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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
One of the things I value most about serving you is the opportunity to work with people from all perspectives who care deeply about our communities and our shared future. Whether we agree on every issue or not, I believe progress happens when we listen respectfully, focus on common ground, and put practical solutions ahead of politics. That approach guides my work in Olympia every day.
I strive to work collaboratively with colleagues from both parties, local leaders, and community members to address real challenges facing our district and our state. My goal is always the same: to support policies that protect taxpayers, strengthen public safety, and ensure Washington remains a great place to live, work, and raise a family.
Session Is Nearing Important Deadline
The 2026 Washington legislative session began Jan. 12, but this 60-day session is flying by, as we address the supplemental budgets, new tax proposals, and numerous other policies. Committees are actively considering all these bills as the first major deadline approaches – policy committee cutoff on Feb. 4. Most bills must be voted out of their policy committees by that to stay alive this session. The fiscal policy deadline is on Feb. 9. I will continue to keep you updated as we work to meet these timelines and move legislation forward.
Strengthening Wildfire Prevention in Washington
No matter where we live or how we vote, we all want safe communities, healthy forests, and responsible use of taxpayer dollars. I recently filed a bill that could have a big impact on all of Washington, especially rural areas. House Bill 2653 would strengthen wildfire prevention efforts while giving counties a fairer way to manage and benefit from forest health work along major roadways. Wildfires don’t stop at jurisdictional boundaries, and counties are often on the front lines of prevention, mitigation, and emergency response.
HB 2653 would authorize counties to enter into shared stewardship agreements with federal land management agencies, including the U.S. Forest Service, to maintain and manage fuel breaks on federally owned land near roads. Counties could manage forestlands up to one mile on either side of key transportation corridors, including interstates, state highways, and other locally selected roads. This work helps reduce wildfire risk, protects evacuation routes, and safeguards critical infrastructure.
Importantly, the bill also addresses a long-standing fairness issue. While shared stewardship agreements exist today, counties are often excluded from sharing revenue generated by forest management. HB 2653 would require revenue-sharing provisions so counties can retain proceeds from timber sales resulting from fuel reduction and forest health work. For rural counties, where traditional timber revenues have declined, and federal forest payments are less reliable, this provides a much-needed funding option.
This legislation is about smarter forest management, safer communities, and stronger partnerships between local, state, and federal governments. HB 2653 is currently awaiting a public hearing in the House Local Government Committee, and I’ll continue working with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to move it forward.
Stay in Touch
It is an honor to serve you in the Legislature, which allows me to work on important legislation like this. I will continue to do everything in my power to be your voice in Olympia, so please continue reaching out to share your input.
Kevin Waters
