The 2026 Legislative Session is underway! Beginning on January 12, this year’s session will be a “short session” – a 60-day session that is the second year of the biennium (two-year budget period). During this session, the legislature can make adjustments to the budget passed last year, continue with legislation introduced last year that did not make it all the way through the process, and/or introduce legislation for new or revised policies or budget considerations.
2026 Legislative Priorities
During this year’s session, BrightSpark will be collaborating on supporting Child Care Aware of Washington’s Campaign priorities:
- Protect Washington’s Early Learning Safety Net
- Codify the Cost of Quality Care Rate Model
- New, Progressive Revenue to Stabilize our State’s Economy
Over the next few weeks of the 2026 Legislative Session, we will help breakdown these priorities and help you understand what these mean for everyone in our community. But for now, stay up to date with the Child Care for Washington Campaign.
Join us in Olympia!
We will be joining in Child Care Aware of Washington’s Advocacy Day on February 3, 2026 from 9 AM – 4 PM, starting at United Churches of Olympia (110 11th Ave SE, Olympia, WA 98501). We invite you to join us!
Track Bills Throughout the Session
As legislation makes its way through session, we will be following bill progress using our partner Start Early’s bill tracker; which is updated each week with the early learning bills that are under consideration by the legislature.
Keeping You Updated and Engaged
As the session progresses, we will be sharing updates on key bills that impact early learning as well as Family, Friend, and Neighbor care in particular.
Keep an eye out for Advocacy Alerts, which share time-sensitive actions you can take regarding specific bills and policies impacting early learning. They will will be shared via email and on social media.
Join an Advocacy Pod!
Want to be a part of advocacy year-round? Join BrightSpark’s Advocacy Pods to get monthly updates or join monthly meetings with fellow early learning advocates.
Support Our Advocacy Work
BrightSpark is only able to do this work because of the financial support from our community. Consider donating today to keep our momentum going!