WSLB’s Legislative Work
The WSLB serves as a state trustee agency, and we are proud of our commitment to cultivating leadership. On this page, you'll discover information about our budget request as well as the legislation we closely monitor.
Below is a high-level overview of our Legislative Agenda for the 2026 Supplemental Legislative Session:
01
Maintain current 2025-2027 funding levels
Due to the state budget deficit, the WSLB did not submit any Decision Packages; instead, the top financial goal is to maintain the current funding levels proposed in Governor Ferguson’s budget.
02
Pass SB 5825 to diversify our revenues by modifying our RCW 43.388.
WSLB submitted a modification to our agency’s statute, RCW 43.388. The modification would enable the WSLB to diversify its funding sources (i.e., solicit funds, grants, and donations) to ensure sustainable, participant-centric programs. .
03
Host Day on the Hill
Day on the Hill offers an opportunity for participants and board members to come together at the Capitol and engage in conversations with lawmakers about topics that matter to them.
04
Draft Floor Resolution
To recognize and celebrate the various achievements of our extraordinary young leaders and their positive influence on their communities, as done in prior sessions, the WSLB will collaborate with Ex-Officios board members to draft a floor resolution.
Ways you can partcipate in the legislative process:
Legislative session…
The Leadership Board is fully dedicated to diligently identifying and carefully analyzing legislative bills that significantly align with the initiatives outlined in our authorizing statute, RCW 43.388.
The WSLB monitors bills during each legislative session. You can review these bills by year below:
2025-2027 Biennial Budget:
This information pertains specifically to the 2025–2027 budget. Please note that the operating budget appropriations may be subject to modifications during the 2026 supplemental session.
-
On May 20, 2025, the Governor signed the Operating Budget (ESSB 5167). The funding for the WSLB was secured under Section 158, which was not vetoed.
-
In December 2025, Governor Ferguson’s proposed 2026 supplemental budget raised the WSLB operating appropriation from $1,696,000 to $1,712,000 to cover increased central service costs, with no additional funding for new programs.
In late February 2026, the House and Senate released their proposed 2026 supplemental operating budgets, both reflecting a similar biennium appropriation as was in Governor Ferguson’s proposed budget.
On March 11, the conference budget for the 2026 supplemental session appropriated $1.705 million of the state’s operating budget ESSB 5998(157) to the WSLB, in alignment with the House and Senate proposals.
For more detailed information regarding these budgets’ version, please visit Washington State Fiscal Information. and the Office of Financial Management’s State Budget website.