on incomes exceeding $1 million and acknowledged the proposal would likely face legal challenges requiring voter approval before generating state revenue. This represented a shift from Ferguson's previous position of discouraging income taxes on the wealthy, though he noted the state's fiscal circumstances had changed.

Governor Ferguson proposed cutting $146.7 million in education spending from the state's general fund in fiscal 2027, which included reducing slots in the Transition to Kindergarten program for 4-year-olds and implementing across-the-board cuts to public colleges and universities, with a 3% reduction at the University of Washington and Washington State University and a 1.5% cut to regional four-year institutions. State Schools Superintendent Reykdal issued a statement on the same day characterizing the budget proposal as taking an austerity approach and stating that closing budget gaps through cuts to public services represented a false narrative. Reykdal called for changes to the state's tax code as an alternative to the proposed spending reductions.

Governor Ferguson proposed a supplemental budget plan to address a $2.3 billion state budget shortfall through a combination of measures including $800 million in spending cuts, closing tax exemptions for drug wholesalers and data centers, allocating $1 billion from the state's rainy day fund, and shifting unspent funds across state government. The proposal also included $2.1 billion over ten years for road maintenance and $244 million for housing investments. Ferguson stated the plan represented an initial proposal to the legislature ahead of the upcoming legislative session where lawmakers would finalize the supplemental budget to fund the state through June 30, 2027.

Gov. Bob Ferguson vetoed House Bill sponsored by State Rep. Mark Klicker that would have funded a $233,000 study examining cost drivers for homeownership and rental housing in Washington. In his veto message, Ferguson stated that multiple studies had already identified primary housing cost drivers and that the state's limited resources should be directed toward implementing solutions rather than conducting additional research. Ferguson subsequently signed an executive order establishing a cabinet-level housing task force and announced a $244 million housing investment plan.

Governor Ferguson announced the deployment of 100 Washington National Guard members to monitor levees across Western Washington in response to flooding from multiple atmospheric rivers. Approximately 50 Guard members were assigned to patrol the Green, White, and Cedar river levees on a 24-hour basis to provide continuous surveillance of at-risk infrastructure. Ferguson stated the deployment was necessary due to historic stress on the levee system caused by record or near-record flooding levels and anticipated additional severe weather around December 28.

Energy Secretary Wright signed an emergency order requiring TransAlta to continue operating its Centralia coal-powered generating station beyond its planned end-of-year closure. The order directed the company to maintain operation of the coal plant despite previously announced plans to convert the facility to natural gas generation by 2028. Wright cited grid reliability concerns as the basis for the emergency directive.

Governor Ferguson proposed a $244 million supplemental budget allocation directed toward housing and flood relief. The budget includes funding described as investments in affordable housing to address Washington's housing affordability crisis. Ferguson stated the allocation would provide safety, security, and opportunity for thousands of Washington residents.

Governor Ferguson proposed a $2.1 billion transportation infrastructure spending plan over the next decade, announced during a news conference on December 19, 2025. The proposal allocates $164 million for paving projects in summer 2026, with $756 million over ten years for additional paving, $1.1 billion for bridge preservation, and $160 million for other projects. Ferguson stated the investment aims to address deferred maintenance in Washington's road and bridge systems and does not require additional tax increases beyond the transportation budget approved by the Legislature earlier in the year.

Governor Ferguson announced a $244 million housing investment proposal in December 2025, directing $225 million in bonds to the state's Housing Trust Fund to build or preserve more than 4,000 housing units across Washington. Ferguson also signaled support for a proposal by state Senator Emily Alvarado that would require jurisdictions using growth management plans to permit residential and mixed-use development in areas currently zoned for commercial use. The announcement was part of a series of budget proposals the governor planned to unveil in the coming days.

Ferguson proposed a $244 million supplemental budget designated as a record investment in housing, which includes $81 million to develop approximately 2,000 new affordable rental units and $55 million to rehabilitate and repair affordable homes damaged by recent floods. The proposal also allocates $73 million for a Homeownership Program to create 664 units for first-time homebuyers, with Ferguson characterizing the initial investment as a down payment while the state pursues federal disaster relief. Ferguson signed an executive order establishing the Washington State Task Force to prepare for establishing a separate Department of Housing.

Energy Secretary Chris Wright issued an emergency order on December 17, 2025, requiring the TransAlta Centralia coal power plant in Washington state to continue operating for 90 days beyond its December 31 shutdown deadline mandated by state law. The order cited grid stability concerns during winter months in the Pacific Northwest as justification for extending coal plant operations. Governor Ferguson joined with Attorney General Nick Brown and the Department of Ecology Director in a joint statement characterizing the federal action as manufacturing a false emergency and likely to increase costs while exposing Washington communities to additional pollution.

The Department of Energy issued an emergency order on December 17, 2025, directing the continued operation of the TransAlta coal power plant in Washington state, the last coal-fired facility in the state, through March 16, 2026. The order disrupted a long-established transition plan approved by the Washington Legislature in 2011 and a recent agreement between TransAlta, Puget Sound Energy, and environmental groups to convert the plant from coal to natural gas generation by late 2028. The Department of Energy justified the emergency order by citing grid stability concerns in the Northwest and an assessment from the North American Electric Reliability Corporation regarding potential winter electricity supply shortfalls.

Washington lawmakers proposed Senate Bill 5852, the Keep Washington Working Act, which would require employers to notify employees within 72 hours of receiving a federal notice of inspection to audit employment eligibility verification forms. The bill was expected to be introduced in the state Legislature in early 2026 and aims to reduce workplace immigration enforcement actions that result in employee detention. King County Councilmember Barón and other legislators characterized the notification requirement as a protective measure for workers and the state's economic interests.

President Trump signed an executive order on Thursday to prevent states from enacting artificial intelligence regulations, citing concerns that a patchwork of state laws would impede U.S. technological development. The action followed Congress's twice-repeated refusal to preempt state AI laws, including rejection of such provisions in a military spending bill passed by the House on Wednesday after state attorneys general from both parties opposed the restrictions. Trump stated that companies would be unable to operate under requirements to obtain approval from multiple states, and framed the executive order as necessary to maintain competitive advantage in AI development.

Governor Ferguson declared a state of emergency in Washington following historic flooding in the Puget Sound region in December 2025, when rivers rose to record levels and tens of thousands of residents evacuated their homes. Ferguson subsequently requested that President Donald Trump approve an expedited emergency declaration for the affected areas. The entire Washington congressional delegation, comprised of eight Democrats and two Republicans, joined Ferguson in urging the federal emergency declaration to facilitate disaster relief.

Governor Ferguson requested an emergency declaration from the federal government in response to flooding caused by atmospheric rivers that brought record water levels to the Skagit, Snohomish, and other Washington rivers. President Donald Trump granted Ferguson's request for the emergency declaration. The declaration allows the state to access federal resources and assistance for recovery efforts related to the flooding damage.

Washington Governor Ferguson declared a statewide emergency on Wednesday in response to an atmospheric river storm affecting Western Washington. The declaration permits the state to request federal funding to cover costs associated with the emergency response to flooding, road closures, and evacuations across the region. Ferguson stated at a Wednesday news conference that federal approval of the funding request was necessary given the scale of the crisis.

Governor Ferguson pledged $3.5 million from the state budget on Tuesday to assist people impacted by recent historic flooding in Western Washington. The allocation was announced as the region continued to recover from atmospheric rivers that caused widespread power outages, flooding, and at least one death. The funding announcement followed the Trump administration's approval of Washington state's appeal for federal disaster assistance.

Governor Ferguson declared a state of emergency in Washington as catastrophic flooding threatened Skagit, Snohomish, and King counties in December 2025. Authorities ordered evacuations for the entire 100-year floodplain of the Skagit River valley, with Ferguson's office estimating that approximately 100,000 Washingtonians could face evacuation orders as river levels rose. Ferguson's declaration of emergency enabled state coordination of emergency response efforts as multiple rivers throughout the region approached or exceeded record flood heights.

Governor Ferguson declared a statewide emergency in response to atmospheric river flooding affecting Western Washington on December 10, 2025, with the National Weather Service forecasting major flooding for 17 rivers. Ferguson requested an expedited emergency declaration from the federal government to secure additional federal resources for the affected region. Ferguson stated that up to 100,000 Washingtonians could face evacuation orders as rivers were expected to reach historic levels beginning the morning of December 11, 2025.

Governor Ferguson requested an emergency declaration from FEMA on December 10, 2025, as flooding across western Washington threatened to displace approximately 100,000 residents. Ferguson stated that rivers were expected to reach historic levels beginning early on December 11 and continuing into Friday morning. The governor urged residents to register for county emergency alerts and emphasized the need for federal assistance to address the flooding emergency.

Governor Ferguson declared a state of emergency in Washington on December 10, 2025, in response to historic flooding affecting Western Washington. Ferguson activated more than 100 National Guard members to the Marysville area and announced a request for an expedited federal emergency declaration from the federal government to access federal resources and financial support. The governor stated he would meet with Federal Emergency Management Agency officials and visit impacted areas in the coming days as the state prepared to evacuate approximately 75,000 people living along the Skagit River.

Gov. Bob Ferguson declared a statewide emergency in Washington on Wednesday as heavy rainfall threatened catastrophic flooding across western regions. Ferguson warned that lives would be at stake in coming days and announced the state was requesting water rescue teams and boats while hundreds of National Guard members would be deployed to assist affected communities. The declaration was issued as tens of thousands of residents in areas including Skagit County faced potential evacuation orders due to rivers approaching historic flood levels.

Governor Ferguson requested a Federal Emergency Management Agency disaster declaration in response to severe flooding affecting Washington state, with approximately 30 major highways closed including SR 20 and SR 530 in Skagit County. Ferguson stated that he and state officials detailed the situation to FEMA on Wednesday, describing highway closures, flood levels, and the evacuation of tens of thousands of residents. A follow-up conversation with FEMA was scheduled for Thursday afternoon to discuss approval of the emergency declaration.

Washington Governor Ferguson announced he will release a proposal later in December that addresses the state's multi-billion dollar budget shortfall exclusively through spending cuts without introducing new taxes. The proposal represents Ferguson's decision to pursue deficit reduction measures that do not include tax increases. Ferguson's announcement prompted discussion among state commentators regarding the budgetary implications of relying solely on expenditure reductions to close the projected shortfall.

Washington State Attorney General Brown gathered with Democratic lawmakers in December 2025 to discuss proposed legislation aimed at limiting employer cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Lillian Ortiz-Self and Sen. Rebecca Saldaña, would require employers to notify employees when the federal government requests an audit of employment eligibility information and would restrict employers from sharing employee personal data with federal authorities absent a judicial warrant or subpoena. The proposal mirrors similar legislation already enacted in California, Oregon, and Illinois.

Governor Ferguson stated that his budget proposal for the upcoming legislative session would not include new revenue and that spending reductions would be used to address a projected multi-billion dollar budget shortfall. This announcement came as the state legislature prepared for its 2025 session with Democrats controlling both chambers and facing pressure over how to balance the budget amid competing priorities. Ferguson's statement followed his signing of a $9 billion tax increase in the previous legislative session.

Ferguson announced that his budget proposal, to be released in December 2025, would address a multibillion-dollar state shortfall through spending cuts alone without raising revenues. Ferguson stated he would not sign legislation increasing sales taxes or property taxes and would not include revenue increases in his budget plan. His approach positioned him differently from progressive Democratic lawmakers, including state Representative Shaun Scott, who were advocating for new taxes on wealthy residents and large corporations.

Ferguson announced that his budget proposal, to be released in December 2025, would address a multi-billion dollar state shortfall through spending cuts exclusively, without increasing revenue through new taxes. Ferguson stated he would veto any increase in sales or property taxes if such legislation reached his desk, citing concerns that new tax proposals could not generate revenue quickly enough to address the immediate budget gap. The governor's approach contrasted with Democratic lawmakers who were advancing proposals for new taxes on higher-income residents and corporations to help balance the budget.

The Department of Justice filed suit against Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs in U.S. District Court in western Washington on Tuesday, seeking to compel the state to provide voter registration data including driver's license numbers or the last four digits of social security numbers. Hobbs had offered to provide voter names, addresses, genders, years of birth, voting records, registration dates and registration numbers, but declined to supply the additional personal identifying information, citing protection under Washington law and concerns regarding federal privacy law. The Justice Department alleged in its seven-page complaint that Hobbs' decision violates the federal Civil Rights Act of 1960, which grants federal courts the power to compel states to provide voter records to the U.S. attorney general upon demand.

The Department of Justice filed a federal lawsuit against Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs on December 2, 2025, seeking to compel the state to release voter registration data including names, dates of birth, addresses, and driver's license or Social Security numbers. The DOJ claimed authority under the Civil Rights Act of 1960 to demand production and analysis of statewide voter registration lists as part of an enforcement action regarding voter roll maintenance. Hobbs stated he would not comply with the request, citing both state and federal law prohibitions on releasing such personal information.

Washington state Senator Yasmin Trudeau, D-Tacoma, plans to introduce legislation in the 2026 session to regulate law enforcement use of automated license plate readers, a technology currently unregulated in the state despite use by police departments, businesses, and community groups. The draft bill would establish a 72-hour data retention period for license plate reader information, with exceptions for violent crime investigations, and would prohibit direct database access between agencies, requiring search warrants for inter-agency data sharing instead. The proposal responds to revelations that federal immigration authorities accessed Washington law enforcement license plate reader databases, sometimes without express permission, and follows at least 16 other states that have implemented reader regulations.

Governor Ferguson declared a state of emergency in response to a leak discovered on November 11 in the Olympic Pipeline, which supplies fuel to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. The proclamation temporarily waived state regulations limiting commercial vehicle driving hours to allow for alternative jet fuel transportation by truck. The pipeline was fully restored to operational status after BP Oil completed repairs to the affected segment near Everett.

Washington Governor Ferguson declared an emergency on November 17, 2025, in response to a leak in the Olympic Pipeline system discovered near Everett, which suspended jet fuel deliveries to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Ferguson's emergency declaration lifted restrictions on truck driver work hours to enable alternative fuel delivery to the airport by road during the pipeline shutdown. The declaration remained in effect until BP located the leak source in the gasoline pipeline on November 24 and resumed fuel flow to the airport.

Washington Attorney General Nick Brown filed a multistate lawsuit on Tuesday challenging changes made by the Department of Housing and Urban Development to the Continuum of Care grant program. The lawsuit alleges that HUD illegally imposed new conditions on the program, including work requirements, gender recognition mandates, and jurisdictional restrictions that would reduce permanent housing funding from approximately 90% to 30% of total allocations beginning in 2026. Brown stated the changes violate Congressional intent and will reduce funding available to Washington by approximately $84 million annually from its typical $120 million yearly allocation through the program.

Governor Ferguson announced that the Olympic Pipeline line supplying fuel to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport returned to online status after BP identified a leak in the second of two pipeline lines and confirmed no leak existed in the SeaTac supply line. Ferguson declared a state of emergency in response to the pipeline shutdown, issuing a proclamation that temporarily waived state regulations limiting commercial vehicle driving hours to facilitate jet fuel transport to the airport. Ferguson stated his office was coordinating with BP on repair and environmental cleanup efforts while monitoring gas price impacts.

Governor Kotek declared a state of emergency in Oregon on November 24, 2025, following a leak in the Olympic Pipeline, which supplies over 90 percent of the state's fuel. The emergency declaration was designed to ensure adequate fuel delivery to Oregon by ship and truck while the pipeline remained shut down, and included a waiver of certain regulations governing the operating hours of commercial drivers transporting fuel. State officials indicated they did not anticipate a fuel shortage but cautioned that fuel prices could increase due to the higher costs associated with alternative delivery methods.

Governor Ferguson issued a state of emergency on November 20, 2025, in response to a leak in the Olympic Pipeline that supplies jet fuel to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. The emergency order temporarily waived and suspended state regulations that limit the number of hours commercial vehicle operators can drive when transporting jet fuel, enabling trucking operations to deliver fuel to the airport during the pipeline repair. The action was taken to ensure adequate jet fuel supply during the Thanksgiving travel period while BP Pipelines worked to locate and repair the leak on the 16-inch pipeline between Everett and Snohomish.

Governor Bob Ferguson announced the selection of Colleen Melody to fill an upcoming vacancy on the Washington state Supreme Court, following an extensive selection process that included approximately 16 applicants. Melody, a 43-year-old Spokane native serving as division chief for the Wing Luke Civil Rights Division in the Office of the Attorney General, will assume the seat of retiring Justice Mary Yu at year's end. By law, Melody will serve in the position until a special election determines who will fill the remainder of the six-year term.

Ferguson created a workgroup of environmentalists, tech leaders, and government officials to develop recommendations balancing Washington's sustainability and economic growth goals regarding data center development, with the group scheduled to deliver recommendations to Ferguson's office on December 1. The workgroup drafted nine recommendations addressing data center tax incentives and regulatory requirements, including a proposal to make sales-and-use tax breaks contingent on data centers generating their own clean energy sources, though this recommendation was ultimately excluded from the final report. The final recommendations will require data centers to comply with Washington's existing environmental laws, including the state's requirement that all electricity generation be free of greenhouse gas emissions by 2045.

Governor Ferguson declared a state of emergency after a crack in the Olympic Pipeline near Everett forced the shutdown of the 400-mile fuel system that supplies refined petroleum products including jet fuel to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and other regional terminals. The emergency proclamation temporarily waives state regulations that limit commercial vehicle operator driving hours to enable truckers to transport jet fuel to SEA and maintain airport fuel supplies during the pipeline repair. The Olympic Pipeline, operated by BP Pipelines, was discovered leaking during routine maintenance and subsequent testing in mid-November 2025.

Washington Governor Bob Ferguson declared an emergency on November 20, 2025, following the shutdown of the Olympic Pipeline due to a leak south of Everett. The emergency proclamation temporarily waived and suspended state regulations limiting the hours commercial vehicle operators could drive when transporting jet fuel to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Ferguson's office stated the measure was necessary to ensure sufficient jet fuel reached the airport, which had limited fuel reserves and faced potentially significant operational disruptions if the pipeline did not resume service by the following Saturday.

The Spokane County Commission voted unanimously on Monday to donate $100,000 to Second Harvest, a regional food bank serving more than 200 food banks and social services across 26 counties. The commissioners issued a public challenge to other local governments to match the contribution, citing food security concerns affecting more than 85,000 county residents who lost Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits during the federal government shutdown. The gift was announced as part of a broader local response to address gaps in federal nutrition assistance during the holiday season.

Governor Ferguson committed Washington state to releasing $115 million in federal SNAP dollars to food assistance recipients following a federal court order, with an additional $48.5 million promised before November 28. Ferguson also pledged $2.2 million weekly to food banks throughout November in response to delays in federal food stamp funding during a government shutdown. These actions were taken after federal judges ordered the Trump administration to fully fund the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program despite the administration's initial refusal to do so.

Nelson, outgoing president of the Seattle City Council, introduced a bill to restrict political consultants' access to City Hall and require them to register with the city similar to lobbyists. The proposal was prompted by Mayor Bruce Harrell's hiring of Christian Sinderman, a longtime campaign adviser, as a city-paid consultant in the mayor's office for three years, a role Sinderman also held as campaign consultant for Nelson's electoral challenger. Nelson stated the restriction was necessary to prevent political consultants from influencing city governance and to protect confidential conversations between city officials from being used for political purposes.

Gov. Bob Ferguson is preparing his first budget proposal following the release of an updated revenue forecast showing Washington will collect $74.5 billion in tax revenue through 2027, a modest $105 million increase from the previous September projection. Ferguson stated that the improved forecast does not substantially change the state's budget challenges and that his proposal, expected in mid-December, will involve difficult decisions to address the revenue shortfall. The governor indicated his budget will balance preserving core services while making investments in important areas.

Governor Ferguson signed the two-year, $77.8-billion state budget in May 2025, which lawmakers passed after addressing a shortfall in the $12 billion to $16 billion range through new and increased taxes along with spending cuts. Ferguson stated he would release a budget plan before Christmas proposing adjustments to the framework ahead of the January 2026 legislative session, indicating the plan would preserve core services while making investments in important areas. The governor expressed skepticism about additional revenue measures being discussed for 2026, having previously rejected several tax proposals before approving the eventual budget package that lawmakers passed.

Governor Ferguson signed Senate Bill 5480 into law in 2025, which prohibits collection agencies from reporting medical debt to credit reporting agencies in Washington State. The law took effect in late July following passage with bipartisan legislative support. The Trump administration's Consumer Financial Protection Bureau subsequently issued guidance stating that federal law preempts state laws like Washington's ban, reversing the position taken during the Biden administration and opening the state law to potential legal challenges.

Governor Ferguson announced that the Ballmer Group committed up to $170 million per year for the next decade to expand Washington's Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program, potentially funding 10,000 additional preschool slots for low-income families. As a condition of receiving the donation, the state pledged to impose no further budget cuts to ECEAP for the next 10 years. Ferguson stated the goal of enrolling an additional 2,000 children in the program in the next school year and indicated the state would match any future increases in ECEAP funding by the Ballmers.

Governor Ferguson announced that the Ballmer Group Philanthropy pledged to fund up to 10,000 additional seats in Washington's Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program over the next 10 years, with potential annual costs of $170 million. The program provides free preschool and family support services for low-income three- and four-year-old children, and currently serves more than 14,000 students across 460 locations statewide. Ferguson stated that the state would work to expand program capacity to accommodate the additional slots while using the investment to serve eligible children across Washington.

Governor Ferguson held a joint press conference with Ballmer Group and state officials on Wednesday to announce a $170 million annual commitment to expand Washington's Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) over the next ten years. The funding will support free preschool access for up to 10,000 additional three- and four-year-old children annually beginning in 2026, pending legislative approval. Ferguson stated that the contribution would enable the state to expand enrollment in the program despite ongoing budget constraints.

Attorney General Nick Brown proposed revisions to the state's Public Records Act guidance to address backlogs in public records fulfillment. The proposed rules include a triage system requiring agencies to provide single, specific documents within five business days, raising the threshold for third-party notification before disclosure, and clarifying that records must be delivered "promptly." The changes were developed in response to requests from news organizations and open government advocates citing delays in records requests, though local government officials and clerks expressed concerns about resource requirements and implementation challenges.

Governor Ferguson spent four days at Western State Hospital in Lakewood during November 2025, fulfilling a campaign promise to work at the state's largest psychiatric facility to understand operational challenges. During his visit, Ferguson toured the construction site for a new state hospital and met daily with staff members. Ferguson stated at a Thursday news conference that while the state had made progress on mental health goals including reducing jail wait times for patients awaiting treatment, maintaining these gains would be difficult given the state's budget constraints, and he identified ensuring adequate psychiatric bed capacity as a priority for his upcoming supplemental budget.

Washington Governor Ferguson confirmed that hundreds of thousands of Washington households began receiving their November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits after a federal judge ordered the Trump administration to fully fund SNAP benefits for approximately 42 million low-income Americans. The Trump administration subsequently appealed the court order, and the Supreme Court granted the administration's request to temporarily block the federal judge's mandate, allowing the administration to continue with planned partial SNAP payments instead. Ferguson stated that over 250,000 Washington households received their full November benefits, though he noted the future of SNAP benefits remained uncertain pending the outcome of the administration's appeal.

Governor Ferguson signed the Washington State operating budget in May 2025, which allocated $77.8 billion in spending over two years and included approximately $4 billion from new and higher taxes and transfers into the general fund. Ferguson vetoed numerous line items before signing the budget, with the list of vetoed items spanning 15 pages and including many funding requests from individual lawmakers. Following a September revenue forecast showing a significant shortfall, Ferguson was expected to submit a revised budget proposal in December 2025 ahead of the 2026 legislative session to address the projected deficit.

Governor Ferguson toured the Western State Hospital campus in Lakewood and inspected the construction site of a new 350-bed forensic hospital scheduled to open in August 2028. During the visit, Ferguson met with Department of Social and Health Services officials, patients, and staff to review operations and patient care at the 800-bed psychiatric facility. Ferguson stated the new facility remains on schedule and on budget following his assessment of the behavioral health care system.

Governor Ferguson directed $2.2 million in state funds to support local food banks across Washington in response to the pause of SNAP federal food assistance benefits during the government shutdown that began November 1, 2025. The funding was allocated as a temporary measure while the Trump administration determined how to partially restore the supplemental food assistance program following a federal court order. Ferguson's allocation was one of several state and local emergency responses to address increased demand at food banks serving over 900,000 Washington residents who depend on SNAP benefits.

Washington voters approved Senate Joint Resolution 8201 in the November 2024 election with 56.8% support, allowing the state's long-term care program funds to be invested in private company stocks rather than restricted to lower-return options such as government bonds and savings certificates. Governor Ferguson joined a bipartisan coalition including Senate Minority Leader John Braun in writing support for the measure in the state voter's guide, describing it as a "commonsense measure" projected to grow the fund by an estimated $67 billion over 50 years. The amendment to the state constitution represents a second attempt at the policy after voters rejected a similar stock investment measure in 2020.

Ferguson announced he was developing a legal response after Alex J. Adams, the newly appointed assistant secretary for the U.S. Administration for Children and Families, sent a letter on October 16 demanding that Washington's Department of Children, Youth and Families cease requiring prospective foster and adoptive parents to affirm a child's gender identity. Ferguson characterized Adams' letter as misleading and inflammatory, stating that DCYF's policies prioritize child welfare and are designed to provide children with supportive environments.

Governor Ferguson announced that the state would direct nearly $2.2 million per week to Washington's food banks in response to a lapse in federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program funding that began November 1, 2025. The funding allocation was made as federal judges ordered the Trump administration to use emergency funds to deliver SNAP benefits during a government shutdown. Ferguson's action was undertaken alongside local efforts by Seattle city officials to address potential food insecurity among the state's nearly 930,000 SNAP recipients.

Girmay Zahilay won the King County executive election with 53.9% of the vote, defeating King County Councilmember Claudia Balducci, who received 44.8% of the vote. Balducci conceded the race on Friday and pledged her support to Zahilay. Zahilay will succeed outgoing executive Dow Constantine, who announced in November 2024 that he would not seek reelection after serving 15 years in the position.

Democratic state senators discussed imposing a 9.9% income tax on adjusted gross income above $1 million, which could generate an estimated $3 billion from approximately 20,000 households, during a Senate Democratic Caucus retreat in October 2025. Senate Majority Leader Jamie Pedersen stated that the concept remained under evaluation and that no decision had been made to introduce legislation in the 2026 session beginning January 12. Governor Bob Ferguson stated he was aware of the income tax proposal but had not taken a position, noting general skepticism about additional revenue increases and citing billions in revenue raised earlier in the year.

Governor Ferguson diverted $2.2 million to food banks across Washington state in response to the halting of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits that affected 930,000 state residents during the federal shutdown beginning November 1, 2025. The allocation was made as a last-minute intervention to support low-income, no-income, and disabled residents who relied on SNAP for groceries. Food banks and nonprofits across the state mobilized additional resources to address the gap created by the suspension of federal nutrition assistance.

Governor Ferguson announced that he would direct $2.2 million per week in additional state funding to food banks beginning November 1 if federal SNAP benefits are not restored by that date due to the government shutdown. Ferguson made this commitment as Washington joined 24 other states in filing a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Agriculture to compel the agency to use contingency funds to continue SNAP payments during the shutdown. The announcement addressed concerns that nearly 930,000 Washingtonians could lose food assistance benefits if the federal government shutdown extends into November.

Gov. Ferguson announced that Washington state will direct approximately $2.2 million per week to food banks beginning Monday in response to the federal government's halt of SNAP funding due to the government shutdown. The allocation was made as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program ceased federal funding on Saturday, affecting 83,000 people in Spokane County and 40 million Americans overall. Ferguson's allocation was acknowledged by food bank officials and economists as insufficient to fully offset the loss of SNAP benefits, which distribute approximately nine times more food than the charitable food bank system.

Governor Ferguson issued an emergency proclamation on Thursday following damage to the westbound I-90 Bullfrog overpass near Cle Elum caused by an oversized truck on October 21, authorizing WSDOT crews and contractors to remove damaged portions of the structure. During a Tuesday update, Ferguson stated that the replacement process would likely take several months, with most work scheduled for nighttime hours and limited daytime closures as necessary. Ferguson also noted that the state is pursuing federal funding through the Federal Highway Administration and seeking reimbursement from the truck operator and responsible parties for damages and repair costs.

Democratic Gov. Bob Ferguson signed House Bill 1296 in May 2025, legislation that revised Washington state's parental rights law for public school students. The law made significant changes including removing parental access to school-based medical records and extending the deadline for parents to receive copies of their child's school records from 10 days to 45 days. School board members and parents filed a lawsuit in Thurston County Superior Court in October 2025 challenging the law, with Ferguson named as a defendant alongside the state Legislature, the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, and state Superintendent Chris Reykdal.

Democratic Governor Ferguson signed House Bill 1296 in May 2025, a law that rewrote parental rights provisions for public school students. The legislation became contentious during the 2025 legislative session, with Republicans arguing it undermined Initiative 2081, which had been passed the previous year and established specific parental rights regarding classroom materials, medical records, and student assignments. School board directors and parents filed a lawsuit in Thurston County Superior Court challenging the law on constitutional grounds related to religious freedom and parental rights.

King County Council Vice Chair Reagan Dunn proposed the "Stupid Motorist Law" in response to three bridge strikes occurring within two months in Washington state. The proposal requests the Washington State Department of Transportation conduct comprehensive reviews of root causes for the strikes, continue infrastructure protection improvements including signage and detection systems, and explore stronger accountability measures such as increased fines or penalties for oversized vehicle violations and repeat offenders. Dunn urged Governor Ferguson to consider the bridge strikes and necessary infrastructure investments during the state's upcoming budget negotiations.

Governor Ferguson signed an executive order on October 23, 2025, to strengthen state consultation and collaboration with Native American tribal governments in Washington. The order directs the drafting of new tribal consultation policies, mandates expanded training for state employees on tribal sovereignty, and grants the Governor's Office of Indian Affairs a permanent seat in the executive cabinet with expanded authority to implement the directive. The measure was signed during the 2025 Centennial Accords meeting hosted by the Cowlitz Indian Tribe and represents Ferguson's first attendance at the annual gathering as governor.

Governor Ferguson issued an emergency proclamation on October 23, 2025, following damage to the Bullfrog Road overpass caused by a semi-truck strike on Interstate 90 near Cle Elum. The proclamation authorized the state to seek federal funding and enter into emergency contracts to expedite repair work. Ferguson stated the measure would enable westbound lanes of I-90 to reopen more quickly while construction on a replacement overpass proceeds.

The Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council voted to recommend that Governor Ferguson approve the Carriger Solar project, a 1,300-acre solar farm in Klickitat County with 160 megawatts of generating capacity. This marked the council's second endorsement of the project after Ferguson rejected its initial recommendation in August, requesting further consultation with Yakama Nation leaders regarding cultural resource protections. The revised site certification agreement now includes a $100,000 grant to the Yakama Nation Cultural Resources Program and enhanced setbacks and natural screening measures, with Ferguson having 60 days to approve or reject the project.

Governor Ferguson's office began following up on a University of Washington Center for Human Rights report documenting that federal immigration enforcement agencies accessed license plate data from Washington state law enforcement agencies through the Flock Safety automated license plate reading system. The report found that at least eight Washington police departments and sheriff's offices had enabled settings allowing U.S. Border Patrol and other federal immigration agencies direct access to their license plate reader data, with some departments unaware of the access until after it occurred. Ferguson initiated this action in response to findings that the data sharing potentially violated Washington state law restricting local law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.

Washington Governor Bob Ferguson installed new leadership across the juvenile justice system in response to sexual abuse and corruption uncovered at Green Hill School, the state's only maximum-security juvenile detention facility for males. The incidents involved staff members including former officer Emily Baker, who was sentenced to seven years in prison for sexual contact with an inmate, and officer Jerry Graham, who allegedly unlocked a cell to facilitate such contact. The Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families announced reforms to address systemic problems identified by experts and prosecutors, including concerns about institutional oversight and staffing challenges.

Governor Ferguson signed the state budget for the 2025-27 biennium that did not include funding to continue the Agriculture Support Program, which had provided rebates to farmers and agricultural transporters who paid fuel surcharges under Washington's Climate Commitment Act. The program, which operated from August 2024 through June 2025, distributed $7.9 million in rebates across 2,744 applications in all 39 counties before closing due to lack of appropriated funds. In place of the rebate program, the state directed the Department of Ecology to create an online directory of retailers selling exempt agricultural fuel without surcharges.

Washington's top National Guard commander, Maj. Gen. Gent Welsh, stated that he answers to both President Donald Trump and Governor Bob Ferguson regarding potential deployment of National Guard troops to Portland and possibly Seattle in response to Immigration and Customs Enforcement protests. Welsh told The Seattle Times that if Trump orders his troops to deploy, he must comply, but emphasized he is not advocating for a federal deployment and has other operational priorities. Ferguson has indicated his intention to resist any federal deployment of National Guard troops to Washington state.

Washington Governor Ferguson stated in September 2025 that the expiration of Enhanced Premium Tax Credits could cost Washingtonians approximately $285 million and result in increased health care costs effective January 1 if the credits were not extended. Ferguson called for Congress to act to prevent the expiration of the tax credits, which were initially approved in 2021 and extended through the end of 2025. According to the Washington Health Benefit Exchange CEO, an estimated 80,000 Washingtonians could be priced out of health insurance if the enhanced tax credits expire before open enrollment begins on November 1.

Washington Attorney General Nick Brown proposed the Immigrant Worker Protection Act, legislation that would require employers to notify their employees within 72 hours of receiving notice from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement about planned inspections of employment eligibility documents. The proposal mirrors similar laws already enacted in California, Oregon, and Illinois. Brown requested approximately $400,000 in funding from Governor Bob Ferguson to implement the legislation if passed by lawmakers during the January 2026 legislative session.

Washington reached a legal settlement in October 2025 regarding a mandatory clergy reporting law passed by the Legislature earlier that year, following a federal lawsuit filed by Catholic bishops including Spokane Bishop Thomas Daly against Governor Ferguson and Attorney General Nick Brown. Under the settlement, clergy members are not required to report suspected child abuse or neglect learned solely through confession or equivalent privileged communications, while remaining mandatory reporters for abuse information learned through other means. Attorney General Brown stated the agreement maintains important child protections while preserving the Legislature's authority to address issues with the law identified by the court.

State Attorney General Nick Brown introduced updated model rules for public records requests in Washington, prompted by a petition from media organizations. The revised rules clarify that government agencies must respond "promptly" to records requests, a requirement stated in the Public Records Act but absent from the existing model rules, and allow agencies to triage requests by complexity to prevent simple requests from being delayed. Brown stated the changes aim to address growing backlogs in records disclosure while helping government agencies comply more effectively with state transparency law.

The U.S. Department of Energy canceled more than $7.5 billion in grants nationwide, including a $1 billion investment in the Pacific Northwest Hydrogen Hub that was designed to develop hydrogen fuel infrastructure across Washington, Oregon, and Montana, along with funding for research at Washington State University and a Spokane electrical grid project. The cancellations were announced by the White House Office of Management and Budget, which stated that the projects "did not adequately advance the nation's energy needs, were not economically viable, and would not provide a positive return on investment of taxpayer dollars." Ferguson released a statement indicating his intention to work with the Attorney General's Office to challenge the action.

Energy Secretary Chris Wright announced the revocation of $7.6 billion in federal funding for clean-energy projects across 16 Democratic-leaning states, including a $1 billion reduction to the Pacific Northwest hydrogen hub that serves Montana, Oregon, and Washington. Wright stated the Department of Energy determined many of the projects were not economically viable and that the cancellations fulfilled President Trump's commitment to protect taxpayer dollars. Washington Gov. Ferguson stated in response that his administration would work with the state's Attorney General's Office to challenge what he characterized as an illegal action.

Governor Ferguson issued an executive order on September 29, 2025, establishing a new "immigrant sub-cabinet" composed of representatives from state cabinet agencies to coordinate immigration-related issues including data privacy, healthcare, and enforcement of the Keep Washington Working Act. The executive order also directed state agencies to review their data collection, sharing, and retention policies. The action was announced as the Trump administration increased immigration enforcement activities and deployed National Guard troops to Portland.

Governor Ferguson signed Executive Order 25-09 on September 29, 2025, creating an immigration sub-cabinet to coordinate state agency responses to immigration matters. The sub-cabinet, co-led by the Office of Equity, the Governor's Office, and the Office of Financial Management, directs state agencies to review their data collection, sharing, and retention policies to protect resident information and to communicate with affected community groups. The cabinet will address immigration-related issues including data privacy, healthcare, the Keep Washington Working Act, and other immigrant rights programs, with quarterly reporting requirements to the governor.

Ferguson signed a tax package during the 2025 legislative session that expanded sales tax requirements to service industries including advertising, live presentations, temporary staffing, armored car services, and custom website development, effective October 1, 2025. The legislation was designed to generate an additional $1.12 billion through 2027 to address the state's budget deficit. Ferguson stated at the time of signing in May that the measure represented a balanced approach necessary to balance the budget, noting he had rejected two alternative tax proposals that would have collected greater revenue.

Governor Ferguson signed a $12 billion tax and fee package in May 2025 that took effect on October 1, 2025, representing the largest tax increase in Washington state history. The legislation imposed a 10.2% sales tax on live presentation businesses, a category that includes establishments such as pottery studios. The tax increase affected hundreds of small businesses across the state operating in the affected business categories.

Governor Ferguson signed legislation in May that increased Washington state's annual Discover Pass fee from $30 to $45, effective October 1, 2025. The Discover Pass provides one year of unlimited entry to state parks, recreation sites, water access areas, and wildlife lands managed by the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, Department of Fish and Wildlife, and Department of Natural Resources. The fee increase, the first since the pass was implemented in 2011, was approved by the Legislature in April and generates revenue that funds state parks operations including facility maintenance and trail upkeep.

Governor Ferguson announced on Monday that Washington state intends to provide new incentives for clean vehicles, with specific details to be determined following public input. The announcement came as federal electric vehicle tax credits worth $7,500 for new vehicles and $4,000 for used vehicles are set to expire on October 1, 2025, following their elimination in President Trump's spending and tax bill passed in July. Any new state tax breaks, rebates, or other incentives would require passage by the state legislature and would not be available to drivers until July 2026.

In September 2025, the King County Council banned landlords from using software such as RealPage to coordinate rental prices, following an April lawsuit filed by Washington Attorney General Nick Brown against RealPage and nine local landlords for allegedly using the software to rapidly increase rent prices. The ordinance permits tenants to sue landlords or service providers who violate the mandate and seek damages of up to $7,500 per violation. This action followed Governor Ferguson's May signing of a statewide bill that caps rent increases at 7% plus inflation or 10%, whichever is lower.

Governor Ferguson signed Executive Order 25-06, which terminated the Results Washington program and replaced it with Your Washington, a platform redesigned as a customer experience hub for state agencies rather than a government accountability tool. Results Washington had tracked progress on specific metrics including education, economy, energy, public safety, and homelessness through measurable performance indicators made publicly available. The executive order fundamentally altered the program's structure and purpose from public performance measurement to agency service delivery.

Washington Governor Ferguson, along with the governors of Oregon, California, and Hawaii, released immunization guidelines on Wednesday recommending broad access to the Covid-19 vaccine for everyone over 6 months of age through the newly formed Western States Health Alliance. The guidelines were developed by health officers from the four states and based on recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the American Academy of Family Physicians. Ferguson and the other governors stated the alliance was created to prioritize "science, safety, and transparency" after expressing concerns about the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Governor Ferguson committed in July to backfill more than $11 million in Medicaid reimbursements that Planned Parenthood would lose following a federal prohibition on Medicaid funding for the organization. After a federal appeals court upheld the moratorium, Ferguson announced that Washington state would replace the lost federal dollars through state coffers, with Planned Parenthood submitting claims to the state Health Care Authority for reimbursement. The state action ensures continued Medicaid coverage for approximately 43,000 patients in Washington who rely on Planned Parenthood's health services.

Governor Ferguson threatened legal action against the U.S. Department of Energy on Friday if the agency delays or cancels cleanup operations scheduled to begin next month at the Hanford Nuclear Reservation. Ferguson cited the 1989 Tri-Party Agreement and a federal court order as legal obligations requiring the government to proceed with vitrification of 56 million gallons of radioactive waste stored in underground tanks. Ferguson stated that Washington state would pursue court action to enforce the cleanup timeline if the Trump Administration moves away from the scheduled startup of the waste treatment plant.

Governor Ferguson appeared at a news conference in Bellevue on September 12, 2025, alongside U.S. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries to advocate for congressional extension of Enhanced Premium Tax Credits scheduled to expire at the end of the year. Ferguson stated that allowing the credits to expire would result in approximately 80,000 Washingtonians being priced out of the health care exchange and cost the state approximately $285 million. Ferguson called for clear communication to the American people regarding the consequences of the tax credits' expiration and stated the need to address the resulting impacts to the state.

Washington Governor Bob Ferguson will appoint a successor to fill the Washington Supreme Court vacancy created by Justice Mary Yu's announced retirement at the end of 2025. Yu, who was appointed to the court in 2014 by former Governor Jay Inslee and subsequently elected to retain her seat, served 25 years as a judge including more than 14 years on the King County Superior Court. Following Ferguson's appointment, an election will be held in 2026 to determine who will serve the remainder of Yu's term, which expires December 31, 2028.

Washington Governor Bob Ferguson issued a statement condemning the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, stating that "Violence is never the answer" and that "There is no place in our democracy for political violence." Ferguson declared that he condemned "the murder of Charlie Kirk in the strongest terms" and extended prayers to Kirk's family. The statement was among numerous condemnations of the shooting issued by Washington state officials across the political spectrum.

Governor Ferguson responded to a call from nearly 60 Democratic state legislators to restore funding for Washington's Abortion Access Project, which lawmakers had reduced by 55 percent during the 2025 legislative session. Ferguson stated in a Tuesday evening statement that he appreciated the legislators' support for his commitment to restoring the funding and emphasized the importance of protecting reproductive health care during a period of federal restrictions. The legislators sent an open letter requesting $21.5 million be allocated to the Abortion Access Project in the upcoming supplemental budget to prevent reductions in clinical services at safety net providers.

Washington Governor Ferguson signed an emergency proclamation on September 8, 2025, authorizing the state to seek federal funding for repairs to the White River Bridge on State Route 410, which was damaged by a semi-truck on August 18 and has remained closed since that date. The bridge sustained damage to ten critical components, with repairs estimated between $5 and $6 million, and is projected to reopen between October 31 and November 15. Ferguson stated the state possesses sufficient resources to complete repairs independently if federal assistance is unavailable, though he indicated uncertainty regarding federal support given tensions between Washington and the Trump administration over the state's sanctuary status.

Washington Governor Bob Ferguson issued a standing order in September 2025 that allows COVID-19 vaccine access without prescription for all residents ages 6 months and older, including pregnant people, at state pharmacies and clinics. The action circumvents a May 2025 Food and Drug Administration restriction that banned healthy adults younger than 65 from receiving the COVID vaccine. Ferguson stated that the standing order was based on recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the American Academy of Family Physicians.

Governor Ferguson announced the formation of the West Coast Health Alliance (WCHA) on Wednesday, a multi-state coalition comprised of Washington, California, Oregon, and Hawaii designed to provide vaccine recommendations based on scientific evidence. The alliance was established in response to leadership changes at the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, including the dismissal of all 17 members of the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. Ferguson stated in a joint statement with California Governor Gavin Newsom and Oregon Governor Tina Kotek that the alliance would ensure public health recommendations are guided by evidence-based findings rather than political considerations.

Washington Health Secretary Dennis Worsham announced that Washington would join California and Oregon in forming the West Coast Health Alliance to develop independent vaccine recommendations rather than rely on CDC guidance. The alliance will base recommendations partly on guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and will eventually expand to broader public health recommendations beyond vaccines. Worsham stated the coalition was formed in response to what he characterized as recent changes in CDC decision-making processes.

Governor Ferguson released an Office of Financial Management report analyzing the economic impact of tariffs on Washington state. The report projected that tariffs could eliminate over 30,000 jobs by 2029, with particular losses in crop production, food and beverage manufacturing, and aircraft manufacturing, while also predicting increases in grocery prices by 15%, utility costs by 14%, and used car prices by 20 to 25% over the specified timeframes. The analysis also estimated state revenues could decline by $2.2 billion by 2029, with trade-dependent communities experiencing the most significant economic effects.

Governor Ferguson announced the formation of the West Coast Health Alliance, a partnership between Washington, Oregon, and California to coordinate health guidelines and vaccine recommendations independent of federal direction. The alliance aims to provide residents with science-based immunization guidance aligned with recommendations from medical organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Ferguson stated that the partnership ensures West Coast residents receive consistent health information without political interference.

Washington Attorney General Nick Brown's office secured the release of more than $184 million in federal AmeriCorps funding after a legal dispute with the Trump administration, restoring over $21 million for Washington in fiscal years 2024 and 2025. The Department of Government Efficiency had ordered cancellations of hundreds of millions in AmeriCorps grants that had been previously awarded to states and community organizations as part of federal spending reduction efforts. AmeriCorps members in Washington work across approximately 800 sites in 32 of the state's 39 counties, providing community service in areas including education, food security, and social services.

Washington Governor Ferguson stated he was "deeply concerned" about the arrests of two firefighters by federal law enforcement agents at the Bear Gulch fire on the Olympic Peninsula and directed his team to obtain additional information about the incident. The arrests occurred on Wednesday when U.S. Border Patrol agents took into custody two private contract firefighters working on the state's largest wildfire. Ferguson's action represented an official request for clarification from federal authorities regarding the circumstances and justification for the arrests during active firefighting operations.

The Washington State Department of Licensing revoked Immigration and Customs Enforcement access to a data search system on August 28, 2025, after discovering ICE used the system to obtain information about a Kirkland man targeted for deportation. The use of state licensing data for immigration enforcement violated an agreement between the licensing department and ICE's Homeland Security Investigations division, according to department spokesperson Nate Olson. The 2019 Keep Washington Working Act prohibits most state agencies from cooperating with immigration enforcement, and this action terminated ICE's access through the Driver and Plate Search database system.

Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson posted to social media that he was deeply concerned about the arrest of two firefighters by Border Patrol agents at the Bear Gulch Fire on the Olympic Peninsula and directed his team to obtain additional information about the situation. The arrests occurred on Wednesday following an employment verification requested by the Bureau of Land Management during active wildfire suppression operations. Ferguson's statement came after Sen. Patty Murray publicly criticized the arrests and called for immediate answers regarding the immigration enforcement policy being applied during active wildfires.

The Spokane City Council voted on August 25, 2025, to pass the "Safe and Welcome in Spokane" ordinance, which requires Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers to obtain a warrant before entering permitted events on public property if organizers request protection and follow specified procedures. The law was sponsored by Councilman Paul Dillon and applies to events where organizers coordinate with the city permitting office, clearly mark event boundaries, and grant attendees express permission to enter. The ordinance was developed in response to canceled community events, including the annual Tacos and Tequila festival celebrating Spokane's Latino community, which organizers had canceled in July due to concerns about targeted immigration enforcement actions.

Governor Ferguson maintained Washington's sanctuary state policies despite demands from the Trump Administration to end them, stating there was no need to alter state policy regarding Department of Corrections interactions with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The decision came as dozens of state lawmakers called for changes to how state prisons coordinate with ICE, citing concerns about immigrant protections within correctional facilities. Ferguson and Attorney General Nick Brown both declined to modify the state's existing approach to immigration enforcement within the prison system.

Governor Ferguson responded to calls from four Republican state senators to repeal the Keep Washington Working Act of 2019 by pledging to defend the legislation against potential federal challenges. The Keep Washington Working Act restricts local law enforcement from using local resources to assist federal immigration enforcement and prevents sharing of nonpublic information with federal officials except in specified circumstances. The senators, including state Senator Phil Fortunato and state Senator Leonard Christian, requested Ferguson repeal the law following warnings from Attorney General Pam Bondi that the federal government may withhold funding from jurisdictions designated as having sanctuary policies that impede immigration law enforcement.

Governor Ferguson and Attorney General Ferguson maintained the state Department of Corrections' current policy of sharing weekly reports with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement listing names of newly admitted state prison inmates, regardless of immigration status. The Department of Corrections operates under an exception to Washington's 2019 Keep Washington Working Act, which otherwise restricts local police cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. Ferguson declined to reassess the notification practice despite pressure from Democratic state lawmakers who sought changes to the information-sharing policy.

Commissioner Jim Anderson of Pierce County was elected unanimously as chair of the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission, marking the first change in leadership since Barbara Baker assumed the position in 2022. Commissioner John Lehmkuhl of Chelan County was elected vice chair by a 5-4 vote, narrowly defeating Commissioner Molly Linville. Anderson, who has served on the commission since July 2019 and previously directed the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission, and Lehmkuhl, who joined the commission in 2022 and formerly worked as a biologist for the U.S. Forest Service, now hold the commission's top two leadership positions.

Governor Ferguson stated that Washington state would not comply with demands from U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi to modify its enforcement of the Keep Washington Working Act, a 2019 law that restricts state and local law enforcement agencies from cooperating with federal immigration enforcement efforts. Bondi had threatened criminal prosecution of state officials who use their positions to obstruct federal immigration enforcement and demanded confirmation of compliance with federal law by a specified deadline. Ferguson responded by rejecting the threat of prosecution and affirming Washington's continued adherence to the Keep Washington Working Act.

Washington Governor Ferguson responded to U.S. Attorney General Bondi's threat to deploy the National Guard to Seattle and her demand that Washington repeal state immigration laws. Ferguson stated that Washington would not comply with Bondi's directive to change the Keep Washington Working Act, a 2019 state law that limits local law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration authorities. Ferguson announced he would issue a detailed written response to Bondi's letter, asserting that Washington state had no intention of changing its policies in response to the federal government's actions.

Governor Ferguson issued a written response to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi's letter demanding Washington state cooperate with federal immigration authorities, stating that policy differences should be resolved through public discourse and courts rather than threats. Ferguson's response addressed Bondi's vague threats of lawsuits, review of federal law enforcement funding, and potential criminal charges against state officials who obstruct federal immigration enforcement. The exchange escalated tensions between the federal government and Washington state over the Keep Washington Working Act, a state law that restricts local police from inquiring about citizenship status and limits federal immigration authorities' access to local jails and state prisons.

Governor Ferguson responded to a letter from U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi identifying Washington as a sanctuary jurisdiction and threatening potential federal consequences by stating the state would not comply with demands to alter its immigration enforcement policies. Ferguson referenced Washington's 2019 Keep Washington Working Act, which restricts local law enforcement participation in federal immigration enforcement activities. Ferguson declared that the state would not be intimidated by threats of federal lawsuits or criminal prosecutions against state officials.

Governor Ferguson stated that Washington State's vote-by-mail system is convenient, safe, and secure in response to President Trump's announcement of plans to sign an executive order eliminating mail-in voting. Ferguson's statement indicated that Washington would not reverse its voting procedures. The governor's remarks came as Trump moved forward with his stated intention to end vote-by-mail practices nationwide.

Sheriff John Nowels declined to sign a data agreement required to access the local law enforcement grant program, which would have distributed $100 million in grants to police agencies across Washington over four years. The agreement required the Spokane County Sheriff's Office to submit detailed monthly use-of-force data to the Washington State Data Exchange for Public Safety at Washington State University by September 1, including metrics such as time-to-force reporting. Nowels stated the office lacks the resources and existing data collection infrastructure to comply with the reporting requirements, despite the office having the lowest number of commissioned officers per capita among Washington county sheriff's offices.

Governor Ferguson directed the Washington State Human Resources Office to investigate the conduct of Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission members following a letter from Department of Fish and Wildlife Director Kelly Susewind requesting the investigation. Susewind cited recently released internal documents that he stated called the conduct of several commissioners into question. Environmental groups subsequently called for Susewind's removal, citing concerns about his alignment with hunting interests in the state's wildlife management decisions.

Brown filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington against the U.S. Department of Commerce and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration seeking to recover more than $9 million in climate funding. NOAA had promised approximately $9.3 million to Washington's State Board for Community and Technical Colleges for climate-focused education programs and approximately $114,000 to the Department of Ecology for a coastal resilience program, but withheld the funds in May. Brown's office characterized the withheld funds as commitments made in the previous year that the Trump administration declined to honor.

Governor Ferguson launched the LGBTQ Business Enterprise program in partnership with the Office of Minority and Women's Business Enterprises, effective July 1, 2025, offering free certification to LGBTQ+-owned small businesses in Washington. The certification program places qualifying businesses in a public directory where state agencies, education organizations, and local governments are encouraged to contract with them. Ferguson stated the program was designed to recognize and support LGBTQ business owners as part of Washington's diverse business community.

Governor Ferguson signed a new law earlier in 2025 that required operators of public and private bus services, vanpool services, and public rideshare services to pay tolls on the State Route 520 floating bridge and the Tacoma Narrows Bridge beginning October 1, 2025. The Washington State Transportation Commission acted on Wednesday to implement this requirement by repealing a longstanding exemption for transit services, while continuing to exempt school buses. Ferguson also approved a 50-cent increase to the vessel replacement surcharge on ferry tickets as part of the state transportation budget, bringing the surcharge to $1 per ticket when it takes effect on October 1, 2025.

Gov. Bob Ferguson announced that Washington State is accepting applications to award more than $212 million in funding for affordable multifamily rental housing units, with the funds to be allocated by the Washington Department of Commerce in January through an application process closing in October. The funding is expected to support the construction of more than 2,500 new housing units across the state, with allocations divided among King County, urban areas outside King County, and rural areas outside King County. The award is part of a $419 million affordable housing package that the state Legislature allocated for the next two years.

Governor Ferguson signed legislation in May that authorized the state of Washington to issue $2.5 billion in state bonds to fund a portion of the Interstate 5 Bridge Replacement Program. The bonds would cover state costs for the project before toll revenue becomes available to repay the debt. The $6 billion bridge replacement project, which includes federal and state funding from both Washington and Oregon, received procedural approval from Metro on July 30 to spend $1.9 billion in already-allocated funds.

Governor Ferguson's office estimated that 250,000 Washington residents would lose Medicaid coverage, known as Apple Health, due to provisions in President Trump's tax cut and spending bill signed on July 4, 2025, which included approximately $900 billion in federal Medicaid cuts over ten years tied to stricter work requirements. Ferguson joined 20 other states in suing to challenge a separate federal policy announced by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that barred many lawfully present migrants and immigrants without permanent legal status from accessing federally funded health services, resulting in the federal government agreeing not to enforce the policy until at least September. The combined effect of the Medicaid cuts and immigration-related service restrictions threatened the operational capacity of Washington's 27 community health centers, which serve over one-third of the state's Medicaid enrollees and provide primary care regardless of insurance status.

Governor Ferguson refused to sign the state budget until it included $100 million in grants to hire new police officers, a demand that state lawmakers fulfilled by allocating funds toward police hiring as well as peer counselors, behavioral health co-responders, training, and other public safety efforts. Ferguson signed the legislation after these provisions were added to address Washington's persistent ranking as last in the nation for police officers per capita at 1.38 officers per 1,000 people. The governor identified police staffing as a focal point of his first year in office as part of broader efforts to address public safety challenges in the state.

Governor Ferguson signed housing-related policies into law in May 2025, including a bill capping yearly rent increases. Ferguson identified affordable housing as a top priority based on constituent feedback during his campaign, stating the issue was raised repeatedly across different regions and jurisdictions throughout Washington. Senior policy adviser Nicholas Carr, working in Ferguson's office, was tasked with creating a long-term housing strategy for the state to address the projected need for 1.1 million housing units over the next 20 years.

Governor Ferguson signed House Bill 1217 into law in May 2025, establishing a statewide rent increase cap mechanism for residential tenancies. The Washington State Department of Commerce announced that the maximum allowable rent increase for 2026 is 9.683%, calculated as the lower of either 7% plus inflation or a flat 10% increase. The law exempts single-family homes and prohibits rent increases during the first 12 months of a new tenancy, while manufactured and mobile homes are subject to a separate 5% cap.

A federal judge issued a temporary halt to Washington's mandatory clergy reporting law, which was set to take effect on July 27, 2025, following a lawsuit filed by Catholic bishops including Spokane Bishop Thomas Daly against Governor Ferguson and state officials. The law, passed during the 2025 legislative session, required members of clergy to report suspected child abuse or neglect, but the bishops alleged it constituted religious discrimination under the First and 14th Amendments and the Washington Constitution. Judge David Estudillo found that the plaintiffs were likely to succeed on their argument that the law violated the First Amendment by eliminating the clergy privilege communication exception while maintaining it for other professions.

President Trump signed the "Big Beautiful Bill" into law in July 2025, which includes a one-year moratorium on Medicaid funding for Planned Parenthood and slashes approximately $1 trillion from Medicaid over the next decade. Governor Ferguson stated that the legislation could result in the loss of services or complete closure of dozens of rural hospitals across Washington state and lead to 250,000 Washingtonians losing health coverage due to changes in Medicaid requirements. Ferguson pledged to provide millions of dollars in additional funding to Planned Parenthood if necessary to offset the moratorium, which a judge has temporarily frozen.

Washington Attorney General Nick Brown joined a multistate lawsuit filed in federal court in Massachusetts challenging new federal regulations announced by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The regulations, set to take effect August 25, 2025, introduce new income verification requirements for Affordable Care Act exchange enrollment and exclude DACA recipients from eligibility. Brown stated that Washington projects the rules will result in thousands of uninsured residents and approximately $100 million in uncompensated hospital care costs.

Governor Ferguson signed into law a mandatory reporting bill in May 2025 that designated clergy members as legally obligated to report suspected child abuse within 48 hours, without an exemption for penitential communications such as confession. The bill removes a previous exemption for information obtained during confession, bringing Washington in line with 30 other states that designate clergy as mandatory reporters. Spokane and Seattle Catholic bishops subsequently filed a federal lawsuit seeking to block the law from taking effect on July 27, 2025, contending it constitutes religious discrimination.

Governor Ferguson announced in July 2025 that he would use state funds to backfill approximately $11 million in federal funding cuts to Planned Parenthood, with the money to come from the Washington Healthcare Authority. The Pediatric Interim Care Center in Kent, a private nonprofit facility that provided specialized care for newborns experiencing drug withdrawal, closed due to budget constraints during the state's fiscal shortfall. The closure coincided with Washington state experiencing newborn drug exposure rates nearly double the national average.

Governor Ferguson joined the U.S. Climate Alliance in criticizing a federal megabill that eliminates tax credits for renewable energy projects, stating the legislation threatens Washington's energy security and grid reliability. The law increases requirements for developers to claim tax breaks for wind, solar, and other renewable energy projects and phases out those incentives entirely by 2028, with new projects required to be under construction by year-end to qualify. Ferguson's office cited estimates that the policy will result in the loss of 21,800 jobs in Washington's clean energy and manufacturing sectors by 2030 and increase household electricity costs by approximately $115 annually by 2029.

Governor Ferguson announced on Wednesday that Washington State will provide funding to cover the gap in Medicaid support for Planned Parenthood following the federal government's implementation of a one-year moratorium on Medicaid funding signed by President Trump on July 4. Planned Parenthood receives at least 22 million dollars annually in Washington through Medicaid for services including preventive care and cancer screenings. Ferguson stated that state funding would be made available if ongoing litigation challenging the federal defunding is unsuccessful, to ensure continued access to healthcare services for Washingtonians.

Governor Ferguson announced that Washington state would allocate $11 million in funding through the Health Care Authority to backfill federal cuts to Planned Parenthood services if legal challenges to the cuts are unsuccessful. The announcement followed President Trump's signing of the "Big Beautiful Bill" on July 4, which includes a one-year moratorium on federal funding to Planned Parenthood and other nonprofit organizations providing abortion services. Ferguson stated the backfill funding would only be deployed if a federal lawsuit challenging the cuts, filed earlier that week, does not succeed in blocking the provision.

Governor Ferguson announced on July 9, 2025, that Washington state would allocate approximately $11 million in state funds to backfill federal Medicaid funding that Planned Parenthood could lose due to a moratorium provision in the "One Big Beautiful Bill," which took effect immediately upon the legislation's signing. Ferguson stated the replacement funds would be drawn from the Washington Healthcare Authority's budget, representing approximately 0.5% of the agency's yearly budget, and characterized the action as temporary pending ongoing federal litigation regarding the Medicaid provision. Planned Parenthood operates 30 health centers in Washington serving more than 100,000 patients annually, with Medicaid as its primary payer source.

Governor Ferguson issued statements condemning the One Big Beautiful Bill Act following its passage in the House of Representatives and signing by President Trump in July 2025. Ferguson characterized the legislation as "one of the worst bills of my lifetime" and stated it would cause Washingtonians to lose health care coverage and likely force hospital closures across the state. The governor warned that the bill's cuts to Medicaid would have devastating impacts on the state's budget and vulnerable residents who rely on the program.

Governor Ferguson denied a pardon application for Tuan Thanh Phan, a Vietnamese national who completed a 25-year state prison sentence for first-degree murder and second-degree assault and was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement following his release in March 2025. Without a full and unconditional pardon, Phan became subject to deportation to South Sudan, a country of which he is not a national and where he has no established connections. The denial came as the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the federal government may deport immigrants to third countries without prior notice while legal challenges proceed in lower courts.

Governor Ferguson stated that the $4.5 trillion tax-cut bill passed by Congress will reduce Washington state's federal Medicaid funding by an estimated $3 billion annually and result in nearly 330,000 Washington residents losing Medicaid coverage or health insurance through the Affordable Care Act. Ferguson indicated the legislation could necessitate calling a special legislative session to address the state budget impacts. Ferguson characterized the bill as causing hospital closures and harming vulnerable populations in Washington.

Washington joined a multistate lawsuit filed in federal court in Northern California on Tuesday to halt the Trump administration's sharing of Medicaid enrollee health data with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The lawsuit alleges that the Department of Health and Human Services illegally transferred personal health information including names, addresses, and phone numbers for millions of Medicaid enrollees to immigration officials without consent and in violation of federal law. The lawsuit seeks to prevent further data transfers and block the use of shared health information for immigration enforcement purposes.

Governor Ferguson signed legislation in May 2025 that modified a bill originally proposed to require annual disclosure of Washington state's greenhouse gas emissions beginning in 2026. Under the signed law, annual reporting of the most recent available pollution data will begin in 2031 instead, a five-year delay intended to reduce costs by approximately $400,000 over five years according to the Office of Financial Management. This timeline places the state's mandatory annual emissions reporting requirement one year after Washington's 2030 legal deadline to reduce planet-heating pollution 45 percent below 1990 levels.

Governor Ferguson signed legislation in spring 2025 allocating $300,000 over two years to fund a research study on Washington state's historical connection to slavery and its effects on descendants of enslaved people. The study, called the Charles Mitchell and George Washington Bush Study on Reparative Action, will examine state institutions and policies that may have caused harm to descendants of chattel slavery over several decades. The legislation was sponsored by state Representative Chipalo Street and state Senator Bob Hasegawa, both from Seattle.

President Trump withdrew from a 2023 agreement between the federal government, Columbia Basin tribes, and the states of Washington and Oregon that sought to restore salmon populations while assessing options for replacing energy generated by four hydroelectric dams on the Snake River. The withdrawal was announced through a White House fact sheet that characterized the prior agreement as placing climate concerns above energy reliability. The action was supported by hydropower industry groups and opposed by the Nez Perce Tribe, Yakama Nation, Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs, and Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, which had agreed to halt two decades of litigation in exchange for over one billion dollars in federal funds.

Washington Gov. Ferguson held a press conference in Seattle on June 13, 2025, urging people to engage in peaceful protest against Trump administration policies during planned "No Kings" demonstrations scheduled across the state. Ferguson stated he had received no communication from Trump or federal agencies regarding deployments or interventions in Washington and said state authorities were coordinating with the National Guard and local law enforcement to manage public safety during the protests. Ferguson specifically warned protesters not to engage in violence, framing nonviolent demonstration as a way to prevent federal intervention similar to the National Guard deployment Trump had authorized in California.

Ferguson signed the 2025-27 state budget in May 2025, a nearly $78 billion two-year spending plan that includes $9 billion in new revenues but implements significant cuts to state services and positions to address an estimated $10 billion to $12 billion deficit over four years. At the beginning of his first legislative session as governor, Ferguson directed most executive branch agencies to reduce their budgets by 6 percent. These budget actions have triggered the largest wave of state employee layoffs since the Great Recession, affecting approximately 1,000 positions across multiple agencies including the Department of Social and Health Services, which is implementing 300 layoffs among its filled positions statewide.

Ferguson signed legislation in May 2025 authorizing Washington to issue and sell up to $2.5 billion in state general obligation bonds to finance the Interstate 5 Bridge replacement project, an increase of $900 million from previous authorization due to inflation. The bonds are to be repaid over time through toll revenue, fuel taxes, and motor vehicle license fees collected from the project. This action followed Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek's signing of a bill updating that state's toll authorization, with both states committing to split costs and toll revenues for the estimated $5 billion to $7.5 billion megaproject.

Governor Ferguson called a meeting with Washington's top military official in June 2025 to assess preparedness following President Trump's deployment of National Guard troops to California without the governor's consent in response to immigration enforcement protests. Ferguson stated his responsibility as governor was to ensure the state was prepared for similar potential federal action in Washington. Ferguson and Attorney General Nick Brown indicated they had been preparing for such scenarios since November 2024 and that Brown's legal analysis suggested such deployments would be unlawful under the relevant federal statute without gubernatorial consent.

Governor Ferguson signed legislation into law on April 21 that requires gubernatorial permission before out-of-state military forces can be deployed within Washington. The bill included an emergency clause that made it effective immediately upon signing. The law was enacted in response to concerns about potential federal deployment of military personnel to states during civil unrest.

Ferguson signed legislation restricting out-of-state military forces from entering Washington, which took effect immediately upon passage on April 21 due to an emergency clause. The action was taken in response to President Donald Trump's deployment of National Guard units and Marine personnel to California to enforce immigration laws and protect federal property during protests. Ferguson stated the federal deployment set a dangerous precedent and expressed concern that similar deployments could occur in Washington without state approval.

Washington state Governor Bob Ferguson said his office is closely working with the state Attorney General's office and other organizations to monitor how Trump's travel ban affects Washington residents from the targeted countries who may face new barriers to entering or reentering the U.S. Ferguson did not announce a specific legal challenge or policy position in response to the ban, but indicated his administration would track its implementation. The travel ban, which took effect on Monday, restricts entry from 12 countries and adds partial restrictions for seven others.

Attorney General Nick Brown announced on Tuesday that Washington state is examining potential legal challenges to President Donald Trump's proclamation restricting travel from 12 countries, including Afghanistan, Chad, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen, as well as partial restrictions on seven additional nations. Brown stated that Washington is "actively looking at ways to challenge this ban" while acknowledging that recent Supreme Court precedent upholding similar travel restrictions may complicate litigation. The restrictions took effect following Trump's announcement last Wednesday and continue travel limitation policies initiated during his first administration.

Governor Ferguson deployed the National Guard and emergency funds to support ongoing search and rescue operations for Travis Decker in Chelan County. The deployment provided additional resources to law enforcement agencies conducting an active manhunt in the Wenatchee forest area. Ferguson's action made state-level emergency resources available to assist local and federal authorities in the operation.

Governor Ferguson joined state and local officials in reaffirming their commitment to completing the North Spokane Corridor by 2030, a north-south highway project connecting the Spokane River and Spokane Community College area to Interstate 90. The Legislature approved an additional 6-cents-per-gallon gasoline tax increase, effective July 1, to address a billion-dollar transportation budget shortfall and allocated a final $375 million toward the $1.5 billion project. Ferguson stated that state officials would work to maintain the project's pace to meet the 2030 deadline as construction proceeded on the corridor's bridge spanning the Spokane River.

Governor Bob Ferguson announced on Saturday that he was directing Washington National Guard resources to support the search for Travis Decker, a father accused of kidnapping and murdering his three young daughters in Washington state, by providing helicopter transportation for law enforcement and tapping emergency funds. Decker's vehicle was discovered empty near a campground in central Washington on June 1, with the bodies of his daughters Olivia, Evelyn, and Paityn found nearby; Decker remained at large as of the time of reporting. The large-scale search involved state, local, and federal law enforcement agencies, with the U.S. Marshals offering a $20,000 reward for information leading to Decker's arrest.

Governor Ferguson appointed Dennis Worsham as Washington state secretary of health, a position Worsham assumed on July 7, 2025. Worsham, who previously served as director of the Snohomish County Health Department, brings over 32 years of public health experience including prior roles at Public Health – Seattle & King County and as deputy secretary for health at the state Department of Health. Worsham became the state's third health secretary in six years.

A federal judge in Maryland issued a preliminary injunction on June 6, 2025, ordering the Trump administration to restore approximately $12 million in frozen AmeriCorps funding across 25 states, including Washington. The order reinstated grants that had been cancelled in April when the AmeriCorps agency announced plans to cut approximately 41 percent of its grant funding and place 85 percent of its paid staff on leave. The injunction was issued in response to a lawsuit filed by 25 states, including Washington, alleging that the funding cuts violated the Administrative Procedures Act and the separation of powers doctrine.

Governor Ferguson announced on June 7, 2025, that he would deploy Washington National Guard resources and allocate emergency funding to support the search for Travis Decker, who is suspected of killing his three daughters near Leavenworth, Washington. At the request of the Chelan County Sheriff's Office, Ferguson ordered the National Guard to provide helicopter transportation for law enforcement conducting searches in remote areas. The deployment was made in response to a federal arrest warrant issued for Decker on charges of unlawful flight to avoid prosecution in addition to murder and kidnapping charges.

Washington Governor Ferguson activated the Washington National Guard on Friday to assist law enforcement in searching for Travis Decker, who is charged with killing his three daughters at an abandoned campsite near Leavenworth. At the request of the Chelan County sheriff's office, the National Guard provided helicopter transportation to support the search in the Cascade wilderness. Ferguson's office allocated emergency funds to support the ongoing search operation.

Governor Ferguson signed Senate Bill 5143 on May 20, 2025, which modified the Ethics in Public Service Act to establish that lawmakers must report financial interests only when they hold more than a 10% stake in corporations or properties. The bill, requested by the Legislative Ethics Board, represents the first time Washington law has officially outlined a specific threshold for what constitutes a reportable beneficial interest in businesses or properties. The legislation does not require lawmakers to recuse themselves from votes involving entities in which they hold financial interests below the 10% threshold.

Governor Ferguson signed the Washington state operating budget that included increases to gasoline taxes, vehicle registration and licensing fees, business and occupation taxes, capital gains taxes, estate taxes, and sales taxes on previously exempt services. Ferguson stated that he was engaged in legal action against federal tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, which he characterized as harmful to Washington's economy. The budget represented the largest tax increase in Washington state history according to the article's characterization.

Ferguson signed legislation imposing $9 billion in new taxes into law. The tax package included an increase to property taxes from 1 percent to 3 percent. A recall petition was initiated in response to the tax legislation and had accumulated over 35,000 signatures.

Governor Ferguson signed legislation in May 2025 that establishes a statewide rent increase cap of 10% for 2025, with certain exceptions. The law prevents landlords from raising rent more than 10% annually or above a variable threshold tied to inflation, whichever is lower, with the threshold calculated by adding 7 percentage points to the inflation rate. The Washington State Department of Commerce confirmed the 10% cap applies for the remainder of 2025 and will announce the cap for 2026 after reviewing updated inflation data.

Governor Ferguson signed Senate Bill 5375 on May 2, 2025, which requires members of the clergy to serve as mandatory reporters of child abuse and neglect, including information disclosed during religious confession. A group of Catholic bishops and priests filed a lawsuit challenging the law, Etienne v. Ferguson, arguing that the requirement conflicts with the Catholic practice of the seal of confession, a sacred tradition maintained for over 2,000 years. The lawsuit was expected to proceed to a hearing in summer 2025.

Ferguson signed legislation authorizing $9 billion in new taxes to fund Washington state's budget. The action resulted in a balanced state budget without drawing from the rainy day fund. The tax increase was implemented to align revenue with state expenditures.

Governor Ferguson signed House Bill 1483, Washington's "Right to Repair" law, which takes effect January 1, 2026. The legislation requires manufacturers of digital electronics including cellphones, computers, and appliances to make tools, parts, and documentation available to independent repair businesses and prohibits the use of parts that inhibit repairs. The state attorney general's office will enforce violations of the law under the Consumer Protection Act.

Ferguson signed Washington's $78 billion two-year operating budget in May 2025, which included business tax increases, agency cuts, state worker pay raises, and increased K-12 school spending to address a multibillion-dollar shortfall. The budget utilized fiscal mechanisms including a reduction to the state's self-insurance fund for lawsuit settlements and verdicts, which freed approximately $500 million for other spending priorities. The shortfall in the self-insurance fund deferred legally binding payment obligations to future budget cycles, creating potential financial challenges for subsequent fiscal years.

Washington Governor Ferguson partially vetoed Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 1131 on Tuesday, which would have expanded the state Clemency and Pardons Board from five to ten members and established compensation for board members. Ferguson vetoed Section 117(8) of the bill, citing lack of legislative funding to implement the board expansion and indicating his intention to seek necessary funding in the next budget. The bill, as partially signed, expands the CPB's size, increases member experience requirements, provides board member compensation up to $100 per day, and mandates training in racial equity and restorative justice.

Governor Ferguson decided in March 2025 to delay hybrid electrification on two large Washington State Ferries vessels, allowing them to return to service three years ahead of the original schedule. The decision enabled the state to add three vessels to its fleet ahead of the busy summer season, restoring near-full ferry service across Puget Sound. The state continues to plan the launch of its first hybrid-electric ferry by 2029.

Ferguson characterized the U.S. House passage of a reconciliation bill containing $4.5 trillion in tax breaks and major Medicaid funding reductions as creating a dire situation for Washington state, describing the vote as "an action that can only be described as cruel" at a news conference at Harborview Medical Center on Thursday. The bill, which passed 215-214, would reduce Medicaid funding nationwide and end coverage for approximately 200,000 Washingtonians enrolled in Apple Health. Ferguson stated he would work to fight the package as it advances to the U.S. Senate.

Governor Ferguson signed House Bill 1264 into law during the 2025 legislative session. The bill modernizes the state salary survey process for Washington State Ferries by expanding the comparator set to include regional and national shipping and ferry markets, with analysis conducted by a neutral third-party firm. The legislation addresses workforce retention challenges by establishing a more comprehensive methodology for determining competitive employee compensation in the ferry system.

Governor Ferguson indicated to The Seattle Times editorial board that education would be a top priority during his first year in office. The statement came amid ongoing concerns that Washington's school funding model was not adequately meeting the needs of districts statewide, with nearly two dozen districts experiencing severe financial difficulties despite billions in additional state funding since 2017. Ferguson's positioning of education as a priority represents a shift in gubernatorial focus on the state's funding challenges.

Governor Ferguson signed Washington's $78 billion two-year operating budget on May 21, 2025, which included $9.4 billion in new taxes over four years. The budget increased business and occupation taxes, the capital gains tax, and introduced a new sales tax on services. The budget maintained a 5% wage increase for state employees over four years while reducing funding for foster care assistance, college financial aid, and hospital services.

Representatives Michael Baumgartner of Spokane and Dan Newhouse of Sunnyside voted on May 23, 2025, to pass the legislation officially titled "One Big, Beautiful Bill," which made permanent the tax cuts from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and included additional short-term tax reductions while cutting Medicaid spending through new restrictions on eligibility. The bill passed the House by a vote of 215-214. According to the Congressional Budget Office, the legislation would result in at least 8.6 million people losing health insurance coverage.

Washington Governor Ferguson signed a $77.9 billion operating budget for the next two years, along with SSB 5195, the state's $7.3 billion capital budget, and the state's transportation budget. The budget included approximately $9 billion in new taxes. Ferguson stated he had pushed back against a larger $21 billion tax package that Democrats had originally proposed.

Governor Ferguson signed into law a package of tax increases totaling nearly $10 billion over four years that the Washington legislature sent to his desk in May 2025. The tax package included increases on business taxes, excise and sales taxes, capital gains and estate taxes, and targeted tax breaks, among other revenue measures. According to the Washington Research Council, approximately $1.9 billion of the total increases, or between 40 and 46 percent depending on chamber, was allocated to state employee compensation increases and collective bargaining agreements.

Governor Ferguson signed a $78 billion two-year state operating budget on Tuesday that includes approximately $9 billion in new taxes over four years and increases state spending by more than 8 percent. The budget funds pay raises for most state workers, maintains social services, and allocates more than $1 billion in additional funding for public schools. Ferguson vetoed approximately $25 million in spending items from the budget, including funding for various studies and grants to nonprofit organizations.

Washington Governor Bob Ferguson filed a legal brief supporting a multistate lawsuit challenging President Donald Trump's tariff executive orders imposed on goods from major U.S. trading partners, including a 145% rate on Chinese goods and 25% rates on Canadian and Mexican imports. Ferguson argued the tariffs are unconstitutional and stated that Washington, which exported over $24 billion in goods to Canada, China, and Mexico in 2024, faces projected losses between $18 and $21 billion under the new policies. The brief was filed in support of a coalition of 12 states in the U.S. Court of International Trade, with backing from the mayors of Seattle and Spokane, local labor unions, and twelve state attorneys general.

Governor Ferguson signed E2SHB 1163 into law on Tuesday, establishing a permit requirement for firearm purchases in Washington beginning in 2027. The law requires applicants to submit fingerprints, pass a background check, and complete a state-certified firearms safety course that includes live-fire training with a minimum of 50 rounds for concealed carry permits. The legislation also expands firearm transfer reporting requirements, establishes annual eligibility reviews for permit holders, and creates exemptions for law enforcement, military personnel, armed security guards, and private investigators.

Governor Ferguson signed Washington's $78 billion state budget into law on May 20, 2025, following a legislative session marked by a multibillion-dollar budget gap. The budget included billions in spending cuts and tax increases on businesses and services, as well as a gas tax increase for transportation funding, which Ferguson left largely intact despite earlier stating a preference for a cuts-first approach. Ferguson also exercised veto authority to cut an additional $25 million in spending from the budget while vetoing one tax change affecting community banks' interest deductions related to residential home loans.

Gov. Ferguson signed House Bill 1296, which modified the previously enacted Parents' Bill of Rights by removing the requirement for parental notification of medical services provided to students and extending the notification timeline for criminal actions involving students from immediate to 48 hours. The updated legislation also incorporated diversity, equity, and inclusion policies into state schools. The political action committee Let's Go Washington, which had gathered nearly 450,000 signatures to pass the original version, announced plans to pursue an initiative to challenge the amended bill.

Governor Ferguson signed Senate Bill 5036, legislation sponsored by Senator Matt Boehnke that requires the state departments of Ecology and Commerce to publish emissions inventories on an annual basis rather than the current biennial schedule. The bill was designed to enhance oversight of the state's Climate Commitment Act, a cap-and-trade system implemented in 2023 that has generated approximately $2.8 billion in revenue. The measure addresses a gap in current climate policy monitoring by replacing reliance on outdated federal data with more frequent state-level emissions reporting.

Governor Ferguson signed legislation on May 20, 2025, increasing the annual Discover Pass fee from $30 to $45, effective October 1, 2025. This represents the first price increase for the pass since its implementation in 2011 and was enacted in response to increased maintenance costs at Washington's state parks and recreation areas amid a statewide budget shortfall. The day-use pass fee will remain unchanged at $10.

Governor Ferguson signed SB 5167, Washington's $77.9 billion operating budget for the next two years, which includes $4.5 billion in new spending and $12.5 billion in state and local taxes to address a $16 billion shortfall. Ferguson declined to veto the tax increases on the final day he could have done so, though he exercised his line-item veto on portions of the state budgets without specifying which items were cut. Ferguson also signed SSB 5195, the $7.3 billion capital budget, and SSB 516, the transportation budget, which includes increases to the gas tax beginning July 1, 2025.

Governor Ferguson signed legislation on May 19, 2025, making Washington one of three states to provide unemployment benefits for striking workers. The law, effective January 1, 2026, offers up to six weeks of benefits following a waiting period of up to 21 days after a strike or lockout begins, with the measure set to sunset in 2035. The legislation was sponsored by Senator Marcus Riccelli and faced opposition from business groups and Republican lawmakers citing concerns about employer costs and impacts to the state Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund.

Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet Dhillon announced that the Department of Justice is investigating Washington's Senate Bill 5375, signed by Governor Ferguson, which requires members of clergy to report known child abuse even when disclosed during confession. Dhillon stated that the law appears inconsistent with First Amendment jurisprudence and noted that it uniquely restricts clergy from invoking privileges available to other professionals. The investigation is proceeding as the law is set to take effect in summer 2025.

Governor Ferguson signed House Bill 1232, legislation that strengthens state authority to inspect private immigration detention facilities and enforce compliance with state and federal laws regarding sanitation, ventilation, and medical care standards. Ferguson also signed two additional bills designed to prevent workplace coercion and prohibit bail bond agents from enforcing immigration laws. The governor enacted these measures during a period of increased federal immigration enforcement activity.

The Sportsmen's Alliance Foundation petitioned Washington Governor Bob Ferguson to remove four Fish and Wildlife commissioners—Barbara Baker, Lorna Smith, Melanie Rowland, and John Lehmkuhl—citing internal documents obtained through public records requests. The petition alleges the commissioners violated open meeting requirements, excluded tribes from public proceedings, and engaged in improper email communications regarding upcoming votes. Ferguson, who has the authority to appoint and remove commissioners from the nine-member panel, did not respond to requests for comment at the time of the petition's filing.

Ferguson signed Senate Bill 5253, legislation that extends special education eligibility for Washington public school students from age 21 to age 22 or high school graduation, whichever comes sooner. The bill was enacted in response to a federal court ruling in November 2024 that found Washington in violation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act by offering free adult education programs without extending special education services to students through age 22. The legislation passed unanimously in the Senate and 93-1 in the House, taking effect July 27, 2025.

Governor Ferguson signed HB 1258, legislation that addresses funding allocation for the Spokane Regional Emergency Communications 911 dispatch service, on Thursday. The bill was modified from its original form to leave the final apportionment of excise tax dollars undetermined, rather than specifying a percentage to be returned to the city of Spokane. The amended version guarantees the city funding if it separates from the regional dispatcher while ongoing negotiations between the city and the regional coalition continue.

Governor Ferguson signed Senate Bill 5036 in May 2025 to increase transparency regarding Washington state's Climate Commitment Act implementation. The bill requires the state departments of Ecology and Commerce to publish annual emissions inventories, replacing the current practice of reporting total greenhouse gas emissions every other year using outdated federal data. The legislation had bipartisan sponsorship, with Senator Matt Boehnke of Kennewick serving as the chief sponsor.

Washington filed two lawsuits against the Department of Homeland Security and Department of Transportation after these federal agencies issued new requirements conditioning federal funding on state cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. The lawsuits, filed in the District of Rhode Island alongside 19 other states, challenge directives issued in February and April 2025 by Secretary Kristi Noem and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy that tied appropriations to immigration law enforcement assistance. Washington received over $500 million in Department of Homeland Security funding and $1.1 billion in federal transportation funding in 2024, with federal funds accounting for approximately 28 percent of the state's total revenue.

Governor Ferguson signed Senate Bill 5375 on May 2, which amended Washington's child-abuse reporting laws to require members of the clergy, including priests, to be mandatory reporters of child abuse even when disclosed during confession, eliminating the previous clergy privilege exemption. The Archdiocese of Seattle stated that the law singles out religion and constitutes government overreach, and warned that Catholic clergy who comply with the reporting requirement will face excommunication. The Archbishop requested a meeting with Ferguson to discuss the legislation, which he stated was ignored.

Governor Ferguson signed House Bill 1596 into law on Monday, establishing a requirement for speed-limiting devices to be installed in vehicles of individuals convicted of dangerous driving. The legislation was prompted by a March 2024 crash in Renton in which a vehicle traveling at 112 miles per hour struck another car, killing four people including three children and severely injuring two others. State Representative Mari Leavitt sponsored the bill, and family members of the crash victims were present at the signing ceremony.

Gov. Bob Ferguson signed the BEAM Act on Monday, legislation requiring intelligent speed-assistance devices to be installed in vehicles of drivers whose licenses have been suspended due to reckless or excessive speeding, effective January 1, 2029. The bill is named after four people killed in a March 2024 crash in Renton involving a driver who had been suspended for multiple high-speed collisions. According to bill sponsor Rep. Mari Leavitt, speeding contributed to 251 of Washington's 810 traffic deaths between 2019 and 2023, with fatal crashes involving speeding drivers increasing by 40 percent over that period.

Governor Ferguson signed Senate Bill 5689 into law on May 12, 2025, allowing Washington residents to voluntarily include their blood type on driver's licenses and state identification cards. The bipartisan legislation, sponsored by Senators Paul Harris, T'wina Nobles, Marcus Riccelli, and Shelly Short, requires the Department of Licensing to develop verification processes through licensed physicians, medical facilities, or blood donation organizations, with implementation beginning January 1, 2026. The law enables first responders and trauma teams to access blood type information during emergency medical situations.

Ferguson signed Senate Bill 5375 into law on May 2, 2025, requiring clergy to report suspected child abuse or neglect to authorities. The legislation makes members of the clergy mandatory reporters of such offenses, including suspected crimes disclosed during confession. This action aligned clergy with other mandatory reporting professionals such as medical personnel and school employees.

Governor Ferguson signed HB 1217, legislation that caps annual rent increases in Washington at either 7% plus inflation or 10%, whichever is lower, effective June 2025. The law requires landlords to provide 90 days' notice before raising rent, prohibits increases in the first year of a lease, limits mobile home rent increases to 5%, and exempts single-family homes. The bill passed with narrow margins and received no Republican support.

Governor Ferguson signed legislation establishing annual rent increase limits in Washington State, restricting increases to the lower of 7% plus inflation or 10%, with the caps expiring in 2040 and newly constructed units exempted for 12 years. The law also created separate rent increase limits of 5% for manufactured home communities without expiration dates. Ferguson simultaneously signed additional housing-related bills addressing manufactured home community sales notices, construction regulations, property tax relief for disabled veterans, and accessory dwelling units in Pierce County.

Governor Ferguson signed legislation on May 7, 2025, that caps yearly rent increases in Washington State at 7% plus inflation or 10%, whichever is less, with landlords required to provide 90-day notice before implementing increases. New construction is exempt from the rent cap for 12 years, as are affordable housing managed by nonprofit organizations and public housing authorities. This legislation makes Washington the second state after California to implement a statewide rent control measure.

Governor Ferguson signed ten housing bills into state law on May 8, 2025, including House Bill 1217, which limits yearly rent increases to 7% plus inflation or 10% whichever is less, with the cap taking immediate effect. The package also included property tax relief for disabled veterans and limits on minimum parking requirements for new development. House Bill 1217 includes a 15-year sunset provision and exempts tenancies in new developments for the first 12 years, low-income housing units, and certain owner-occupied rentals from rent increase caps.

The Washington Supreme Court upheld the state's 2022 ban on high-capacity gun magazines in a 7-2 decision, reversing a lower court ruling that had found the law unconstitutional. Justice Charles Johnson wrote in the majority opinion that large-capacity magazines are not considered "arms" under constitutional definitions and are not necessary for self-defense. Governor Ferguson had previously supported the ban, arguing that imposing limits on military-style firearms is consistent with constitutional rights to self-defense and does not threaten the state's broader regulatory authority over weapons.

The Washington Supreme Court upheld the state's 2022 ban on sales of large capacity magazines containing more than 10 rounds of ammunition in a 7-2 decision in State v. Gator's Custom Guns, Inc., ruling that large capacity magazines are not "arms" protected under the state and federal constitutions. Attorney General Nick Brown stated the decision affirmed that Washington could advance gun safety measures consistently with constitutional protections. Lawyers for Gator's Custom Guns indicated they were considering filing a petition for review with the U.S. Supreme Court based on the dissenting justices' interpretation of Second Amendment protections.

Governor Ferguson signed legislation on May 7, 2025, requiring clergy to report suspected child sexual abuse to police, making Washington one of five states without such a mandate and eliminating the sacrament of confession as an exemption. The law takes effect on July 27, 2025, and applies the same reporting requirements to priests as to teachers, police officers, and other professionals, with failure to report constituting a gross misdemeanor. The U.S. Department of Justice announced an investigation into the law alleging it violates the First Amendment, while the Catholic bishops of Spokane and Seattle announced they would not comply with the reporting requirement regarding information obtained in confession.

Governor Ferguson signed Senate Bill 5375 into law in May 2025, requiring members of the clergy to report child abuse to authorities even when such information is disclosed in confidential religious spaces such as confession. The law adds clergy members to Washington state's list of mandatory child abuse reporters, making Washington one of six states with such a requirement. The U.S. Justice Department announced an investigation into the law days after Ferguson signed it, characterizing the measure as violating religious freedom protections.

President Donald Trump's administration terminated nearly $400 million in AmeriCorps grants in April 2025, alleging fiscal mismanagement by the federal service agency. Governor Ferguson reported that approximately 1,300 AmeriCorps members at roughly 800 sites in Washington state were affected by cuts totaling more than $21 million. Ferguson joined other state officials in filing a lawsuit challenging the termination of the grants, which represented 41 percent of AmeriCorps' annual budget.

Governor Ferguson signed HB 1217, legislation that caps rent increases at 7% plus inflation or 10%, whichever is lower, making Washington one of the first states to enact such rent stabilization measures. The bill exempts single-family homes and manufactured and mobile homes, which are subject to a 5% cap, while prohibiting landlords from raising rents during the first 12 months of a new tenancy and requiring 90 days' notice before any rent increase. Beginning June 1, 2025, the state Department of Commerce will publish allowable maximum rent increases annually based on the Seattle-area Consumer Price Index.

Shannon Braddock was appointed by the Metropolitan King County Council to serve as King County executive for a seven-month term ending in November 2025, following the departure of Dow Constantine to become CEO of Sound Transit. Braddock's priorities during her tenure include passing a county budget, implementing a new sales tax, and establishing a fund to address potential losses in federal funding. The council confirmed Braddock unanimously after she agreed to answer questions from council members regarding county operations and priorities.

Ferguson signed Washington State Senate Bill 5375 into law on Friday, which adds members of the clergy to the list of mandated reporters required to report instances of child abuse or neglect to law enforcement or other agencies, with no exemptions for information obtained during confession. The U.S. Department of Justice subsequently opened an investigation into the development and passage of the law, asserting that it may violate the First Amendment's free exercise of religion clause and characterizing it as targeting Catholic priests who would be required to report abuse disclosed in confession. Ferguson responded by stating that the administration would focus on protecting Washington children from sexual abuse during the federal investigation.

Washington Governor Bob Ferguson announced in May 2025 that the Upper Hoh Road into the Hoh Rainforest would reopen on May 8 after a months-long closure caused by road damage from heavy rains in December 2024. Ferguson had directed over half a million dollars in March 2025 toward repairs of the road, which had collapsed in a section requiring extensive reconstruction by Jefferson County. The reopening restored access to the rainforest, which received nearly 460,000 visitors in 2024 and serves as a significant economic driver for nearby communities.

Governor Ferguson signed Senate Bill 5375 into law on May 2, 2025, which requires clergy members to report information about child abuse or neglect to law enforcement, including information obtained during confessional settings. The U.S. Department of Justice initiated a civil rights investigation into the law, arguing that it may violate First Amendment protections by compelling clergy to disclose confidential religious communications and potentially infringing upon the free exercise of religion. The Civil Rights Division stated that the statute appears to single out clergy as not entitled to assert applicable privileges compared to other reporting professionals.

Washington State Attorney General Nick Brown, along with 18 other state attorneys general, filed a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration's freeze on wind energy project development nationwide, which was issued through a presidential memo in January halting all federal approvals for both offshore and onshore wind projects. The states sought a court declaration that the directive is unlawful under the Administrative Procedure Act and requested an injunction to prevent federal enforcement of the freeze. Governor Bob Ferguson stated that the freeze undermined years of progress in clean energy investment and jeopardized the state's climate goals and economic future.

Governor Ferguson announced in March that the state would allocate $623,000 from its Strategic Reserve Fund to repair the Upper Hoh Road in Olympic National Park following erosion caused by heavy rains and flooding in December. The road, which provides the only vehicle access to the Hoh Rain Forest, had been closed for nearly five months. Ferguson participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday to mark the reopening of the rainforest's hiking trails, parking area, and restrooms.

Governor Ferguson signed legislation in 2025 that allows agricultural workers in Washington's marijuana industry to form unions. The law removes legal barriers that previously prevented workers in the state's legal cannabis sector from organizing collectively. The measure was supported by labor organizations including the food and commercial workers union, while opposition came from marijuana industry business associations concerned about competitive disadvantages.

The Washington House of Representatives gave final approval to House Bill 1296, which modifies Initiative 2081, the 2024 Parents Bill of Rights measure, and directs school districts to comply with state law. House Democrats argued that Initiative 2081 created confusion among school districts and compromised student privacy protections. The legislation now proceeds to Governor Ferguson for consideration.

The Washington Legislature approved a $78 billion operating budget bill on April 29, 2025, which now awaits signature or veto from Governor Ferguson. The budget includes revenue measures in House Bill 2081 that increase the business and occupation tax on activities including manufacturing, gambling, retailing, and radioactive waste cleanup, along with an additional 0.5% surcharge on businesses with taxable income over $250 million. The tax package is estimated to generate over $5.6 billion over the next four years.

During the final hours of the 2025 legislative session, the Washington State Senate passed Senate Bill 5797, a wealth tax proposal that would tax stocks and intangible financial assets of state residents worth more than $50 million, on a 26-21 mostly party-line vote. Governor Ferguson had previously stated he would not sign a state budget that relied on the tax, and the measure was not included in the budget lawmakers approved. The bill did not advance in the House as the Legislature adjourned shortly after the Senate vote.

Washington Attorney General Nick Brown joined a lawsuit filed by 25 states on Tuesday challenging the Trump Administration's cuts to AmeriCorps funding, which reduced grant funding by approximately 41 percent and placed 85 percent of paid staff on leave. The lawsuit alleges the cuts violate the Administrative Procedures Act and the separation of powers under the U.S. Constitution. Brown stated in a court filing that the president cannot unilaterally redirect public programs and public dollars in the manner described in the administrative action.

Washington Governor Bob Ferguson joined a coalition of state attorneys general in filing a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration's dismantling of AmeriCorps, the 32-year-old federal volunteer agency. The lawsuit alleged that actions taken in response to a February executive order directing federal agencies to reduce their workforce violated the Administrative Procedures Act and the Constitution, including the placement of AmeriCorps members and staff on administrative leave and the termination of nearly $400 million in grants to states. Ferguson stated that the cuts would affect approximately 800 service sites across Washington and characterized the actions as reckless and unlawful.

President Trump signed an executive order directing his administration to compile a list of sanctuary states and cities within 30 days, with Washington state and several of its cities identified as potential targets. Governor Ferguson signed legislation blocking out-of-state military forces from entering Washington without gubernatorial approval, stating the measure was necessary to prevent armed forces from enforcing policies contrary to the state's core values. Ferguson also stated that his administration would not allow the federal government to cut funding to Washington, particularly funds designated for Medicaid, education, and children's services.

Washington state lawmakers approved Senate Bill 5813, which increases the state's capital gains tax on investment sales exceeding $1 million from 7% to 9.9%, pending Governor Ferguson's approval. The bill was passed as part of a larger tax package designed to address a projected $16 billion budget deficit over four years. Ferguson's decision on whether to sign or veto the legislation will determine whether the increased tax rate takes effect.

The Washington state legislature passed a $78 billion budget for the 2025-27 biennium on April 27, 2025, which included $7.4 billion in spending increases, $5.9 billion in cuts, and $9.3 billion in new revenue over a four-year period to address an estimated $16 billion shortfall. Governor Ferguson secured a $100 million grant program for hiring and retaining law enforcement officers that he had campaigned on, though he requested that the legislature eliminate a wealth tax and reduce spending before implementing other tax increases. The budget passed on mostly party lines with 52-45 support in the House and 28-19 in the Senate.

Washington state lawmakers passed a $77.8 billion operating budget on the final day of the 2025 legislative session that allocates $750 million for special education, $213 million for school materials and operations, and $200 million to support students in low-income districts. The budget includes $8.7 billion in new taxes and plans $3.1 billion in cuts during the 2025-27 biennium to address a growing deficit without utilizing the state's emergency fund or implementing furloughs. Ferguson signaled support for the budget proposal, which awaits his signature.

The Washington State Legislature passed a state budget totaling approximately $77.8 billion over two years that includes new taxes and fee increases alongside spending cuts to address a multibillion dollar budget gap. Governor Bob Ferguson stated he intends to carefully review all revenue increases in the budget over the following weeks before deciding whether to sign or veto provisions. The legislature also passed legislation establishing rent caps, requiring gun permits, and allowing striking workers to access unemployment benefits during the 105-day session that concluded in April 2025.

The Washington State Legislature passed Senate Bill 5801 in April 2025, a bipartisan transportation revenue package that increases the state gasoline tax by 6 cents per gallon, raising it from 49.4 cents to 55.4 cents per gallon effective July 1, 2025. The legislation also increases diesel fuel taxes by 3 cents in 2025 and an additional 3 cents in 2027, implements both annual 2% inflation adjustments thereafter, and raises various vehicle-related fees including a $10 to $24 annual increase in vehicle weight fees, a motor vehicle sales tax increase from 0.3% to 0.5%, and new luxury taxes on vehicles and aircraft. Governor Ferguson was expected to sign the package, which lawmakers said would generate $3.2 billion over six years for transportation infrastructure and maintenance.

Governor Ferguson reappointed Molly Linville to the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission in April 2025, a position that requires a six-year term and Senate confirmation. The Washington Wildlife First Foundation filed a lawsuit in Thurston County Superior Court challenging Linville's eligibility, contending that state law prohibits holding two elected or appointed positions simultaneously because she also served on the Palisades School Board. Linville resigned from the school board on the day the lawsuit was filed, stating she chose to step down rather than continue the legal dispute.

Members of the Metropolitan King County Council advocated for a new 0.1% sales tax on purchases to fund the county's sheriff's deputies, public defenders, court operations, and behavioral health diversion programs in response to a projected budget deficit. Councilmembers Rod Dembowski and Girmay Zahilay began pushing for the tax following the Washington Legislature's passage of House Bill 2015, which authorizes cities and counties to levy a local sales tax for law enforcement and legal system funding. The tax proposal was motivated by restrictions on property tax growth, which county leaders stated have limited revenue growth to 1% annually despite higher inflation rates.

Governor Ferguson declined to sign a $12 billion tax package passed by the Washington State Senate to address the state's $16 billion budget shortfall. The package includes increases to the capital gains tax, business and occupation tax, sales tax, and gas and diesel fuel taxes, along with modifications to property tax structures. Under Washington state law, legislation becomes law without the governor's signature after 30 days, meaning Ferguson's refusal to sign does not prevent the budget plan from taking effect unless he issues a veto.

Governor Ferguson rejected a proposal to raise $12 billion in new taxes as "too costly" and also publicly rejected a wealth tax during budget negotiations in the 2025 legislative session. Ferguson stated he would not support a cuts-only budget approach but declined to specify which revenue proposals he would support as lawmakers worked toward a Sunday deadline to adopt the state budget. Following a bill signing on Tuesday, Ferguson expressed optimism that the legislature would adjourn on time while remaining noncommittal on unresolved fiscal legislation.

Governor Ferguson signed legislation restricting state militias from other states, districts, or territories from entering Washington without approval from the governor or president, with exceptions for forces called into active service by the president. The law took effect immediately upon signing through an emergency clause and does not affect disaster response through mutual aid agreements. Ferguson stated the measure protects Washington's autonomy under the federalist system and prevents armed forces from enforcing policies contrary to the state's values.

Governor Ferguson signed Senate Bill 5480 into law on Tuesday, which prohibits collection agencies and health care providers and facilities from reporting medical debt to consumer credit reporting agencies in Washington state. The bill, sponsored by Senator Marcus Riccelli, a Democrat from Spokane, removes medical debt from factors that affect credit scores. The measure passed with support from some Republicans in the Senate, though no House Republicans voted in favor of the proposal.

Governor Ferguson indicated he would be open to discussing a smaller wealth tax proposal as an alternative to a larger wealth tax that he stated he would veto if included in the budget. The Governor's position emerged during legislative negotiations in the final days of the 2025 session as lawmakers worked to address a multibillion-dollar budget shortfall. Ferguson's conditional stance on the scaled-down wealth tax proposal distinguished his position from his earlier veto threat regarding the broader wealth tax measure.

The Washington State Senate passed Engrossed Senate Bill 5721 in a 29-20 vote in April 2025, which requires auto insurance policies in the state to include provisions for independent appraisals when policyholders and insurers disagree on vehicle damage valuations. Under the legislation, either party may request a binding appraisal process involving neutral appraisers and, if necessary, a third-party umpire appointed by the Office of the Insurance Commissioner, with the process taking effect for policies issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2026. The bill advanced to Governor Ferguson's desk after the House passed it 96-1 and agreed to Senate amendments.

Washington Governor Bob Ferguson is expected to sign E2SHB 1163, a gun control bill that passed the state House on a party-line vote requiring residents to obtain a state-issued permit before purchasing firearms. The permit process mandates applicants submit fingerprints, pass a detailed background check, and complete a state-certified firearms safety course that includes live-fire training with a minimum of 50 rounds for concealed carry applicants. The bill also expands firearm dealer requirements to log all transfers and authorizes the Department of Licensing to conduct annual eligibility checks to revoke permits when holders become legally disqualified.

The Washington House of Representatives passed ESHB 2081, a corporate tax bill, with a 52-48 vote that increases the Business and Occupation tax rate for technology companies from 1.22% to 7.5% and raises their payment cap from $9 million to $75 million, while also adding a temporary 0.5% surcharge on businesses earning over $250 million. The House simultaneously passed SHB 2077 with a 52-45 vote, which imposes new excise taxes on electric vehicle manufacturers that sell or bank more than 25,000 zero-emission vehicle credits annually at rates of 2% for sold credits and 10% for banked credits. Both bills proceeded to the Senate for consideration before the legislative session's Sunday deadline, with the corporate tax measure projected to affect major technology companies including Amazon and Microsoft, and the EV credit tax anticipated to generate $78 million over two years.

Washington Governor Ferguson stated that Democratic leadership's decision to shelve a property tax proposal was appropriate. The proposal, contained in House Bill 2049, would have raised the state's property tax growth cap from 1% to 3% to account for population growth and inflation, with fiscal analysis estimating it would generate approximately $200 million for public schools and $236 million for local governments. Ferguson said the shelving occurred because Democratic leadership in the House, Senate, and Governor's office lacked unanimous agreement on the measure.

Governor Ferguson signed legislation into law on April 21, 2025, that prohibits other states, territories, or districts from deploying their National Guard troops to Washington state without the governor's approval. The bill included an emergency clause, making it effective immediately upon Ferguson's signature. The law permits National Guard collaboration from other states only with explicit state permission and does not restrict National Guard participation in disaster response or mutual aid agreements, nor does it limit the authority of the President of the United States to call military units into active service in Washington.

Governor Ferguson called for scaling back a $12 billion tax package that Washington state Senate Democrats advanced in April 2025, stating that the tax increases were "unsustainable, too risky and fails to adequately prepare Washington state for the crisis that looms ahead." The package, which included Senate Bill 5814 and related measures expanding the capital gains tax, business and occupation tax, property tax caps, and sales taxes on services, passed despite Ferguson's explicit request for a reduced tax approach. Ferguson did not sign or veto the legislation, as the action occurred in the state Senate rather than reaching the governor's desk at the time of reporting.

Governor Ferguson rejected a tax plan announced by Washington Democrats that would have raised $12 billion through five new taxes to address a $16 billion state deficit. Ferguson stated that the proposal was unsustainable and too risky given economic uncertainty and federal challenges affecting state services. The rejection occurred as a survey showed 12% of Washington employers were planning to relocate out of state, with 61% citing the state's tax burden as their primary reason.

Governor Ferguson announced on Thursday that he would not accept a $12 billion tax proposal developed by Democratic lawmakers in the Washington State Legislature, stating the package was "unsustainable, too risky" in light of federal budget cuts and economic uncertainty. The proposal, introduced by House and Senate Democratic leaders, included taxes on millionaires, large corporations, EV manufacturers, increased capital gains taxes, and changes to sales tax collection timelines. Ferguson indicated he would likely veto the tax package if included in the state budget, though he credited lawmakers for shifting away from a previously proposed wealth tax.

Governor Ferguson stated that he could not support a Democratic legislative proposal to raise $12 billion in additional revenue through increased capital gains taxes, estate taxes, business and occupation taxes, and property tax caps, characterizing the plan as "unsustainable" and "too risky." Ferguson indicated that while the state budget could not rely solely on spending cuts, he declined to specify which revenue sources or tax proposals he would support, stating such discussions remained ongoing. The governor's statement acknowledged legislative progress on certain revenue proposals while expressing concern about economic uncertainty and potential federal policy impacts on the state's financial position.

Governor Ferguson called for $100 million in state grants for police hiring in the 2025 to 2027 operating budget. The Washington state Senate passed HB 2015 on a bipartisan vote of 30 to 19, which authorizes state grants for police hiring and training contingent on local jurisdictions implementing a 0.1% sales tax increase to fund criminal justice programs. The bill conditions grants on agencies completing prescribed trainings at the Criminal Justice Training Center and allows local funds to support public defenders, reentry programs, and broader criminal justice purposes alongside police hiring.

Ferguson issued a statement criticizing the latest tax proposals put forward by Washington Democrats in the Legislature, calling a planned $12 billion in tax increases "unsustainable" and "too risky" given anticipated federal budget cuts and economic uncertainty. The Democratic proposal included increases to business taxes, expansion of the capital gains tax, new sales taxes, and removal of certain sales tax exemptions for digital services. Ferguson's statement marked his first public response to the Legislature's revised tax plan, which had dropped a previously proposed wealth tax after his earlier opposition to that approach.

Ferguson and Washington state legislators supported increased funding for the state's juvenile rehabilitation program despite a multi-billion dollar budget deficit. The proposed legislation would allow the Department of Children, Youth, and Families to transfer offenders over age 20 housed in juvenile facilities to adult prisons and convert an unused portion of the state prison in Aberdeen into a DCYF facility. Senator June Robinson, chair of the Senate Ways and Means Committee, indicated that juvenile rehabilitation would likely receive increased funding in the legislative session to ensure young people in the system receive appropriate services and that staff work in safe conditions.

Washington state Democrats introduced five tax bills on April 16, 2025, including Senate Bill 5813, which would establish a 9.9% capital gains tax on gains exceeding one million dollars and increase the estate tax rate to 35% for estates over nine million dollars. Governor Ferguson had previously indicated the state faced a sixteen billion dollar revenue shortfall over two years. The bills were scheduled for their first public hearing on April 17, 2025.

The Washington State Senate passed legislation requiring residents to obtain a permit before purchasing a firearm in a party-line vote on Monday, April 15, 2025. The bill, which had previously cleared the House, now returns to that chamber after the Senate adopted amendments and must receive House approval before proceeding to Governor Bob Ferguson's desk. Under the proposal, prospective firearm purchasers would be required to complete a certified live firearm safety course within the previous five years and renew their permit every five years, with the Washington State Patrol overseeing implementation.

Senate Bill 5375 passed the Washington House of Representatives on a 64-31 vote and was sent to Governor Bob Ferguson for signature. The legislation adds clergy members to Washington's list of mandatory reporters required to report child abuse or neglect to law enforcement or the Department of Children, Youth and Families, and notably removes the confessional privilege exemption that exists in most other states with similar laws. If signed by Ferguson, Washington would join a small number of states including New Hampshire and West Virginia in requiring clergy to report abuse disclosed during confession.

Governor Ferguson responded to FEMA's denial of Washington's request for federal disaster relief following November 2024 storms that caused an estimated $34 million in damage, stating that the state's application met all of FEMA's criteria for assistance. Ferguson announced the state would file an appeal within the 30-day window permitted by FEMA, criticizing the federal government's decision to withhold funding needed for recovery efforts. The storms, which occurred between November 17 and 23, 2024, caused two deaths and widespread infrastructure damage across eleven counties in western and eastern Washington.

Washington Governor Ferguson stated he would consider vetoing a proposed wealth tax on millionaires and billionaires, citing potential legal challenges to the measure. The wealth tax, which would have generated an estimated $4 billion in revenue to address a $16 billion state budget deficit, became effectively defunct following Ferguson's position. The state legislature subsequently began developing alternative budget solutions, including potential property tax increases and budget reductions.

President Trump signed an executive order on Tuesday directing Attorney General Pam Bondi to identify state and local climate and environmental justice laws and take action to halt enforcement of those deemed illegal, with the order specifically targeting cap-and-trade systems adopted by states including Washington. Washington Gov. Ferguson issued a statement indicating confidence that the state would preserve its climate protection laws and clean energy investments against the executive order. The order prompted responses from Democratic governors across the West Coast pledging to defend their states' climate policies, while some Republican lawmakers and industry groups expressed support for the administration's action.

Governor Ferguson proposed $7 billion in budget cuts over four years that would reduce state payrolls and institute furlough days. Ferguson rejected operating budgets passed by Democrats in both the state House and Senate that included steep tax increases, stating that a wealth tax would likely face court challenges. The rejected proposals had included property tax increases and a payroll tax on large Washington businesses, on which Ferguson declined to take a position.

Governor Ferguson indicated he would likely veto a proposed wealth tax that could have generated $4 billion in state revenue, citing concerns about potential legal challenges to the measure. Following Ferguson's position, Washington Democrats abandoned the wealth tax proposal and shifted to developing alternative revenue sources to address a $16 billion budget shortfall. Senate Majority Leader Pedersen stated the party was developing multiple unspecified "tools" including potential changes to property tax caps, corporate payroll taxes, and increases to tobacco, nicotine, and gas taxes, with details to be announced within the following week.

Democratic state lawmakers advanced Senate Bill 5041, which would extend unemployment insurance eligibility to striking workers for up to 12 weeks, with the legislation passing the Washington State Senate on a 28-21 vote. The Seattle Times editorial board called on Governor Ferguson to veto the bill, citing concerns about the policy's untested nature and potential costs to the state unemployment system and public agencies such as school districts. The House version of the legislation was expected to consider amendments that would limit benefits to four weeks rather than the full 12-week period in the Senate-passed version.

Governor Ferguson proposed 24 unpaid furlough days over two years as part of efforts to address Washington's $16 billion budget shortfall, replacing previously pledged general wage increases of 5%. The proposal created a point of disagreement with the Washington State Federation of State Employees, whose members protested at the state Capitol building in April 2025. Alternative budget proposals from the House and Senate offered different approaches, with the House honoring wage increases without furloughs and the Senate proposing 13 furlough days over one year.

Governor Ferguson stated he would veto a wealth tax proposal and indicated opposition to using the state's rainy-day fund to balance the budget during discussions with Republican legislative leaders. Ferguson also emphasized support for responsible budgeting practices that would avoid new taxes and prevent reliance on optimistic revenue projections. Republican leaders acknowledged Ferguson's fiscal positions in meetings with the governor and noted alignment on certain budgetary principles despite ongoing disagreements on other policy matters.

The Washington State Legislature passed House Bill 1815, which Ferguson is expected to receive, that removes juvenile detention facilities from the legal definition of "correctional institutions" for purposes of prison riot charges. Under current law, incidents in juvenile facilities operated by the Department of Children, Youth, and Families can result in Class B felony riot charges carrying up to 10 years in adult prison; the bill would instead classify such incidents as internal behavioral infractions or more specific crimes such as assault. The legislation would also allow individuals previously convicted under prison riot statutes in juvenile facilities to petition for conviction vacation and resentencing.

Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson appointed Jim Anderson of Pierce County, Molly Linville of Douglas County, and Victor Garcia of Skagit County to the state Fish and Wildlife Commission in April 2025. Ferguson reappointed Anderson and Linville, whose terms had expired on January 1, and selected Garcia to replace former commissioner Tim Ragen. The appointments followed Ferguson's earlier decision to rescind two appointments made by his predecessor, Gov. Jay Inslee, citing concerns about the commission's dysfunction raised in a report from the William D. Ruckelshaus Center.

Governor Ferguson adopted a recommendation from the Washington Department of Corrections to close Mission Creek Corrections Center for Women as part of the 2025-2027 budget proposal, a decision expected to save $16.2 million in the biennium. The facility was operating at 55 percent capacity as of December 2024, with 177 of 321 beds occupied. The closure was proposed amid a broader state budget deficit that required agencies to identify spending reductions.

Rep. Michael Baumgartner stated in an interview that he has long held concerns about the tariffs announced by President Donald Trump on Wednesday, citing potential negative effects on agricultural exports from his Eastern Washington district to Asian markets. Baumgartner said he understood the rationale behind tariffs but characterized the new tariffs as a departure from Trump's first-term trade policy and expressed that tariffs are generally not effective economic tools, though they may serve as geopolitical instruments. The congressman indicated he would continue communicating with colleagues in Congress and the administration to express concerns about the tariffs while acknowledging that voters elected Trump after a campaign emphasizing tariffs.

Governor Ferguson rejected budget proposals from both the Washington House and Senate on April 3, 2025, stating that neither proposal was acceptable for his signature due to excessive taxation and reliance on a wealth tax. Ferguson's rejection came after the legislature presented two competing budget plans during the 2025 legislative session. The rejection prompted discussion among state lawmakers about the need for further negotiations and the possibility of a special session to resolve differences between the governor and the legislature.

Governor Ferguson rejected budget proposals passed by both the Washington House and Senate that relied on a new wealth tax on the state's wealthiest residents to address an estimated $16 billion budget deficit. Ferguson stated he would not sign any budget incorporating the wealth tax, citing concerns that the untested proposal could be invalidated in court. The governor indicated he would support a balanced approach incorporating spending cuts and previously identified efficiencies but declined to specify what level of new revenue he would accept.

Washington Governor Ferguson announced on April 1, 2025, that he will not sign a state budget that includes a wealth tax, rejecting proposals from both the House and Senate Democrats that would generate $7 billion to $12 billion in revenue through such a tax. Ferguson stated that the wealth tax represents an untested approach that could face legal challenges and creates financial risk given anticipated federal funding cuts and tariffs. The governor indicated that if the legislature does not substantially change its budget approach, the legislative session may extend beyond its scheduled April 27 end date.

Governor Ferguson rejected two Democratic state budgets that included a wealth tax, stating it was imprudent to base spending on a novel and legally untested tax, though he did not take a position on the proposed payroll tax and left open the possibility of a limited wealth tax as a test case for the courts. Major corporations including Amazon, Microsoft, Alaska Airlines, and Costco sent a letter to Ferguson and Democratic and Republican legislative leadership urging them to drop both the wealth and payroll tax proposals from the $12 billion tax plan. Ferguson outlined five fiscal priorities including preserving the state's Rainy Day Fund and stated that the state cannot "tax our way out" of its budget challenges.

Governor Ferguson rejected the operating budgets passed by the Democratic-controlled state House and Senate in April 2025, stating that neither proposal could receive his signature. Ferguson cited two primary objections to the budgets: the magnitude of tax increases they contained and their reliance on a wealth tax, which he characterized as novel, untested, difficult to implement, and likely to face immediate legal challenges. Ferguson called for the legislature to redirect budget discussions in a significantly different direction on both taxation and spending matters.

Governor Ferguson issued an order canceling the parole of Timothy Pauley, who was serving consecutive life sentences for three murders committed during an armed robbery at the Barn Door Tavern in SeaTac in 1980 and was scheduled for release. Ferguson stated in his order that he was unconvinced Pauley had achieved true rehabilitation and met the statutory requirements for release under RCW 9.95.100, reversing the parole decision made by former Governor Inslee during his final days in office. Pauley had been denied parole multiple times before the Indeterminate Sentencing Review Board approved his release in 2022, which Inslee had initially blocked before rescinding that decision.

Gov. Ferguson stated during his inaugural address that he would not sign a budget without $100 million in law enforcement grants included, positioning law enforcement funding as a requirement in the state's budget negotiations to address a $10-15 billion deficit. The House Democrats' budget proposal included $25 million for local law enforcement grants over two years, while the Senate proposal contained no such funding for local police hiring. Ferguson previously indicated that new taxes should be a "last resort" in closing the budget gap and stated support for limited furloughs of state workers, though he had not directly commented on either chamber's full proposals as of March 24, 2025.

Washington Governor Ferguson is reviewing the case of Timothy Pauley, a convicted murderer serving three life sentences for a 1980 armed robbery at the Barn Door Tavern in which two men were shot and one woman was strangled. Former Governor Jay Inslee blocked Pauley's 2022 parole board-approved release, citing insufficient remorse, but rescinded that order on January 14, making Pauley eligible for release. Ferguson has authority to block the release and is currently reviewing the case while meeting with the families of the victims.

Governor Ferguson proposed garnishing child support payments from low-income families receiving public assistance as a measure to address Washington state's $13 billion budget deficit. The proposal would continue a decades-long practice under federal law that allows the state to redirect child support payments to reimburse government expenditures on public assistance. A bipartisan bill sponsored by State Rep. Travis Couture aims to end this practice by 2026.

Mike Webb, chief strategy officer to Governor Ferguson, resigned following allegations that he created a hostile work environment within the Governor's Office. Legislative director Joyce Bruce also resigned recently, with sources citing a toxic workplace environment allegedly created by Webb as her reason for departure. Ferguson's office stated it had not received any human resources complaints about Webb prior to his resignation.

Ferguson announced a plan to cut $4 billion in state spending following an updated economic forecast showing Washington will collect $845 million less in revenue over the next four years than previously projected. The revised forecast, released by the Washington State Economic and Revenue Forecast Council on March 18, 2025, attributed the decline to lower actual revenues and reduced projections for personal income, employment, and building permits. Ferguson's spending reduction plan was designed to address an estimated $15 billion budget deficit facing the state over the four-year period.

Governor Ferguson proposed a budget plan to address a state fiscal shortfall that includes furloughing state government workers one day per month and eliminating teacher bonuses, measures projected to save $300 million over two years as part of $4 billion in total spending cuts. The proposal drew criticism from state employee unions, including the Washington Federation of State Employees, which stated that Ferguson did not consult with union representatives before announcing the plan. Ferguson's office characterized the reductions as part of broader spending efficiencies that do not impact vital services, though the final budget decisions remain subject to approval by the state legislature.

Governor Ferguson announced Thursday that repairs to the Upper Hoh Road in Olympic National Park would be funded through a state grant from an economic development and strategic reserve coupled with private donations exceeding $27,000. The road, which suffered erosion damage from heavy rains and river flow changes in December, has been closed for nearly three months and requires an estimated $650,000 in repairs. Ferguson stated that once grants are finalized, repairs would take approximately one month, with reopening of the Hoh Rain Forest expected in May.

Governor Ferguson supported House Bill 2015, which would provide grant funding for local cities, counties, and tribes to hire additional police officers. The bill survived the legislative cutoff deadline and continued moving through the Washington State Legislature during the 2025 session. HB 2015 advanced despite Republicans preferring alternative police-related legislation.

Senate Republicans in Washington released a budget proposal in March 2025 that projects 5% spending growth over two years totaling $75.6 billion without increasing taxes. The proposal calls for increased K-12 education funding, maintains eligibility and hours for senior care and behavioral health services, defers previously negotiated collective bargaining wage increases in favor of $5,000 bonuses to state workers, and eliminates $1.7 billion in spending on previously approved but not yet implemented programs. Senate Minority Leader John Braun stated the budget lives within the state's means while delivering necessary services.

Governor Ferguson announced on March 6, 2025, that Washington state will restore full ferry service to Puget Sound by summer 2025, returning the system to pre-pandemic operational levels by deploying 18 vessels on active routes. The plan prioritizes restoring crew staffing and compensation while delaying the hybrid-electric conversion of two large ferries to ensure adequate service capacity. Ferguson stated the state will pursue a budget that fully funds ferry crews and noted that the restored service capacity is necessary ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Washington State Attorney General Nick Brown joined a lawsuit filed by federal employee unions seeking to block the Trump administration's termination of probationary federal employees. The filing stated that at least one thousand federal employees in Washington have been terminated under the administration's plan to downsize federal offices, out of approximately 76,000 federal employees in the state. A federal judge issued a temporary restraining order on Friday and directed the Office of Personnel Management to rescind its guidance to federal agencies to identify probationary employees for termination.

Washington Governor Ferguson proposed a state budget that would reduce funding to foundational public health services from $155 million annually to $130 million annually. The Spokane Regional Health District, which receives $6.1 million from that program each year, would experience a 14% reduction in that funding if the budget passed. Ferguson stated at a news conference that the proposed cuts would maintain public health spending well above pre-pandemic levels despite the reduction.

Gov. Ferguson announced a budget reduction plan on February 27, 2025, designed to address an estimated $15 billion budget gap over four years without implementing new taxes. The plan includes approximately $4 billion in savings through state employee furloughs of one day per month for two years, consolidation of office and warehouse spaces, reductions in out-of-state travel and equipment purchases, and scaled-back funding for child care and certain food security and public health programs. When combined with cuts from the previous administration's December budget proposal, Ferguson's measures would account for approximately $7 billion of the projected deficit.

Gov. Bob Ferguson unveiled a budget reduction plan on Thursday designed to save Washington $4 billion over the next four years in response to a projected $15 billion budget deficit. The plan calls for most state agencies to reduce their budgets by 6 percent, with exemptions for public safety and K-12 education, and includes the implementation of temporary monthly furloughs for state employees over two years. Ferguson stated the proposal does not include new tax increases and indicated that many of the plan's components will require legislative approval.

House Republicans in Congress passed a budget resolution on Tuesday proposing $880 billion in cuts that could include federal Medicaid funding nationwide. Washington state lawmakers, including Senate Majority Leader Jamie Pedersen and House Majority Leader Joe Fitzgibbon, stated at a press briefing Wednesday that a 20 percent cut to the federal portion of Medicaid funding could drain the state's budget stabilization fund by $1.7 billion and create shortfalls in healthcare services for the state's 1.8 million Medicaid recipients. Democratic leaders indicated the proposed federal cuts would compound Washington's projected $12 billion state budget deficit over the next four years.

Governor Ferguson proposed a $4 billion reduction in state spending, requesting that state agencies each submit proposals to cut 6 percent of their budgets. The proposal includes requiring most state employees to take one furlough day per month over the next two years, generating more than $300 million in savings, with exemptions for state troopers and staff at state hospitals. Ferguson stated that the $4 billion in cuts, combined with reductions identified by his predecessor, would constitute half of the state's projected $15 billion deficit over four years.

U.S. District Judge Jamal Whitehead in Seattle issued a preliminary injunction on February 25, 2025, temporarily blocking President Trump's executive order halting the country's refugee resettlement program and freezing federal funding for refugee resettlement agencies. Whitehead ruled that Trump's executive order likely violated the Refugee Act of 1980, the Administrative Procedure Act, and the Fifth Amendment's due process clause. The injunction prevents the executive order from taking effect until the court case concludes or is overruled by a higher court.

Washington House Speaker Laurie Jinkins described a budget scenario based on Governor Jay Inslee's "Book One" budget that would balance a $6 billion to $14 billion state deficit through $12 billion in cuts with no new revenue over two years. House Democrats created a website illustrating potential cuts under this all-cuts approach, including $3.5 billion in healthcare reductions, $1.5 billion in human services cuts, $1.1 billion in higher education reductions, and eliminations of adult dental care and kidney dialysis coverage for Medicaid recipients. Jinkins stated in her weekly podcast that such an approach would be "very concerning" and outlined the specific reductions across multiple state programs and services.

Washington state awarded a $1.5 million grant to support a planned sustainable aviation fuel and renewable diesel production facility being developed by Dutch company SkyNRG near Walla Walla, projected to open in 2029. The state's financial support includes tax credits providing subsidies of $1 to $2 per gallon of sustainable aviation fuel and accelerated permitting and environmental review for clean energy plant construction. Ferguson's office announced the project, which is expected to create approximately 600 construction jobs and 100 permanent production positions.

U.S. District Judge Jamal Whitehead issued a temporary block of President Trump's executive order titled "Realigning the United States Refugee Admissions Program," which had frozen refugee arrivals and suspended federal funding for refugee resettlement organizations. Whitehead ruled that the president's discretion in setting policy is "not limitless" and found that stranded refugees and organizations serving them faced concrete irreparable harm from the order's implementation. The judge noted that Trump's order, which took effect January 27, lacked clear criteria for reinstatement and that federal agencies had disrupted travel for refugees poised to arrive in the United States.

Gov. Ferguson backed a proposal to provide free meals to all Washington school children, which he promoted at Whitman Elementary in Spokane before taking office. The Senate Education Committee did not advance the bill out of committee before the Friday cutoff deadline, with Committee Chair Lisa Wellman indicating that the proposal could divert resources from other education priorities including school transportation, special education, and materials and operating costs during a budget deficit year. Sen. Marcus Riccelli, the bill's prime sponsor, stated he continues to seek a path forward in the House to advance the proposal this session.

Washington Governor Ferguson initially supported Senate Bill 5434, which sought to limit the governor's emergency powers by granting the legislature authority to terminate states of emergency. After the Senate State Government, Tribal Affairs and Elections Committee amended the bill to remove provisions allowing the legislature to end emergencies and replace them with a concurrent resolution requirement when in session and a four-leader agreement requirement when out of session, Ferguson's position on the revised measure was not explicitly stated in available reporting. The amended bill advanced from committee on a party-line vote, with all Republicans voting against the revised version.

Governor Ferguson canceled his attendance at the National Governors Association Winter Meeting scheduled for Washington, D.C. to remain in the state and focus on budget reduction work. Ferguson had directed most state agencies to identify equivalent 6 percent budget cuts and four-year higher education institutions to propose 3 percent reductions to address a projected $12 billion deficit over the next four years. The governor announced he would make a budget announcement the following week after reviewing agency proposals.

Governor Ferguson suspended the automatic deletion of instant messages at state agencies following a $225,000 settlement against the Department of Children, Youth and Families for destroying potentially thousands of public records. King County Councilmembers Reagan Dunn and Rod Dembowski introduced an ordinance to end King County's practice of automatically deleting instant messages after 17 days and preserve them as part of the public record. The ordinance would require that any message deletion first be reviewed for compliance with King County's record retention policies and would align with Ferguson's state-level action if approved.

Ferguson stated that he would work with the Trump administration where their views align while characterizing the president's federal spending cuts as making cooperation difficult. The governor's comments came as the Trump administration implemented executive orders to reduce federal agency operations and freeze federal spending, actions that prompted concern among Washington state officials about potential impacts on Medicaid funding and other state programs. Ferguson has emphasized bipartisanship as a core theme during his early tenure as governor.

Ferguson held a news conference on February 13, 2025, to discuss concerns that federal spending cuts by the Trump administration would exacerbate Washington state's existing multibillion dollar budget gap, noting that approximately one-third of the state's budget derives from federal funding. Ferguson stated that the Trump administration's actions were making the state's budget situation significantly worse, citing examples including temporary freezes on federal grant dollars for solar power programs. Ferguson had previously ordered state agencies to implement spending cuts of approximately 6 percent and indicated he would release additional details on his spending plans later in the month.

Washington Governor Ferguson held a news conference to address potential federal funding losses and respond to President Trump's executive orders. Ferguson stated that Washington would protect civil rights including reproductive healthcare access, gender-affirming care, and rights for immigrants regardless of legal status. Ferguson offered to collaborate with Trump on areas of common interest while indicating he would take legal action if the President exceeded his constitutional authority.

Washington Governor Bob Ferguson announced Thursday that the state would continue working with the Trump administration on areas of shared priorities while maintaining legal challenges to federal actions deemed to exceed executive authority. Ferguson stated that the state would pursue litigation when necessary, including joining a multistate lawsuit challenging the influence of Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency. The governor emphasized that Washington would preserve its values and address federal actions affecting state interests while remaining focused on issues uniting the state.

Governor Ferguson stated that Washington would continue state-funded electric vehicle infrastructure projects after the federal government paused more than $90 million in grants to the state as part of a broader review of spending from previous administrations. The Washington State Department of Transportation suspended two federally funded programs on Friday totaling over $90 million for EV charging stations along fuel corridors and medium- and heavy-duty truck charging along Interstate 5. The state committed to using alternative state funding, including $32.7 million allocated through the Zero-Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Partnership program for the 2023-25 biennium, to continue building charging infrastructure throughout Washington.

Washington Governor Ferguson stated that the Trump administration's cuts to indirect cost reimbursements at research institutions would be disastrous for scientific research in the state if allowed to proceed. Ferguson said he would work with the state's Attorney General and university experts to protect federal research funding from what he characterized as unlawful federal overreach. A federal judge granted a temporary restraining order on Monday that paused the Trump administration's announcement to reduce indirect cost reimbursements to 15% across all research institutions nationwide.

Judge Angel Kelly of the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts issued a temporary halt to a National Institutes of Health directive that would cap reimbursement rates for indirect costs at research institutions to 15%, down from previously negotiated rates. The directive was announced by the NIH on Friday and prompted Washington Attorney General Nick Brown to join 21 other states in filing a lawsuit to block the policy. Kelly scheduled a hearing for February 21 and instructed the NIH to provide regular updates to the court on payment disbursements.

Washington Attorney General Brown filed a federal lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington on February 7, 2025, challenging President Trump's executive order issued January 28, 2025, that blocks federal funding to medical institutions providing gender-affirming care to individuals under 19 years old. Brown was joined by Oregon and Minnesota in the multistate lawsuit, which seeks to immediately block the executive order from taking effect. The lawsuit argues the executive order violates the Fifth Amendment's equal protection guarantee, the Tenth Amendment's protection of state medical practice regulation, and the constitutional separation of powers.

Governor Ferguson requested that the Washington State Senate return the appointments of Lynn O'Connor and Tim Ragen to the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission to his office, halting the confirmation process before Senate hearings were scheduled. Ferguson stated in his letter that the administration had received correspondence from individuals, tribes, and other entities requesting a more extensive appointment process, and that returning the appointments would allow his office to conduct additional interviews and evaluations before resubmitting candidates to the Senate within 60 days. The rescission affected the final two commission appointments made by former Governor Jay Inslee in his final days in office.

Democratic lawmakers in Washington State announced their intention to protect LGBTQ+ rights and diversity initiatives from federal policy changes. House Speaker Laurie Jinkins and State Senator Manka Dhingra stated that Washington would maintain existing protections for transgender individuals and referenced prior legislative measures passed during the previous Trump administration addressing healthcare access, gender-affirming care, and hate crimes. Democratic Senate Majority Leader Jamie Pedersen noted receiving over 500 constituent contacts regarding House Bill 1038, a Republican-introduced proposal to restrict gender transition medical procedures for minors, and pledged that the state would ensure Washington remained a safe place for LGBTQ+ youth and families.

Governor Ferguson announced a media initiative declaring he would protect children from ICE enforcement actions. The announcement was covered by local media outlets including KING 5, which reported on Ferguson's statement regarding immigration enforcement. Ferguson's office did not provide information about the specific criminal charges and convictions of individuals targeted in concurrent ICE arrests in the Seattle area.

Governor Ferguson signed an executive order on January 27, 2025, directing the state to create a response team to assist children whose parents are deported by federal immigration enforcement. The executive order aims to ensure that children separated from their parents retain access to care and uninterrupted education. Ferguson took this action in response to the Trump administration's rescission of the federal policy that previously prohibited immigration arrests in sensitive locations such as schools and churches.

Governor Ferguson signed an executive order in Seattle establishing the Family Separation and Rapid Response Team, which will operate under Washington's Department of Children, Youth and Families to develop policies supporting children and families in response to immigration enforcement actions. The team was created in reaction to the Trump Administration's immigration enforcement operations that have resulted in detentions and deportations across the country. The executive order does not include measures to prevent or restrict Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids within the state.

Washington Attorney General Nick Brown joined 21 other states in filing a lawsuit in U.S. District Court for Rhode Island to block a federal funding freeze ordered by the Office of Management and Budget following President Donald Trump's executive orders. The freeze directive, initially announced in an internal memo on January 27, 2025, ordered federal agencies to halt payments related to foreign aid, nongovernmental organizations, diversity initiatives, and green energy programs, potentially affecting over $27 billion in Washington state funding for education, infrastructure, healthcare, and veteran services. Governor Bob Ferguson stated that while presidents have significant powers, Trump's implementation of the freeze exceeded constitutional authority and created chaos for state services and programs.

Governor Ferguson signed an executive order establishing a family separation rapid response team to operate within the Department of Children, Youth and Families. The team includes representatives from the Washington State Patrol, the Office of Refugee and Immigrant Assistance, the attorney general's office, and the governor's office. According to the executive order, the rapid response team will review policies and identify changes to assist families experiencing separation through deportation or detention, develop policies to help children of deported or detained parents, and meet with school officials to develop policies mitigating educational disruption.

Governor Ferguson signed an executive order on January 27, 2025, establishing the Family Separation Rapid Response Team within the state Department of Children, Youth, and Families to respond to family separations resulting from deportations. The team, which includes representatives from the Office of Refugee and Immigrant Assistance, the Attorney General's Office, and the governor's office, will identify children separated from parents or relatives and connect them with caregivers and next-of-kin. The order directs the team to work with local school districts and the Office of Refugee Resettlement to ensure no child is left without a primary caregiver.

Washington State Governor Ferguson signed an executive order on January 27, 2025, that established the Family Separation and Rapid Response Team, operating under the Department of Children, Youth and Families to provide support to children and families affected by Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrests and deportations. The executive order was signed at the Centilia Cultural Center in Seattle and included coordination with Washington State Attorney General Nick Brown and Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell. The order creates policies to respond to immigration enforcement actions but does not include measures to prevent ICE operations within the state.

Governor Ferguson appointed Jesse Jones as director of Results Washington, a government transparency agency established over a decade ago. Results Washington tracks and reports on state government performance across sectors including education, environment, and economy, while conducting performance audits and holding state agencies accountable. Jones indicated the organization would undergo rebranding to emphasize customer service and efficiency across state government operations.

Governor Ferguson appointed Jesse Jones, a former consumer journalist, to lead Results Washington, a state agency established through executive order in 2013 with a mission to improve government efficiency and performance through measurable goals and data collection. Jones will oversee the agency with a focus on reducing bureaucratic delays, improving customer service, and streamlining processes for permits, licenses, and business operations. Ferguson stated that the appointment aligns with his stated objective to reform state government and reduce the bureaucracy that creates delays for residents and businesses.

Governor Ferguson indicated in his inaugural address that the state legislature's final budget must include a proposed $100 million grant program to hire additional law enforcement personnel. The bill, sponsored by Sens. Manka Dhingra and Jeff Holy, was heard by the Senate Law and Justice Committee in January 2025 and has bipartisan support in the legislature. Ferguson's public safety policy adviser Nathan Olson testified in support of the legislation during the committee hearing.

Washington Attorney General Nick Brown filed a lawsuit on January 21, 2025, challenging President Donald Trump's executive order to end automatic birthright citizenship, joining Illinois, Oregon, and Arizona in the suit filed in the Western District of Washington. The states argue that the executive order, which requires at least one parent to be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident for a child born in the United States to automatically gain citizenship, violates the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Brown stated that if enacted on February 19, the order would deny citizenship to approximately 150,000 newborn children annually, including thousands born in Washington.

Washington State Attorney General Nick Brown announced on January 17, 2025, that Puppyland agreed to a settlement requiring the company to pay the state $3.75 million in installments by June 20, 2026, to resolve a lawsuit filed in April 2023 under former AG Bob Ferguson. The lawsuit alleged that Puppyland failed to honor advertised health guarantees, directed customers into predatory loans with interest rates approaching 200%, and used non-disparagement provisions that illegally restricted truthful online reviews. The settlement requires Puppyland to cease these practices, eliminate non-disparagement clauses from sales contracts, prohibit false advertising of breeding standards, and clearly display puppy price ranges.

During his annual "State of Education" address on Thursday, Washington Superintendent Chris Reykdal requested an additional $3 billion in K-12 funding for the next biennium, citing declining education's share of the state budget from approximately 50% in 2017-19 to 44% in the most recent budget. Reykdal identified special education, transportation, and school operations costs as priority areas for increased funding and called for new revenue streams, including a wealth tax, to support the increase. Ferguson has declined to pursue new revenue sources and instead proposed broad cuts to address the state's multi-billion-dollar budget shortfall.

Governor Ferguson signed three executive orders on January 15, 2025, minutes after his inauguration as Washington's 24th governor. The first executive order directed the Department of Health to convene a roundtable of medical providers, experts, and lawmakers to recommend strategies for protecting reproductive freedom in response to the 2022 Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade. The second and third executive orders directed state agencies to review regulations impacting housing, permitting, and construction with the goal of streamlining or eliminating provisions to ease home construction.

Ferguson took the oath of office as Washington's 24th governor on January 15, 2025, and delivered an inaugural address calling for streamlined government and bipartisan cooperation with Republican lawmakers. In his address, Ferguson stated his intent to reform rather than defend government and expressed a desire to work across party lines on issues including a $100 million law enforcement grant program and a tax rebate for farmers. Ferguson also issued an executive order directing the Department of Health to convene a roundtable of medical providers and experts, indicating his first official acts in office.

Bob Ferguson was sworn in as Washington's 24th governor on January 15, 2025, and delivered an inaugural address emphasizing government reform and bipartisan collaboration. Ferguson signed three executive orders on his first day, including one directing state agencies to provide licenses or permits for free if they fail to meet their own deadlines. Ferguson announced budget priorities that include a 6% average cut to state agency budgets, a request for $100 million in law enforcement grant funding, and a commitment to veto any budget requiring unrealistic revenue growth or legislation promising major new spending beyond a four-year period.

Governor Ferguson signed three executive orders following his inaugural address on January 15, 2025. The first executive order directed the Washington State Department of Health to convene a task force to identify strategies for safeguarding reproductive rights in Washington. The second and third executive orders addressed housing by tasking state agencies with reviewing regulations affecting construction and streamlining the permit process while establishing a refund mechanism for builders if the state fails to deliver permits on time.

On his final day in office, Governor Inslee addressed the Washington Legislature and cautioned against making deep spending cuts to address the state's projected budget shortfall of $10-16 billion over four years, instead urging lawmakers to follow his December budget proposal that included approximately $2 billion in cuts and a 1% tax on worldwide wealth over $100 million. Inslee stated that significant cuts beyond his proposal would represent a return to the severe reductions made during the Great Recession and warned that "abstract numerical cuts cause concrete personal pain." His remarks came days before Governor-elect Ferguson took office with a stated priorities list emphasizing a cuts-first approach to the budget.

Governor Bob Ferguson unveiled budget priorities for the 2025 Washington legislative session that emphasize spending cuts as a primary strategy to address a projected budget shortfall exceeding $10 billion over four years. Ferguson stated he is skeptical of whether a wealth tax would work and indicated that tax increases would be a last resort, contrasting with the approach of his predecessor Jay Inslee. Ferguson's budget proposal includes $100 million in grants for local law enforcement hiring and funding to provide free breakfast and lunch to all K-12 students.

Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson ordered Lincare Inc. to pay $1.15 million to the state's Medicaid program following an investigation by the AG's Medicaid Fraud Control Division. The investigation determined that between January 2017 and March 2023, Lincare knowingly billed rental fees for oxygen equipment beyond the legally permitted three-year period more than 15,000 times, including instances where the company billed for six years. The settlement requires Lincare to comply with Washington's oxygen leasing laws and implement internal controls to prevent future violations.

Governor-elect Bob Ferguson unveiled a plan to reduce the state budget deficit by approximately $4 billion over four years through agency cuts, which he announced on Thursday ahead of his Wednesday inauguration. The plan calls for most state agencies to implement 6 percent budget reductions across the board, while exempting K-12 education, community and technical colleges, public safety agencies, entitlement benefits, and limiting university cuts to 3 percent. Ferguson stated that tax increases would be considered only after savings and reductions have been identified and implemented.

Governor-elect Bob Ferguson listed universal free school lunches for Washington students as a budget priority in announcements made Thursday, despite planning to trim $4.4 billion from the state budget. Ferguson visited Whitman Elementary School in Spokane on Friday to emphasize his commitment to expanding the free lunch program, which currently serves 70% of Washington students. The initiative would complete a multi-year effort to provide free meals to all public school students in Washington regardless of family income, with the state Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction estimating an annual cost of $108 million to achieve full universal coverage.

Governor Inslee issued a directive to the Washington State Department of Health to adopt emergency rules codifying requirements for hospital emergency abortion care. The rules prohibit hospitals from withholding care based on pregnancy status and require that the health of the pregnant person take priority over fetal health unless the patient directs otherwise. Inslee stated the emergency adoption was necessary due to anticipated changes to federal abortion policy that could imperil access to emergency abortion care in Washington state.

Gov.-elect Ferguson unveiled a budget plan on January 9, 2025, proposing $4.4 billion in savings over four years to address an estimated $12 billion state budget shortfall. The plan directs most state agencies to identify 6 percent budget reductions, while exempting K-12 education, community and technical colleges, public safety agencies, and entitlement benefits from cuts, and includes $800 million in new spending for law enforcement and universal free lunch programs. Ferguson stated that raising taxes would be a last resort and that some proposed cuts would require legislative action.

Governor-elect Ferguson announced a proposal requiring all state agencies to reduce projected spending by 6%, estimated to save the state $4 billion over four years as Washington faces a $12 billion budget shortfall. Ferguson specified that the reduction would not be uniform across all agencies, with cuts ranging from 4% to 8% depending on department function, while explicitly protecting K-12 education funding and public safety agencies from reductions. The proposal includes consolidating management positions by 10-25%, reducing travel expenditures by up to 50%, and conducting zero-based budget reviews to eliminate outdated programs, while also allocating $800 million in general fund investments toward public safety, housing development, and affordability initiatives.

Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson filed a lawsuit in King County Superior Court against T-Mobile for failing to adequately secure the personal information of more than 2 million Washington residents, resulting in a data breach that began in March 2021 and was discovered in August 2021. The lawsuit alleges that T-Mobile knew about security vulnerabilities for years without taking sufficient action to address them, and that the company failed to properly notify affected consumers of the breach, downplayed its severity, and omitted critical information such as compromised Social Security numbers from breach notifications. Ferguson stated that the data breach was avoidable and that T-Mobile had years to fix key vulnerabilities in its cybersecurity systems.