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: House-of-Origin Policy Committee Cutoff is Next Week
January 30, 2026
This week, the legislature is busy hearing bills in preparation for the house-of-origin policy committee cutoff next Wednesday, February 4. Policy cutoff is the first key milestone in the legislative session, determining which bills will continue moving forward in the legislative process. Proposed legislation that are not passed out of their house-of-origin policy committee by…
Session News: UW President Jones, Men’s and Women’s Soccer Teams Visit Olympia
January 23, 2026
The State Legislature is full steam ahead during the second week of session, and the UW State Relations team welcomed several members of the UW community to Olympia for visits with legislators and government officials. On Wednesday, UW women’s soccer team traveled to Olympia and was honored with a House Resolution sponsored by Rep. Osman…
Session News: Washington State Lawmakers Reconvene for the First Day of the 2026 Legislative Session
January 13, 2026
Yesterday marked the beginning of the 2026 legislative session in Olympia, where lawmakers are tasked with passing the state’s 2026 operating, capital, and transportation supplemental budgets. The supplemental budgets will adjust or apply fixes to the 2025-27 biennial budgets passed last legislative session. The most pressing issue continues to be the state’s operating budget shortfall,…