Coming up on Legislative Review — a high-stakes budget rollout, a heated debate over firearms background check fees, and a new proposal to let the tourism industry fund its own promotion efforts.
Supplemental Operating Budget Proposal
Democratic budget leaders unveil competing House and Senate proposals to balance Washington’s supplemental operating budget through mid-2027. Both plans would draw more than $700 million from the state’s rainy-day fund, scale back select programs and set aside major funding to cover rising legal settlements.
The Senate proposal totals roughly $79.3 billion over two years, with projections showing a potential shortfall at the start of the next budget cycle. Lawmakers are also debating how to spend revenue from carbon auctions under the Climate Commitment Act, and whether to count on future revenue from a proposed 9.9% tax on income above $1 million.
Committee votes are scheduled this week as leaders work toward a final compromise.
Gun Background Check Fee Cap – House Bill 2521
The House debates a bill requested by the Washington State Patrol that would remove the current $18 cap on firearm background check fees. Supporters say the program — funded entirely by those fees — risks a deficit if costs continue to rise.
Opponents argue the cap was promised from the start and warn that removing it could lead to unlimited increases. The bill passed the House 53–36 and now moves forward for further consideration.
Tourism Industry Assessment – House Bill 2325
Lawmakers also consider creating a Tourism Assessment Program under the Washington Tourism Marketing Authority. The proposal would allow tourism-related businesses to approve a self-assessment fee to fund statewide tourism promotion.
Before any fees take effect, each sector would vote in a weighted referendum. Supporters say Washington trails neighboring states in tourism marketing and that this industry-led model could generate millions annually. Critics raise concerns about added business costs and governance oversight. The bill passed the House and now heads to the Senate.