Spring 2026 Legislative Update
Big wins in Olympia & Salem for working families!
Oregon and Washington Legislative Update 2026
The 2026 lawmaking sessions in Oregon and Washington ended in early March. This update shares how SEIU members stood up for working families in both states.
Both states faced serious budget problems. At the same time, harmful actions by the federal government made those problems worse. Even so, SEIU members showed up, spoke out, and fought for good jobs, strong public services, and safe communities.
Together, we made real progress in Washington and Oregon, and we also learned where more work is needed.
WASHINGTON LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Millionaires Tax to Fund Essential Services
✅ Big Win: Millionaire Tax Passed
SB 6346 creates a tax on millionaires
Less than 1% of people in the state will pay it
The money will help fund health care jobs and schools
460,000 low-income families will receive cash back through the Working Family Tax Credit
This session, the biggest issue in Washington was the state budget. Washington faced a $2.3 billion budget shortfall, while millionaires and billionaires continued to get richer.
SEIU members worked hard to pass a millionaire’s tax so the richest people would finally pay their fair share so that we can invest in our communities.
The Millionaire’s Tax has been signed into law. This is a major victory for working families across Washington.
What this victory delivers:
✅ Twice as many families getting cash from Working Families Tax Credit
✅ Sales tax cuts on essentials like diapers
✅ Tax cuts for small businesses
✅ Free school meals for kids
SEIU members will keep organizing to protect our communities, fund public services, and stand up to corporate greed.
Protecting Immigrant Workers in Washington
✅ HB 2105: Immigrant Workers Protection Act
Protects immigrant workers during federal workplace inspections
Workers must get clear notice and time to respond
Helps workers return home safely
OREGON LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Protecting Oregon’s Budget
Oregon automatically follows parts of federal tax law. When Congress passed major tax cuts for wealthy people and corporations, Oregon lost hundreds of millions of dollars. SEIU members spoke up and urged lawmakers not to fix the budget by hurting workers.
Fighting for ODOT Workers and Safe Roads
Transportation funding was a major challenge in Oregon. Because transportation funding was referred to the ballot, the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) faced a big budget hole. Up to 1,000 SEIU Union jobs were at risk.
✅ Emergency Funding Win
Lawmakers passed a $288 million in funding
Prevented layoffs of union members through 2027
SEIU members, including ODOT workers, went to the Capitol to share their stories. Their voices made a difference.
Even with this funding, road repairs and response times will still be slower. A long-term solution is still needed in 2027.
MAJOR WINS FOR IMMIGRANT JUSTICE IN OREGON
SEIU proudly worked with the Immigrant Justice coalition to pass strong new protections:
✅ HB 4114: Protect Your Door Act
Requires federal agents to identify themselves
Allows compensation for people whose rights are violated
✅ HB 4138: Oregon Mask Ban
Bans masks on law enforcement
Increases transparency and accountability
✅ HB 4079: ICE activity at schools, colleges, and universities
Improves communication to keep students and families informed when there is ICE activity at schools
✅ HB 4111: How courts deal with immigration status
Strengthens antidiscrimination protections
Stops retaliation based on immigration status
✅ SB 1587: Protect Oregonians’ Personal Data from Immigration Enforcement
Prevents companies from selling personal data to the federal government
✅ SB 1570: Health Care Without Fear Act
Protects workers who share immigration rights information
Requires hospitals to have clear policies for law enforcement
HOUSING WINS WITH MORE WORK AHEAD
SEIU worked with housing advocates to pass important tenant protections:
✅ HB 4123: Prevents landlords from leaking confidential information including immigration status
Protects tenant privacy
Limits what landlords can share without consent
✅ SB 1523: Landlords must provide nondigital payment options
Allows rent payments by check or other nondigital options
Makes housing access easier for everyone
❌ Setback
Lawmakers did not fund eviction prevention programs
Keeping families housed remains a top priority
DEFENDING PATIENTS AND HEALTH CARE WORKERS
Health care workers also made important progress:
✅ Stopped HB 4038, which would have weakened cost control rules
✅ Passed HB 4127 to support Planned Parenthood care
✅ Raised awareness about corporate responsibility in health care funding
✅ Passed the Health Care Without Fear Act Protects workers who share immigration rights information Requires hospitals to have clear policies for law enforcement
SEIU members reminded lawmakers that health care must be safe and welcoming for everyone. When patients are afraid, they delay care and that hurts communities.
SEIU 49 members delivered testimony in Salem to support Healthcare Without Fear
Your Voice matters
The 2026 legislative sessions showed what happens when SEIU members take action.
Together, we:
Protected jobs
Defended immigrant communities
Taxed millionaires
Improved housing protections
Stood up for patients and public services
Challenges remain, but our power is clear. We will keep advocating for:
Fair taxes
Good union jobs
Safe workplaces
Thriving communities