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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
I hope this email finds you well! Throughout the 2026 legislative session, I will be sending you these weekly “snapshots” to keep you informed about what is happening at the Capitol and how it impacts our communities in the 8th District.
COMMUNITY ALERT: LRA town hall and update
I know many of you are worried about the proposed placement of sexually violent predators in a less restrictive alternative (LRA) home in Kennewick. This is not just a legislative issue. It’s about safety, trust, and transparency.
Please join me, Rep. April Connors, and Sen. Matt Boehnke, along with representatives from the City of Kennewick and the Department of Social and Health Services, for a town hall meeting to discuss the facts, answer your questions, and work together to protect our neighborhoods. This is an in-person town hall.
When: Monday, January 26 at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Highlands Middle School (425 S Tweedt St., Kennewick)
Speakers: 8th District legislators (Reps. Stephanie Barnard and April Connors and Sen. Matt Boehnke); Kennewick City Manager Erin Erdman; Kennewick Police Chief Chris Guerrero; and DSHS Program Operator Joe Fields.
I also recently recorded a detailed video update discussing the immediate actions we are taking, including our direct contact with DSHS and the specific legislation we have introduced and supported to close the gaps in current law. You can watch my video by clicking on the photo below or here.
I hope you will join us for the town hall on Monday.
Work in action: Moving bills forward
During committee hearings this week, I had the opportunity to present several pieces of legislation designed to solve real problems for our neighbors—from supporting disabled veterans to protecting family caregivers. Here is a snapshot of the bills I hope will continue to advance this session.
- House Bill 2133 – Stability for senior centers. Our senior centers are lifelines that provide meals, wellness programs, and social connections. This bill makes the existing property tax exemption for these centers permanent, eliminating the uncertainty of temporary renewals. This ensures they can focus their limited resources on serving seniors rather than worrying about future tax burdens.
- House Bill 2135 – Housing for disabled veterans. Disabled veterans often rely on federal grants to adapt their homes for safety and independence. Currently, state sales taxes eat into those grants, leaving fewer dollars for necessary improvements. This bill updates the tax remittance program to account for rising construction costs and inflation, ensuring federal funds are used as intended—to improve the quality of life for our veterans.
- House Bill 2278 – Local control for tourism. This legislation allows communities to continue locally supported lodging assessment that funds tourism promotion. Crucially, this assessment is paid by lodging businesses—not the general public—and only if a majority of those businesses support it. By removing the expiration date, we are protecting local control and helping our small businesses stay competitive.
- House Bill 2337 – Protecting family caregivers. Family members who care for loved ones do so out of compassion and necessity, not as part of a traditional workforce. I am fighting to repeal new training mandates enacted in 2024 that would treat family members like professional employees. This bill ensures families can continue providing care at home without unnecessary, burdensome government hurdles.
- House Bill 2446 – Leading in quantum technology. Quantum technology is poised to revolutionize computing, energy, and health care. Other states are investing heavily to attract these high-wage jobs, and Washington risks falling behind. This bill directs the creation of a statewide strategy—funded by non-state sources—to ensure we can compete for federal funding and remain a leader in next-generation innovation. You can learn more about this bill by reading my press release here.
Honoring Energy Northwest. Finally, I was proud to sponsor House Resolution 4669, which was adopted on January 16. The resolution recognizes the vital contributions of Washington’s joint operating agencies, especially Energy Northwest, in providing clean, sustainable energy and driving robust economic growth in our region.
From the District to the Dome
It was wonderful to see so many familiar faces in Olympia this week!
Wednesday was Tri-Cities Day, and I had the privilege of meeting with the Tri-Cities delegation and various constituent groups to discuss the issues that matter most to our local communities.
Welcoming our Page. I was honored to sponsor Student Page Amelia Fisk of Pasco last week. The Page Program is a unique opportunity for students aged 14 to 16 to spend a week in Olympia, learning about the legislative process, attending Page School, and assisting on the House floor. It is a fantastic way for our young people to see their state government in action.
Advocating for veterans and tourism. I had the opportunity to meet with Retired Colonel Felix Vargas of Pasco, a strong supporter of my veterans’ legislation.
Additionally, I met with Kevin Lewis, President and CEO of Visit Tri-Cities, who testified in the House Technology, Economic Development, and Veterans Committee in support of my bill, HB 2278.
Looking ahead
I’ll continue using Barnard’s Weekly Session Snapshot to share updates on priority legislation, committee work, and other key developments throughout the session.
Thank you for taking the time to read this update, staying engaged, and allowing me to serve you in Olympia.
Sincerely,
Stephanie Barnard
