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King County Washington home

2026 Washington legislative session recap: A quick look at bills related to toxic chemicals

From cookware to tires, here's where a few key bills landed during this year

Capitol building in Olympia, Washington

Washington’s 2026 legislative session recently wrapped, and a number of bills touched on toxic chemicals, consumer products and environmental health.

We keep a close eye on proposals and bills that could affect how people are exposed to hazardous materials in their homes and communities. When something comes up that falls within Haz Waste’s

domain, we make sure our technical expertise is available to lawmakers in Olympia. Here’s a quick recap of a few we were tracking this year.

SB 5975 – Lead in cookware (passed)

This bill updates Washington’s existing law that restricted lead in cookware. The final version reflects a middle ground. Though it scales back some near-term requirements from the original law, it adds clearer standards for manufacturers and improving the information available to consumers. The goal over time is a set of rules that are easier to follow, enforce and understand.

HB 2532 – Nitrous oxide sales (passed)

This bill addresses growing concerns around the misuse of nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas. The bill’s signing now makes it a gross misdemeanor to improperly sell, distribute or give away nitrous oxide canisters, with some specific exceptions. The goal is to reduce access in situations that can lead to abuse and serious health risks.

HB 2212 – Microfiber filtration (did not pass)

This proposal would have required certain commercial washing machines, like those in laundromats, to include filters that capture microplastics before they enter wastewater.

HB 2212 – Microfiber filtration (did not pass)

These bills focused on 6PPD, a chemical used in tires to extend their lifespan. However, as these tires wear down, particles containing this chemical can enter waterways, where they’ve been linked to harm fish. The bills would have limited or phased out its use in tires sold in Washington.

These were just a few of the bills we followed this year. We’ll continue tracking what’s ahead and what it could mean for people and the environment here in King County.