RADIO | Protecting innovation and accountability: Rep. Stephanie Barnard’s legislative update with KONA Radio

March 5, 2026

Rep. Stephanie Barnard, R-Pasco, joined A.J. Brewster on KONA Radio to provide an update on several key bills currently under consideration in the Legislature. The interview covers critical issues affecting Washingtonians, including proposed tax changes, expanded investigative powers, and potential shifts in local law enforcement structure. The bills she discussed include:

Senate Bill 6346 (state income tax) Barnard discussed the proposed income tax, which proponents have labeled a “millionaire’s tax.” She expressed concern that this policy would drive away the very industries that define Washington’s economy. “I think of our aerospace innovation, the jumbo jets… I think of our agriculture… all of the technology that Washington state has brought… I think that an income tax would absolutely decimate any innovation for Washington state.” Beyond the economic impact, she warned about the potential for the tax to eventually expand to a broader segment of the population. “Once all the millionaires leave, who’s left to pay the income tax? And they’re still going to need and want that money coming in. We just—we have a spending problem.”

Senate Bill 5925 (AGO investigative powers) The conversation shifted to the expansion of the State Attorney General’s authority. Barnard described the “terrifying” nature of a bill that allows for investigations based on a “reasonable presumption” rather than stricter standards. “It’s a terrifying bill, really, if you think about it… this is just based on reasonable presumption. So it’s—it’s scary to think that you could have the AG come and start an investigation… to come in and take documents from your business, from your home.”

Senate Bill 5974 (Sheriff’s de-certification) Finally, Barnard addressed a proposal that would change the office of the sheriff from an elected position to an appointed one. She emphasized the constitutional and democratic importance of keeping this role accountable to the voters. “We don’t want to de-certify our sheriffs… there is a constitutional issue with that one as well… we have to have that democratic process in place and our sheriffs should be elected.”

Listen to the full interview

Listen to Barnard’s full perspective on how these legislative developments could impact Washington’s competitive edge and why she believes the legislature must address its “spending problem” before asking for more from taxpayers.