View this as a webpage

Jan. 24, 2026

Dear Neighbors,

Please click here or on the image above to view the first of my video reports from the 2026 legislative session. It will give you a sense of what to expect from Olympia, including the majority’s push for a state income tax. I’m planning to provide an update at least every other week until our time at the Capitol wraps up in mid-March.

Also, let me share a few things that didn’t get into my video report.

• On Thursday I introduced legislation aimed at getting a better handle on the “waste tire” situation across our state. Senate Bill 6273 is prompted by the massive collection of waste tires in north Richland — labeled “WA’s largest abandoned tire pile” in this recent news report.

  Considering the transportation package passed by a majority of legislators in 2025 increased the tire-disposal fee to $5, from $1, I want the state Department of Ecology to develop an inventory of unauthorized waste tire piles, and an estimated timeline for cleaning them up. I’m also looking for a way to fast-track the cleanup of the Richland pile whether the bill passes or not..

• As the prime sponsor (three years running) of the legislation that helped inspire the successful parents’ rights initiative in 2024, I want you to know that the initiative to restore those rights was certified by the secretary of state’s office late this week.

  The measure is known as IL26-001. It would restore and reenact the policies established by Initiative 2081, which also was an initiative to the Legislature. It was passed by lawmakers in 2024 (49-0 in the Senate, 82-15 in the House) but had much of its policy repealed by the majority Democrats during our 2025 session — after being in place less than a year.

• My video report mentions the financial-transparency bill I introduced based on what I’ve learned from the Prescott School District situation. But Senate Bill 6247 (scheduled for a public hearing next Wednesday) isn’t the only policy change I’m proposing with a Prescott tie.

  There’s also Senate Bill 6065. It would update the rule on interfund loans involving school districts that are in binding conditions or under enhanced financial oversight (as Prescott is), to allow them more flexibility in how funds can be moved around to where they’re needed most. I testified in support of SB 6065 on Thursday when it came before the Senate Early Learning and K-12 Committee, on which I serve.

Both of these bills came up in conversations yesterday with news reporters who asked for an update on the Prescott situation from my legislative perspective. I explained how the financial piece I’m working on in Olympia will be the last to fall into place, because it involves the state budget, and the outcome of Prescott’s supplemental levy election Feb. 10 will be an important influence on that.

The focus of the Senate’s business committee has shifted slightly for 2026, as “financial services” was dropped from its title and replaced with “economic development.” Either way, I’m still the lead Republican on this panel, which is now called Business, Trade and Economic Development.

Please take our 16th District survey

Because this 60-day session will move quickly, I’ve joined with Rep. Klicker and Rep, Rude for an online survey about issues that will likely come before us at the Capitol. Just scan the QR code or click here — and there are just seven questions, so it shouldn’t take too long. Thanks in advance!

***

I am working to make living in our state more affordable, make our communities safer, uphold our paramount duty to provide for schools, and hold state government accountable. I’ll work with anyone who shares those goals and wants to find solutions.

Please reach out to my office with your thoughts, ideas and concerns on matters of importance to you. I am here to serve and look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Perry Dozier

State Senator

16th Legislative District

EMAIL: Perry.Dozier@leg.wa.gov
OLYMPIA PHONE: (360) 786-7630
OLYMPIA OFFICE: 342 Irving R. Newhouse Building
MAILING ADDRESS: P.O. Box 40416, Olympia, WA 98504

Looking for a podcast about your state government? Check out The Elephant in the Dome — click here or on the image to visit and subscribe! And for even more content about the 2026 legislative session, sign up to receive The Weekly Roundup by clicking here or on the image below.