The Office of State Relations serves as the principal liaison between the University of Washington and state government. Through strong relationships with state elected officials, their offices, and state agencies, we work to advance the University’s mission and legislative priorities. We collaborate closely with the UW community, the state’s five other public baccalaureate institutions, community and technical colleges, and industry partners to identify shared interests and influence public policy. Additionally, we help ensure compliance with state advocacy laws.
Legislative Agendas & Outcomes
State support is essential to University operations and our pursuit of providing an excellent and accessible education for Washingtonians, improving the health and sustainability of our state, and promoting a prosperous economy.
What is Lobbying?
UW employees must coordinate advocacy with the Office of State Relations to ensure clear and consistent communication and compliance with state laws. Learn more about the state’s lobbying laws and the UW’s related rules.
Resources & Partners
Discover more about the Washington’s legislative process, including how a bill becomes a law, and explore the many internal and external organizations the Office of State Relations partners with.
Latest News and Updates
Session News: Opposite House Fiscal Committee Cutoff Passes as Session Enters Final Days
March 3, 2026
It’s day 51 of the 60-day legislative session. Yesterday, March 3, was the opposite house fiscal committee cutoff, meaning any bill not voted out of a fiscal committee in the opposite chamber from which it originated is dead unless necessary to implement the budget (NTIB). At this stage in the legislative process, the number of…
Session News: House and Senate Release 2026 Operating and Capital Budget Proposals
February 23, 2026
The House and Senate released their 2026 supplemental operating and capital budgets yesterday and today respectively. Washington state operates on a two-year budget cycle, with biennial budgets passed in odd-numbered years (e.g., 2025) and supplemental budgets in even-numbered years (e.g., 2026). Supplemental budgets are meant to adjust or apply fixes to the biennial budgets. Operating…
Legislature Passes House-of-Origin Cutoff and Prepares to Release Budget Proposals Next Week
February 20, 2026
This week saw many milestones and new developments in the legislative process. On Monday, Feb. 16, the Washington State Economic & Revenue Forecast Council released its February revenue forecast, which projected a modest revenue increase through 2029. This forecast indicated that the Legislature has an additional $438 million to appropriate during this legislative session. While…