A look ahead What's on tap for state House, Senate ag committees in 2026

As the 2026 Washington State Legislative Session gets underway on Jan. 12, the Washington Association of Wheat Growers is preparing for a short, intense session that is likely to bring some challenges.

While wheat growers will be formalizing state and national priorities for the year at the Jan. 13 state board meeting in Ritzville, Wash., that list will likely include a seasonal exemption for overtime, protecting agriculture’s tax exemptions, and making the Climate Commitment Act exemption for ag fuels permanent. Like last year, the state is facing another budget shortfall, which could impact programs that farmers rely on, increase taxes, and decrease funding for voluntary conservation efforts.  

Download the 2026 Legislative Pullout.

Wheat Life sent a list of questions to the leaders of the House and Senate ag committees to see what their priorities are for the 2026 session, what budget concerns they have, and how they plan to address ag viability in Washington state. Legislators’ answers are presented in the links below. Answers are edited slightly for clarity and length.  

Sen. Mike Chapman (District 24), chair of the Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee

Sen. Shelly Short (District 7), ranking member of the Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee

Rep. Kristine Reeves (District 30), chair of the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee

Rep. Tom Dent (District 13), ranking minority member of the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee