As Washington prepares for the 2026 legislative session, Rep. Natasha Hill is advancing policies focused on housing affordability, economic equity, voting rights, and community stability.
Looking Ahead: Bills in Progress
Rep. Hill is developing two major pieces of legislation:
- A land banking bill to expand access to affordable housing by making land available for long-term community benefit.
- A renters’ credit bill to help renters build credit without taking on debt.
She is also continuing work on the Washington Voting Rights Act (HB 1750), which would codify existing case law to strengthen voting access and ensure elections remain fair, transparent and accessible amid national efforts to restrict voting rights.
Constituents are encouraged to engage by tracking bills, signing up to testify (in person or remotely), or visiting Olympia with support from her office.
Budget Reality: A Call for Fair Revenue
Rep. Hill highlighted growing budget pressures caused by federal cuts to education, health care, housing, and infrastructure. She is calling for progressive revenue solutions, including closing corporate tax loopholes and asking the wealthiest to contribute their fair share–while protecting working families.
The goal is a sustainable, equitable budget that supports public schools, behavioral health, housing, and essential services.
Community Engagement During the Interim
Over the interim, Rep. Hill visited organizations across Spokane, including:
- Salish School of Spokane (Indigenous language revitalization)
- Latinos En Spokane (education, legal aid, maternal health, and small business support)
- Second Harvest Inland Northwest (food access and zero-waste initiatives)
- Habitat Spokane & Manzanita House (homeownership, apprenticeships, and immigrant legal aid)
- Spokane Regional Health District & Frontier Behavioral Health
- Joya Early Support for Infants and Toddlers (ESIT)
These visits inform her advocacy for funding and policy support at the state level.
Food Security: Bills Already Passed
Nearly one million Washingtonians rely on SNAP, and federal proposals like H.R. 1 threaten major cuts to nutrition assistance. In response, Rep. Hill supports the Well Washington Fund, which helps stabilize food programs and protect families from federal uncertainty. She reaffirmed her commitment to ensuring no Washingtonian goes hungry.
Weather & Emergency Preparedness
Amid historic flooding and storms, Rep. Hill urged residents to stay informed through local emergency alerts, weather updates, and shelter resources, and to check on neighbors when possible.
Housing Affordability: Major Reforms Now in Effect
Washington passed landmark housing legislation, including:
Rent Stabilization (HB 1217): Caps rent increases, requires advance notice, bans first-year hikes, and strengthens tenant protections.
Parking Reform (SB 5184): Reduces costly parking requirements.
Faster ADU Permits (HB 1353): Speeds approval for backyard cottages.
Lot Splitting (HB 1096) and Middle Housing (SB 5471): Expand housing options statewide.
Together, these reforms aim to stabilize rents, reduce development costs, and increase housing choices, helping families, seniors and young people afford to live in Washington.