GSBA January Advocacy Update
Washington lawmakers are preparing for the 2026 Legislative Session, beginning Monday, January 12. This month’s update brings together everything you need to know about the session ahead, two harmful initiatives heading toward the ballot, and two guest pieces from GSBA members who are shaping statewide conversations on health care, safety, and LGBTQ+ inclusion.
Legislative Overview
Gabe’s full 2026 session preview—covering key bills, policy themes, deadlines, and where GSBA will be focusing its energy—is available in his Legislative Priorities Blog.
Governor Ferguson’s Proposed Budget
A full breakdown of the Governor’s proposed 2026 budget, including impacts on small business development, workforce investments, safety strategies, and LGBTQ+ protections can be found on the legislative overview page.
Washington Families for Freedom & The Fight Against Harmful Initiatives
Two anti-LGBTQ+ initiatives backed by hedge fund mega-millionaire Brian Haywood have now submitted signatures. If approved, IL 26-001 and IL 26-638 would put LGBTQ+ students—and students seeking safety or mental health support—at greater risk.
IL 26-001
This initiative seeks to partially repeal the WA Safety Act and would force schools to:
🟦 Potentially “out” LGBTQ+ students to unsupportive families
🟦 Turn over students’ reports of domestic violence or sexual abuse to abusive parents
🟦 Restrict access to mental health support from school counselors
IL 26-638
This initiative targets transgender students in sports and would:
🟦 Require girls as young as 11 to undergo invasive examinations of their “reproductive anatomy” to participate in after-school teams (boys are exempt)
🟦 Replace the WA Interscholastic Activities Association’s long-standing and successful transgender student athlete policy with a statewide ban
GSBA serves on the Executive Committee of Washington Families for Freedom (WFF)—a coalition led by child advocates, educators, safety experts, and health care leaders working to educate voters and defeat both initiatives.
Guest Piece: Aventacor on Universal Health Care
Aventacor partnered with GSBA to share a business-owner perspective on why universal health care is a pro-business policy that strengthens local economies. Their guest blog lays out how universal health care:
🟦 Reduces financial pressure on small businesses
🟦 Creates stability for employees
🟦 Supports healthier, more productive workplaces
Help Strengthen Washington’s Hate Crimes & Bias Incidents Hotline
The Washington State Attorney General’s Office is piloting a new Hate Crimes & Bias Incidents Hotline in King, Clark, and Spokane counties—designed to offer trauma-informed support, culturally competent referrals, and data that will help shape statewide resources launching in 2027. The Hotline and survey do not collect immigration status, and all responses are fully anonymous.
The AG’s Office is asking community members to take a short, 5-minute survey to help ensure this resource reflects the needs, experiences, and safety priorities of LGBTQ+ communities and our allies. Your feedback helps build a safer, more responsive Washington for all.
Connect with Gabriel Neuman
Director of Policy & Advocacy (he/him)
GSBA – Washington’s LGBTQ+ and Allied Chamber of Commerce
