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Mark your calendars for October 2 & 3, 2026 -- the WNPA Convention will be in Everett, Washington.

Better Newspaper Contest deadline extended to May 7. OPEN for entries! Get all the info here.

Advocacy

Legislative Update

As lawmakers prepare for the 2026 Washington state legislative session, several bill concepts are already circulating that could significantly affect open government, public access to records, and transparency. Most of these measures have not yet been formally introduced, but they are being closely monitored due to their potential impact—both positive and negative—on the public’s right to know.

The Washington Coalition for Open Government (WashCOG) and WNPA are tracking the following issues and sharing this early briefing to help journalists anticipate policy debates likely to emerge in the coming session.

January 15, 2026

HB 2244 

Public records exemptions

WashCOG is working directly with Rep. Mena on legislation intended to implement recommendations previously adopted by the Sunshine Committee but never acted upon by the Legislature. As currently envisioned, the bill would likely be limited to recommendations formally approved by the committee in 2025. While WashCOG ultimately supports legislative approval of the committee’s full body of past recommendations, this proposal is viewed as a meaningful starting point toward that goal.



HB 1055 

Enhancing access to public records

Would establish a study on the efficacy of an independent agency to assist individual with accessing public records.


HB 1337

Concerning the appointments of presidents of institutions of higher education


Establishes a process for institutions of higher education to appoint a president. Public notice must be provided for up to 4 candidates at least 4 days prior to a meeting where final decision will be made. The governing board must provide a forum on campus before the public meeting and notice for students, faculty and media.


Public Records Act (PRA) Update Bill (not yet filed)

Sponsor: Sen. Sharon Shewmake (outgoing) Sen. Shewmake, a recent appointee to the Sunshine Committee, is sponsoring a bill that would make multiple changes to the Public Records Act. Many of the proposed updates are similar to provisions included in prior-session bills that WashCOG opposed and would likely oppose again. The measure is expected to renew debates over exemptions, access standards, and administrative burdens under the PRA.


HB 1610, c. SB 5582

Concerning the disclosure of critical energy infrastructure information

This legislation returns from last session with revised language intended to clarify its scope. The bill would allow the Department of Commerce to collect data from companies involved in critical infrastructure—such as electric and gas utilities—and exempt that information from public disclosure. While framed as a security-related measure, the bill raises concerns about limiting access to information of significant public interest.

SB 6002

Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) Data ExemptionSponsor: Sen. Yasmin TrudeauThis proposal, still under development, would create a blanket exemption under the Public Records Act for data collected by Automated License Plate Reader systems. WashCOG is watching closely due to the breadth of the proposed exemption and its implications for public oversight of surveillance technologies used by government agencies.

Legislator safety bill - Under construction

The goal is to keep secret lawmakers’ property addresses – and potentially similar information about their staff. The goal is to help them feel safe in these politically volatile times but has implications on verifying their residency.






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February 18, 2026

Editorial: Sustaining Journalism Requires Action

Heightened awareness must be generated and action must be taken, in individual communities and all the way to the highest levels of leadership, to sustain local sources of journalism.

Advocacy

February 10, 2026

State bill to tax all advertising amended

⚠️UPDATE:

An amendment passed to remove Section 27 from SSB 6113, keeping in place the exemption for newspapers and others previously not taxed. Senator Curtis King offered the amendment to remove the section, and Senator Marcus Riccelli championed the amendment in the Democratic Caucus. 

“This would have I believe a very devastating effect on our economy in so many areas. So many business would be affected. So many nonprofits would be affected," Sen. King said on the Senate floor.

Senator Noel Frame also recommended it be removed, noting “Particularly our journalism industry is really struggling under so many pressures far beyond taxes that make it very hard for them to survive.”Many thanks to all who voted in favor, and to all of you who provided the crucial advocacy to make it happen.





⚠️ ACTION ALERT

Stop the Expansion of the Advertising Sales Tax

Section 26 of SB 6113 would expand Washington’s sales tax to all advertising if the state loses or settles its lawsuit with Comcast. An attempt by Sen. Mark Schoesler to remove this provision  (Section 26 of the bill) failed in a voice vote.

If this passes into law, it could result in:

    •    A potential ~10% cost increase on all advertising

    •    Harm to local newspapers, broadcasters, schools, nonprofits, clubs, and small businesses

    •    Washington becoming a national outlier by broadly taxing advertising services

Background: 

Comcast contends that last year's statute violates federal law because it does not apply the tax to all advertising services. SB 6113 anticipates a state loss in the suit which would cost the state nearly a half billion dollars. Section 26 of SB 6113 stipulates the requirement that if the state loses, or settles, any part of the lawsuit, "then the sales tax will be extended to all advertising rather than Comcast freeing themselves of the tax. This includes all of our advertising sold," explains Rowland Thompson, Allied Daily Newspapers lobbyist.This provision could permanently raise costs for the very businesses that rely on advertising to survive—at a time of rising expenses and tight margins.

Take action now: 

    •    Contact your legislators and the Governor and urge them to remove Section 26 from SB 6113.

    •    Attend Newspaper and Broadcast Day on February 19 to make your voice heard and speak directly with legislators as the session enters its final weeks. Register HERE. Your presence and voice are essential.

    •    Join a WNPA Task Force to address this issue, help shape messaging and an advocacy campaign. Contact [email protected].

If you have any questions, feel free to contact Ellen Hiatt, WNPA Executive Director,  at (360) 474-4160, or [email protected].



Advocacy

February 5, 2026

Support SSB 5400

SSB 5400, in hearing today in the Senate Ways and Means Committee, needs your support. The bill is revived from the 2025 legislature and would tax giant tech companies in support of local journalism. 

Advocacy
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