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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
The 2026 legislative session is underway. It is a short 60-day session, so the pace will be fast and furious.
I am working on many issues, but given the session’s short timeframe, it is always difficult to get legislation through the process, especially new legislation. This email provides an overview of the key areas I am focusing on this session and the work that has kept me busy since my last update.
Operating budget
Each legislator has their primary bills and priority areas they will work on. However, the main thing we truly need to do during a short session is pass the supplemental operating budget. While it is just a supplemental year, it may be much more difficult than in previous budget years. Despite the largest tax increase in state history, the November revenue forecast is projecting a budget shortfall. Sales tax, B&O tax, and use tax collections all came in below expectations.
Gov. Ferguson has unveiled his proposed operating budget. His plan grows government spending by another $1.1 billion, pushes spending past $79 billion, and does not address the mess that caused the shortfall. When I took office in 2015, the budget was $37.5 billion.
Lawmakers need to be realistic in our budget approach and prioritize spending. What has been done in the past is clearly not working. Our citizens are being overtaxed and overregulated. People will not stay if this continues. In fact, a recent study by the National Taxpayers Union Foundation shows that Washington state is already losing one taxpayer about every 30 minutes. For more, click here or here.
Agriculture workers overtime
I have heard from farmers and agricultural workers about the need to reform the overtime ag rules. Recent changes in the law are not benefiting employers or employees. My legislation, House Bill 1597, would allow increased hours during peak agricultural seasons before overtime pay applies. There needs to be common ground to support farm workers and producers during busy harvest times.
It is a challenging issue. But legislators need to be willing to consider both sides of the problem to benefit our ag industry and the workers who rely on it to support their families.
Ag mental health
In my previous communications, I have talked about the Mental Health and Suicide Prevention for Agricultural Producers and Workers report released late this summer by the Washington State Department of Agriculture. I am working on legislation related to the recommendations that were in this report. The top priority is letting those in the ag industry know that it is okay to ask for help and acknowledge the challenges of mental health. For more, check out my brief conversation with Bob Larson of the Ag News Network. Click “Suicide in Agriculture” to listen.
The federal government has also expressed an interest in addressing this issue. I am working with Congressional staff to provide them with a condensed version of the report.
Protecting our children
This year, the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families has reported a distressing increase in the number of children under state supervision who have died or suffered near-fatal incidents. It is expected to hit a record high by the end of the year.
We have seen an increase in deaths since the Keeping Families Together Act was passed in 2021. The legislation was put in place to reduce the children placed into foster care and support families taking care of the children. Unfortunately, while well-intentioned, it has not been effective. A child’s safety must be the top priority when placing children.
I am working on legislation to address this issue, and there will be additional proposals considered this session. The important thing is that we find a fix. I am a former foster parent, so this issue is near and dear to my heart. I want to make sure our most vulnerable children are safe.
Wildfire management
Given Washington state’s history of wildfires, strengthening our initial attack and wildfire management tools is an ongoing process. In 2023, we passed legislation allowing local fire departments that use aviation suppression efforts during the initial attack on brush, timber, and grass fires to be reimbursed by the state for those expenses. The legislation has been successful. However, the legislation includes a sunset clause that would end the program in July 2027. Given the program’s value, I have introduced House Bill 2104 to eliminate the sunset clause, allowing small fire departments to continue requesting state assistance for air support during potentially catastrophic wildfires. For more information check out the story below based on my interview with Glenn Vaagen of the Pacific Northwest Ag Network.
Aviation
Being a professional pilot since 1976, I bring a unique perspective on aviation to the Legislature. I have friends and connections in the industry in all corners of Washington. With that, I am constantly working on issues related to aviation.
One of my goals this session is to amend the language or provide clarification regarding the luxury tax on aircraft, which was enacted in 2023. The 10% tax on the value of noncommercial aircraft exceeding $500,000 has raised concerns in the aviation community. The definition in the new law means aircraft used for crop dusting or aerial photography may be subject to the tax. The new tax is set to go into effect on April 1, 2026.
Some companies and the broader economy could take a major hit if this is not addressed. The potential adverse effects on businesses that rely on aircraft for commercial operations could be substantial. A company based in eastern Washington planned to invest in a new hangar and several aircraft, but the new tax led it to reconsider and relocate its planes to Idaho. That is significant revenue and jobs lost for our state.
Moses Lake Agriculture Hall of Fame
This fall, I was named to the Moses Lake Agriculture Hall of Fame. It was an honor to have former legislator Gary Chandler present me with the award. His contributions to our region are also very extensive. Being part of the ag industry is a passion that runs deep. I take pride in knowing I am helping to put food on the table for many families and giving back to the communities I represent. You can read more about the award and presentation here.
Rep. Dent, with his wife Dayne, receives the Ag Hall of Fame Award from Gary Chandler.
Water caucus
Given the importance of water issues, Sen. Ron Muzzall and I are starting a water caucus. Washington state has faced drought-like conditions over the last few years, underscoring the need for additional water storage for our farms, fisheries, domestic use, energy and utility use. Water fuels our economic growth and our livelihoods. Creating a caucus allows legislators and interested parties to share ideas, coordinate policy, foster discussion, and develop a potential water agenda.
I was also honored to receive an award from the Washington State Water Resources Association. The association presented me with the 2025 Water Statesman Award for my work on water issues in the Legislature. Addressing water issues has never been more critical.
Forest Practices Board decision
I am the lead Republican on the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee. The committee may consider legislation related to the Washington Forest Practices Board’s passage to increase riparian buffer zones along fishless streams. The decision removes millions of dollars’ worth of harvestable timber from production and further strains the state’s struggling forest economy. Farmers and ranchers are concerned that it will impact them, if not now, in the near future.
State Agriculture and Rural Leaders
I just returned from the State Agriculture and Rural Leaders (SARL) conference in New Orleans. I have been part of the organization for about a decade. It is a group of state and provincial legislators from around the country and Canada who are passionate about agriculture and rural communities. SARL focuses on the future of agriculture and how best to address the rural-urban divide.
The conference is an opportunity to hear new ideas and see what other ag leaders across the country are facing or working on. This year, mental health and suicide in the agricultural industry were among the main topics of discussion. We also talked about wildfire suppression, workforce and labor, crop protection, water quality and water rights, and many other issues.
Legislative Page Program
Students interested in the Legislative Page Program can now submit their applications. Students aged 14 to 16 are eligible. Pages help legislators, including delivering documents and assisting in the chamber during floor sessions. During their 40-hour workweek of service, they also attend the Legislative Page School and learn firsthand about the Legislature and the other branches of state government. The 60-day legislative session begins Jan. 12 and ends on March 12. When applying, potential pages can select which weeks they are available to work. Pages receive a $65 daily stipend and can also earn up to 20 hours of community service. Click here for the online application.
Following the Legislature
I encourage you to follow the legislative session. Many important issues will be debated that affect your livelihood. Below are some websites that can help you follow the action.
- My legislative website: You will find my contact information, bio, news releases, email updates, opinion pieces, bills, and other information.
- How you can be involved in the legislative process: This includes a citizen’s guide to effective legislative participation.
- How to comment on a bill: You can send legislators comments on legislation.
- Committee Sign-In – Remote Testimony: Testify on legislation during public hearings.
- The Ledger: A legislative news aggregator that is updated frequently.
- Capitol Buzz: Sent out each weekday, featuring stories from media outlets throughout the state, including newspaper, radio, and television.
Please let me know if you have any questions, comments or concerns about this email update or the legislative session.
It is an honor to serve the great folks of the 13th Legislative District!
Sincerely,
Tom Dent
