New Faces: Washington State Legislature Returns to Olympia

New local legislators join incumbents in Olympia and Washington, D.C. to navigate a changed political landscape.

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The Washington State Legislature began its 2025 session Jan. 13 with new and familiar faces from the 26th legislative district, some of whom have already sponsored bills.

The session is expected to last until April 27. Former state Attorney General Bob Ferguson (D) was sworn in as the 24th governor Jan. 15, together with Lt. Governor Denny Heck (D), now in his second term.

The Legislature begins annual sessions on the second Monday in January. It meets for 105 days in odd-numbered years, when the budget is written, and 60 days in even-numbered years. The governor can call for 30-day special sessions at any time. Legislators can also call themselves into special session by a two-thirds vote of the House and Senate.

On the first day of the session, Speaker of the House Laurie Jinkins (D-27th, Tacoma), told lawmakers to prepare to tackle the state budget deficit and for conflicts with the new Trump administration.

“We will protect the investments we’ve made to help working families and have a balanced budget,” she said.

House Minority Leader Drew Stokesbary (R-31st, Auburn), used his opening day floor speech to say the costs of gas, groceries, and housing are too high, that the state is in a public safety crisis due to a “culture of lawlessness,” and that education outcomes are subpar.

Rep. Caldier
Rep. Michelle Caldier (R-26th, Gig Harbor) and Rep. Stephanie McClintock (R-18th, Vancouver) introduced their House Bill 1307 to eliminate sales tax on diapers and other baby products Jan. 14.

“A box of diapers costs anywhere from $20 to $40, and that’s not including the state and local sales taxes,” Caldier said in a press release. “We don’t tax baby formula, and the state shouldn’t be making money from the sale of these other items for infants and toddlers.”

The bill would eliminate retail sales tax on diapers and some childcare products starting Jan. 1, 2026. Affected products include baby bottles, cribs, car seats, and clothing. The Legislature removed the sales tax on feminine hygiene products in 2021.

Disposable diapers cost about $1,000 per year, or $83 a month, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Diapers are taxed in Washington at between 6.5% and 9.5%, or approximately $85.50 per year.

Since Nov. 1, 2024, Washington families with at least one child under age 3 who are receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families or State Family Assistance qualify for a monthly cash payment of $100 per household for diapers and diaper-related products. About 9,600 Washington households receive the diaper benefit each month, according to the state Department of Social and Health Services.

Diapers can be donated locally to Food Backpacks 4 Kids in Key Center and FISH Food Bank in Gig Harbor.

Sen. Krishnadasan
On Jan. 16, incoming Sen. Deb Krishnadasan (D-26th, Gig Harbor) introduced Senate Bill 5186 to lower the current supermajority requirement for passing school bonds from 60% to 55%. Washington is one of only seven states that requires a supermajority for school bonds.

“As Washington residents, we take great pride in our commitment to education and the long-term positive impact it has on our society,” Krishnadasan said in a press release. “Every student deserves to learn in a safe, modern school building, but in far too many districts, that promise is not being fulfilled.”

The supermajority requirement has been in place for nearly 80 years and is especially challenging for smaller, rural districts to pass bonds for critical school construction and infrastructure, according to Krishnadasan. In February 2021, only 33% of school bond measures on the ballot passed despite many receiving majorities of support from voters.

The Peninsula School District passed its first construction bond in 20 years in 2019 when Krishnadasan was the PSD board president.

“This bill is a thoughtful compromise that will ensure our schools can meet the needs of our students and teachers while still reflecting the will of the majority of voters,” she said.

Senate Bill 5186 would only take effect if voters approve Senate Joint Resolution 8200, a constitutional amendment required to implement the new policy. If passed by the Legislature, the amendment would appear on the November 2025 ballot for voter approval.

Congresswoman Randall
Incoming U.S. Rep. Emily Randall (D-6th) became a member of the 119th Congress Jan. 3. The former state senator from Port Orchard was appointed to the House Committee on Natural Resources and the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.

“I’m extremely grateful to Leader Hakeem Jeffries and the Steering and Policy Committee for the opportunity to serve on these influential committees,” Randall said in a press release.

“I have the honor of representing one of the most beautiful districts in the nation. Washington’s 6th Congressional District and its diverse communities know the importance of combating the climate crisis, protecting public and Tribal lands and waters, supporting fisheries and wildlife recovery, and fighting for environmental justice … Oversight Committee Democrats will face an important task: fighting to make life easier for everyday Americans and holding the incoming administration accountable.”

Rep. Richards
Incoming Rep. Adison Richards (D-26th, Gig Harbor) has sponsored House Bill 1135 and co-sponsored two others. HB 1135 would help protect military spouses from discrimination when seeking employment. HB 1435 and 1436 would increase law enforcement staff and funding for operations. Richards will serve on four committees as of press time, including Housing (vice chair), Agriculture and Natural Resources, Transportation, and Postsecondary Education and Workforce. He told KP News he may end up on just three.

“I love this job,” he said. “It’s an honor to be here and the greatest privilege of my life.”


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