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
Last Day of Candidate Filing Week for the 2026 Elections
May 8, 2026
Today, May 8, is the last day for candidates running for elected office in Washington state to officially declare their candidacy and submit all relevant documents to their local auditors’ office or the Office of the Washington Secretary of State. Candidates who have filed can be found on the Secretary of State's website. Washington state…
Session News: Sine Die! Last Day of 2026 Legislative Session
March 13, 2026
Yesterday, March 12, was the last day of the 60-day 2026 legislative session. Both chambers of the Legislature raced to pass identical budget bills and close out any outstanding business before adjourning until next year. While this year was another difficult budget year, the University of Washington is thankful that legislators took a creative approach…
Session News: Lawmakers Work to Reconcile Budgets in Session's Final Week
March 8, 2026
It is day 56 of the 60-day session. Friday, March 6, was opposite house cutoff, the last major deadline before Sine Die (the adjournment of legislative session) next Thursday, March 12. Bills that did not pass out of the opposite chamber from which they originated are dead unless necessary to implement the budget (NTIB). Any…