Bill Tracker: 2026 Legislative Session

Every year, billions of birds migrate north in the spring and south in the fall, the majority of them flying at night, navigating with the night sky. However, as they pass over big cities on their way, they can become disoriented by bright artificial lights and skyglow, often causing them to collide with buildings or windows.  Artificial light at night is a leading cause of bird mortality and an unnecessary source of energy waste. Audubon Washington is supporting legislation that would promote Lights Out policies and bird-friendly building standards across the state.

Legislation: SB 6272

Position: Support
Status: Did not advance this session.

Protecting Coastal and Marine Ecosystems 

Reducing environmental impacts associated with the operation of certain ocean-going vessels.

Toxic contaminants in our marine waters build up through the food web and effect the health of local seabirds like Rhinoceros Auklets. Ships calling on Washington state ports are currently required to use low-sulfur fuels, yet many bypass this regulation by using cleaning systems known as scrubbers to clean the toxic contaminants out of their exhaust using seawater. More than 80% of scrubbers dump the polluted seawater back into the ocean and inland waters. This discharge contains heavy metals and other toxic contaminants that threaten water quality, public health, marine economies and fish and wildlife. Audubon Washington is supporting legislation that would close this loophole and reduce air and water pollution from ocean-going vessels and improve marine ecosystem health. 

Legislation: HB 1652 / SB 5519

Position: Support
Status: Did not advance this session.

Climate and Clean Energy Infrastructure 

Climate and Clean Energy Infrastructure 

Removing Protections for Shrubsteppe Habitat in Urban Growth Areas.

Wildlife Connectivity​

Budget Item: Sustaining Wildlife Conservation Through Stable Funding 

Bird conservation depends on sustained investments in habitat management and wildlife research and monitoring, which is why we are a long-time champion for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) budget. Audubon Washington is working with partners to explore long-term funding solutions for the Department that provide stability for wildlife management and habitat protection. As lawmakers grapple with a budget shortfall, proposed cuts would significantly reduce funding for WDFW, undermining conservation, public safety, and outdoor recreation across the state. Audubon is urging legislators to fully fund WDFW’s 2026 supplemental operating budget request, with particular attention to biodiversity, land stewardship, and enforcement. 

Legislation: The budget bill will be approved by the governor in April.
Status: WDFW is facing a $10 million annual reduction. We will continue to advocate for a fully-funded WDFW.

Bottles and Cans Recycling Refund Act

Establishes a 10-cent refundable deposit on most beverage containers to reduce litter and increase recycling. 

Increasing our recycling rates is a win-win for birds and people. Reducing the amount of waste in our landfills is good for the planet and recycling also helps wildlife by reducing their risk of ingesting unsafe materials. Beverage containers are a major source of litter across Washington and only 30% of them are recycled. Bottle bills are an effective way to boost these rates - a refundable deposit on beverage containers promotes recycling, which in turn reduces waste and keeps plastics and aluminum out of habitats.  

With the state budget shortfall, dedicated climate and environmental funding sources are at risk. These investments represent a small share of the overall state budget, yet they deliver outsized benefits like cleaner air and water that benefit people and backyard birds like the Dark-eyed Juncos, lower energy bills, and create well-paying jobs. 

Audubon Washington is working with EPC partners to ensure climate and environmental funds are used for their intended purposes: reducing pollution and protecting communities.

Status: Support. Learn More

Budget Item: Restoring Wildfire Resilience Funding 

Restore full funding to the Wildfire Response, Forest Restoration, and Community Resilience Account. ​

Wildfire is a natural part of our landscape, but increasingly large and severe fires are not. Washington’s investments in wildfire resilience are working to improve forest health, bolster support for firefighters, and invest in more prepared communities. However, recent budget cuts have reduced the Legislature’s prior funding commitment, threatening to reverse progress even now as wildfire risk grows. Audubon Washington supports restoring full funding to ensure forests, habitat, and communities remain resilient.

Status: Coalition letter of support sent to State House and Senate Operating Budget Leaders.