Washington State Governor’s Office

Nowruz Mubarak to the many diverse communities here in Washington state celebrating today. Nowruz gives us an opportunity to overcome the fear and division that we face during difficult times and to unite in a shared spirit of hope, renewal, and peace.

Today I signed Sen. Warnick's last bill. Rep. Mendoza's first bill. A bill I mentioned in my State of the State address from Rep. Dent that will continue funding for early aerial response for wildfires. Great day in Yakima! It's a real honor to work with these legislators.

Excited to be in Yakima today to sign bills from Republican legislators — 2nd year running with a bill signing in Eastern Washington.

Eid Mubarak to our Muslim friends and neighbors! I was proud last year to sign a bill making Washington the first state in the country to recognize Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha as state holidays.

Law enforcement’s job is to protect us — yet, ICE is hiding from public accountability. Grateful to Sen. Valdez, Rep. Cortes, community organizations, and all who contributed to this legislation to prohibit masks for law enforcement.

Years from now, our children and grandchildren will ask what we did to respond to ICE's un-American actions. Washington state now prohibits masks for law enforcement.

I just signed a historic bill. In Washington state, law enforcement officers, including ICE, are now prohibited from wearing masks.

We all know that our transportation infrastructure is in dire need of investment. I'm proud that the Legislature passed a bipartisan transportation budget for a significant down payment on preserving and maintaining our roads and bridges.

Last year, we announced the Department of Health is processing all requests to change gender designation on birth certificates within 3 business days, down from as much as a 10 month wait. This week, I signed a bill ensuring Washingtonians can change the sex designation on their state IDs and birth certificates without fear of violating their privacy. Washington state is committed to protecting the rights of transgender and gender diverse people. That includes their legal right to reflect their gender on these documents. Thanks to prime sponsor Sen. Pedersen.

It is more important than ever to protect access to reproductive health care. I recently signed a bill to increase access for providers to Washington's stockpiles of mifepristone and misoprostol. Washington state purchased these stockpiles in 2023 and 2025. As Attorney General, I challenged the federal government's restrictions on mifepristone in court. We will make sure that Washingtonians have access to this safe and effective abortion medication in the event of federal interference. Thanks to sponsors Sen. Bateman and Rep. Thomas.

More than 140,000 vehicles use the Interstate Bridge every day. We're moving forward to deliver a safer, more earthquake-ready bridge, connect the bridge to Interstate 5, and extend light rail service to Vancouver, while creating thousands of good paying jobs.

Yesterday I signed a bill prohibiting double voting by fixing an ambiguity in state law. Voting more than once in an election is an affront to everyone who participates in our democracy. This bill makes it clear that double voting is illegal. Those who try it will be held accountable. Thanks to the Secretary of State for requesting this bill, and to sponsor Sen. Cortes.

I proposed a historic investment to build and preserve affordable housing. The Legislature stepped up with more than $200 million in a unanimous vote. That investment, in addition to bills that make it easier to build more housing, will make our state more affordable.

We're building this bridge. We're going forward with light rail. Delay is not our friend.

Oregon and Washington state remain fully committed to replacing the 109-year-old Interstate Bridge. With the exciting news of the Coast Guard's recent approval of a fixed-span bridge, we have the momentum to move forward. The time is now to finally replace this bridge.

I signed a bill eliminating the requirement for a postgraduate degree for state jobs, when it's not required by law. Previous legislation did the same for 2- and 4-year degrees. We're getting the best people for public service. Thanks to sponsors Rep. Leavitt and Sen. Nobles.

Our Military Department is now home to the Washington division of the Civil Air Patrol. The Civil Air Patrol is an all-volunteer organization that provides assistance during emergency and search and rescue operations. It currently supports local and Tribal governments under the U.S. Air Force authority. SB 6046 will allow Washington to better utilize the Civil Air Patrol in times of need. We're grateful for their service. Thanks to sponsors Sen. Wagoner and Rep. Dent.

On Saturday, I signed my bill creating the PreK Promise Account for private funds that will dramatically expand early learning. Passing this bill was a critical step in accepting an incredible gift from the Ballmer Group. The timing could not be better. Our state faces significant budget challenges, and families are dealing with rising costs. This is one way we are working together to transform the lives of kids and families across Washington. Thanks to sponsors Sen. Wilson and Rep. Bergquist.

In my State of the State address, I called for a Millionaires' Tax that puts a significant percentage of dollars back in the pockets of Washingtonians. We've reached the end of session, and the Millionaires' Tax has passed. With it, we have the biggest small business tax cut in state history, 460,000 additional working families receiving checks from the Working Families Tax Credit, and free school meals for all Washington kids. We seized the opportunity to make our tax system more fair.

This is exciting news. As a kid, I grew up watching the Sonics in the old Coliseum. As Governor, I’m committed to doing everything I can to bring back the Sonics.