It takes an engaged community to raise their voices and impact legislative change. This is what WE accomplished in this 2025 legislative session.
The 2025 legislative session brought significant change to Washington’s political landscape. With a new Governor for the first time in 12 years and over 30 new lawmakers, including shifts in Senate leadership and key committee chairs, the tone and direction of policy works shifted statewide. It was a session marked by transition, requiring advocates to navigate new relationships, shifting priorities, and a rapidly changing environment.
Adding to the complexity, lawmakers faced a $14 billion budget deficit that forced tough decisions across all areas of government. This made it even harder to secure funding for community needs and criminal legal reforms with fiscal impacts.
Even in this environment, our community did not back down. We pushed hard for bills and budget priorities that directly impact people affected by the criminal legal system. This recap breaks down what we achieved, what we didn’t, and how we plan to continue organizing for real change in the years ahead.