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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
The 2025 legislative session wrapped up on Sunday, April 27, and I want to give you a quick update on what happened in Olympia—both the wins and the disappointments.
Historic Tax Hike Passed
Let’s start with the biggest concern: In the final days, majority Democrats pushed through the 2025–27 operating budget and the largest tax increase in state history. It came in the form of six separate bills that will raise costs on everything from business services to electric vehicles, and make life more expensive for all of us.
Here’s a quick snapshot of what passed:
- House Bill 2049 – Property tax hike: Raises local school levy caps by 55%.
- House Bill 2081 – B&O tax increases + new surcharges.
- House Bill 2077 – “Tesla tax” on zero-emission credit trading.
- Senate Bill 5814 – Expands sales tax to digital and security services, and nicotine products used to quit smoking.
- Senate Bill 5813 – Higher capital gains and estate taxes.
- Senate Bill 5794 – Ends tax incentives for gold, storage, and energy assistance.
The only silver lining on the tax increase front is that the total is only about half of the over $20 billion that majority Democrats originally proposed.
Parental Rights Under Fire
We also fought hard to preserve the Parental Bill of Rights initiative passed last year. Unfortunately, House Bill 1296 weakens those protections. While we secured a key change requiring schools to notify parents if their child is the victim of sexual abuse by school staff, most of our commonsense amendments were rejected, including one that would’ve required schools to notify parents if students are allowed to leave campus without permission. Over 70% of school districts have policies that will enable this, but under this bill, parents may never know.
Second Amendment Rights in the Crosshairs
This session also saw renewed attacks on your Second Amendment rights. Democrats passed House Bill 1163, creating a new permit-to-purchase system with live-fire training requirements. But thanks to strong Republican opposition, we stopped two additional bills that would have expanded gun-free zones and imposed a sales tax on firearms and ammo.
Watch: Rep. Matt Marshall speaks up for your 2A rights
Fighting for You: My First Bill Becomes Law
In my first session, I introduced legislation on election integrity, transparency, health care access, and gun rights. I’m especially proud that my first bill, House Bill 1190, was signed into law. It expands access to a critical online mental health platform, helping close the gap in care across Washington.
Watch: Rep. Marshall speaks out against potential vaccine mandates
Listen: Rep. Marshall on KSWW discussing Second Amendment and parental rights
What’s Next
Even though session is over, my work for you continues. I’ll meet with folks across the district throughout the year and prepare to head back to Olympia in 2026 to continue the fight. Please don’t wait for the next session to reach out. Your voice helps shape my work.
Stay in touch—and thank you for the honor of serving you.
Sincerely,
Matt Marshall
