The 2026 legislative session is underway, and WFIS has been fully engaged from day one. Our team of lobbyists has been in daily contact with legislators, and WFIS leadership has been on the ground in Olympia both weeks, advocating directly on behalf of our member schools. Key bills currently under close watch include:
Union Bill (draft): WFIS is reviewing the draft language and working to secure an explicit exemption for private schools. If this exemption cannot be achieved, a coordinated, all-hands-on-deck response will be required.
Retail Sales Tax Omnibus Legislation (HB 2257): WFIS is advocating for key changes to ensure the bill protects private schools and accreditation organizations.
PreK Licensing Requirements (HB 2317): WFIS is collaborating with lawmakers to add language that would create parity with licensing rules for public and private schools.
Historic Scholarship Funding (SB 5828): WFIS signed in support of full funding for a long-standing scholarship program that helps low-income students attend independent colleges in Washington.
Facilities Mapping (SB 6042): WFIS provided testimony in support of legislation to standardize school facilities mapping.
Anaphylaxis Bill (SB 5240): WFIS is meeting with Senator Wellman to discuss a potential amendment that would allow trained school staff to administer an EpiPen during an allergic emergency, even if the child does not have a prescription.
Scholarship Tax Credit: WFIS has initiated a weekly, multi-state strategy meeting with blue- and purple-state partners to encourage governors to opt in to the federal scholarship tax credit. States are employing a range of creative—and sometimes unconventional—approaches, and the shared learning continues to strengthen this effort. WFIS is also a part of a local coalition strategizing in Washington.
