Recently in Olympia: Session Update

As the 2026 short session continues in Olympia, the Northwest Kidney Council (NWKC) remains focused on advancing legislation that improves outcomes for kidney dialysis patients and the providers who care for them.

In the past month, NWKC has seen meaningful progress on two key bills directly impacting kidney dialysis patients and providers.

SHB 2088 – Dietitian Licensure Compact – passed the House 93–1 (4 excused) on February 10 and is now before the Senate for consideration. The bill would authorize Washington to join the Dietitian Licensure Compact, making it easier for licensed dietitians to become credentialed in Washington State. For kidney dialysis patients, access to dietitians is a key resource in preventing health complications.

Read NWKC’s testimony below:

• Submitted 1/13/2026 to the House Committee on Postsecondary Education & Workforce

• Submitted 2/17/2026 to the Senate Health & Long-Term Care Committee

ESHB 2238 – Concerning Statewide Food Insecurity – passed the House 83–12 (3 excused) on February 10 and is also being considered by the Senate. The bill directs the Director of the Department of Agriculture to monitor food system performance and coordinate statewide food security and report to the Legislature every four years. It also directs the Department to develop a strategy to enhance statewide food security and report to the Legislature by December 1, 2027. For kidney dialysis patients, consistent access to healthy food is foundational to improved health outcomes.

Read NWKC’s testimony below:

• Submitted 1/13/2026 to the House Committee on Agriculture & Natural Resources

• Submitted 2/17/2026 to the Senate Committee on Agriculture & Natural Resources

For more details on the bills we’re following this session, take a look at NWKC’s full list of legislative priorities here.