Young people are leading the fight for a better Washington. Here's what we're advocating for this session—and how you can join us.
Wondering how the legislative session works? Click here for an overview!
Make your voice heard in Olympia. Meet with legislators, advocate for youth priorities, and connect with young advocates from across the state.
Sign Up for Lobby Day →Questions? Email our legislative team at Policy@washingtonyouthalliance.org
These are the bills at the heart of our 2026 advocacy. We're mobilizing young people across Washington to ensure these pass.
Strengthens Washington's behavioral health system for children and youth, ensuring young people can access the mental health care they need when they need it.
Gives residents in cities under 30,000 people the power to put initiatives and referendums on local ballots—a tool currently reserved for larger cities. This is about ensuring every Washingtonian has a voice in local government, no matter where they live.
Strengthens Washington's ghost gun laws to address 3D-printed firearms that bypass background checks and can evade metal detectors. As technology evolves, our laws must keep up to keep our schools and communities safe.
Creates a modest tax on stocks and bonds held by Washington's wealthiest residents (those with over $50 million in financial assets) to fund K-12 education, early learning, and higher education. Projected to raise $4 billion annually for students.
Restricts the possession of weapons on the premises of state or local public buildings, parks or playground facilities where youth are likely to be present, and county fairs and county fair facilities.
Establishes civil liability when AI systems contribute to user suicide—addressing growing concerns about chatbots and young people's mental health.
Legislation matters, but so does how the state spends its money. We're fighting to protect funding for programs young people depend on.
With a $12+ billion budget shortfall looming, lawmakers are eyeing cuts to mental health programs. We're fighting to protect school counselors, crisis services, and community mental health funding that young people rely on. We helped secure $38 million for youth mental health—we're not letting it get taken away.
Rural school districts are already stretched thin. Proposed budget cuts could mean larger class sizes, fewer teachers, and reduced programs for students in communities that can least afford it. We're advocating for equitable education funding across all of Washington—not just in wealthy urban districts.
Creates a payroll tax on large corporations to fund healthcare and social services for Washingtonians. Would establish the "Well Washington" fund account for community benefit programs.
Strengthens workplace protections for immigrant workers, ensuring safe conditions and fair treatment regardless of immigration status.
Updates funding formulas for school enrichment programs like arts, music, and extracurriculars that make education well-rounded.
Provides additional funding so schools can afford basic materials, supplies, and operating costs. Because students shouldn't have to bring their own tissues and paper to class.
Enhancing public safety by establishing secure storage requirements for firearms in vehicles and residences.
Require that high school students complete a WASFA or FAFSA, or their parent/guardian has opted out.
Would require financial literacy education before graduation, teaching students about budgeting, credit, and money management.
Supports connecting public schools with local food producers to provide fresh, locally-sourced meals for students.
Addresses compensation structures for school board members across Washington state.
Would require financial literacy education before graduation, teaching students about budgeting, credit, and money management.
Establishes oversight requirements for firearm manufacturers operating in Washington State.
Creates a comprehensive statewide network to support student mental and behavioral health services across Washington.
Promotes diverse community representation and engagement in educational decision-making processes.
Establishes guidelines for the use of AI, surveillance technology, and student discipline practices in Washington public schools.
Addresses the growing challenge of extreme heat in school buildings due to climate change, ensuring safe learning environments for students.
Democracy works best when young people show up. Here's how you can make a difference this session.
add a title
Add a link
Add a link
Add a link
add a title
Add a link
Add a link
Add a link
add a title
Add a link
