We organize our PJALS Legislative Agenda into 2 tiers that create a framework for how we prioritize our time and capacity during the legislative session.
Tier 1
Tier 1 legislation is made up of bills PJALS staff will actively seek ways to promote. This list is made up of the priorities of our single issue partners such as Washington Coalition for Police Accountability, Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network and include bills in the key areas of police accountability and immigration. All of this work is being done in the context of statewide coalitions of which PJALS is an active member. Not only will we collaborate with allies and partners, which includes re-posting their content, but we’ll plan our own events and invite others to join us!
Tier 2
Tier 2 legislation is also very important to us. We’ll support Tier 2 priorities by joining sign-on letters, making statements, and participating in other efforts led by our partner organizations and coalitions such as Pro Choice Washington, Tenants Union of Washington, Washington Low Income Housing Alliance, and other partners as we see fit. However, PJALS staff will not lead the planning on any actions around Tier 2 bills.
Tier 1
Immigration
Supporting initiatives highlighted by the Washington Immigration Solidarity Network of which PJALS is a member.
Unemployment Insurance for Undocumented Workers (UI)
HB 1773 / SB 5626
Summary: The Unemployment Insurance for Undocumented Workers (UI) bill seeks to provide unemployment insurance and benefits to undocumented workers in the State of Washington. In the 2023 legislative session, the bill advanced further in the legislative process than in any prior year of the campaign, advancing to fiscal committees in both chambers after receiving hearings in both the Senate and House, however, it did not receive a hearing to continue despite organizational efforts. During the 2024 legislative session, the bill was stymied, primarily due to the lack of political support as a result of the funding source being connected to Washington State’s General Fund.
The Health Equity for Immigrants Campaign (HEIC)
HB 1482
Summary: The Health Equity for Immigrants Campaign (HEIC) has successfully advocated for two programs that have brought immigrant and refugee communities closer to health equity. In 2023, HEIC successfully achieved a final budget that included $49.5 million for the creation of Apple Health Expansion (AHE), a Medicaid-like program for adults with incomes below 138% FPL; $100 million in state funding for Cascade Care Savings subsidies for all Washingtonians with incomes up to 250% FPL with an additional $10 million to provide subsidies for undocumented community members; and $3.7 million in new funds to support outreach, customer assistance, and administration for these programs.
Police Accountability
Supporting initiatives highlighted by the Washington Coalition for Police Accountability of which PJALS is a member
AG Investigations and Reform
HB 1056 – 2025-26/SB 5066 – 2025-26
Summary: Accountability for Police and sheriff’s departments is an important part of culture change. This grants authority to the state attorney general to do investigations of agencies where there is an alleged pattern and practice of violating the civil and constitutional rights of persons. This state-level authority would complement the US. DOJ authority and will promote a basic level of quality policing across the state.
Traffic Safety for All
HB 1512 – 2025-26/SB 5521 – 2025-26
Summary: By combining targeted enforcement with support programs, this bill strives to improve traffic safety for all road users while promoting fairness and accessibility within the system. Data suggests that prioritizing safety stops can lead to a decrease in traffic accidents and fatalities, enhance enforcement of dangerous driving behaviors, and mitigate racial disparities in traffic stops. As WCPA family member Sonia Joseph says, “We have to stop the unnecessary stops so that everyone can come home safe after a drive.”
Office of Independent Prosecutions
HB 1740 – 2025-26/SB 5584 – 2025-26
Summary: There are close working relationships between local prosecutors and law enforcement agencies. This close relationship can create an appearance of bias, causing the public to question the fairness of prosecutions of deadly force incidents involving peace officers and corrections officers. By creating a separate and independent office to review use-of-force cases, the bill aims to increase public confidence that these cases are being handled fairly and impartially, reducing the perception of bias inherent in the existing system
Sheriffs and Police Chiefs Eligibility
HB 1399 – 2025-26
Summary: Outdated and inconsistent laws governing sheriffs, chiefs, and marshals have led to a lack of clarity and consistency regarding their qualifications, accountability standards, and the use of volunteers. While these law enforcement leaders are subject to the standards outlined for all peace officers, the separate laws specifically addressing their roles are not always aligned with these standards or with each other. This bill clarifies the laws to ensure that all sheriffs, chiefs, and marshals are held to the same standards, regardless of whether they are appointed or elected, whether their office is partisan or non-partisan, or the size of the jurisdiction.