From new transportation fees to requirements for closed captions in movie theaters, you might have already noticed the effects of several new laws and taxes with a January 1 start date. 

And we’re about to begin a new legislative session on Monday, January 12th. 

In Olympia, lawmakers are facing a yawning budget shortfall and uncertain funding from the federal government. 

We review the new laws we need to follow and preview the upcoming session.

GUESTS
Jake Goldstein-Street, reporting, Washington State Standard

RELATED LINKS
Gerrymander Washington state? Democrats want to talk about it - KUOW

These new laws and taxes take effect in Washington state on Jan. 1 - Washington State Standard 

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes

Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.

From new transportation fees to requirements for closed captions in movie theaters, you might have already noticed the effects of several new laws and taxes with a January 1 start date.&nbsp;
And we&rsquo;re about to begin a new legislative session on Monday, January 12th.&nbsp;
In Olympia, lawmakers are facing a yawning budget shortfall and uncertain funding from the federal government.&nbsp;
We review the new laws we need to follow and preview the upcoming session.
GUESTS
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Jake Goldstein-Street, reporting, Washington State Standard</li>
</ul>
RELATED LINKS
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.kuow.org/stories/gerrymander-washington-democrats-want-to-talk-about-it">Gerrymander Washington state? Democrats want to talk about it</a> - KUOW <a href="https://www.kuow.org/authors/scott-greenstone"></a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2025/12/30/these-new-laws-and-taxes-take-effect-in-washington-state-on-jan-1/">These new laws and taxes take effect in Washington state on Jan. 1</a> - Washington State Standard&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to <a href="http://kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes">kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes</a>
Soundside&nbsp;is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.

Soundside

You like laws? We got some new ones in 2026. And taxes. 

Advertisement