The halls of our Capitol building in Olympia are quieter now that the 2025 legislative session has ended. While this session was one of the toughest in recent years, largely due to a significant budget shortfall, we passed several impactful policies that will benefit Washingtonians. 

From improved health care systems to smart city planning, our team of staff and volunteers have worked tirelessly to ensure that the needs of older residents are met with compassion and dedication. 

Let’s look at some of the highlights.  

Memory care services 

Washington state has established a standard of care that facilities must follow to be certified for memory care services as of July 1, 2026. This includes having adequate staffing levels, with staff available 24 hours a day, and implementing policies to address wandering and behavioral challenges. Facilities also need to ensure staff receive ongoing dementia-related education and offer daily activity programming tailored to residents' abilities and interests. Overall, this legislation aims to enhance the safety, well-being and quality of life of residents with dementia, ensuring they receive high-quality, specialized care in certified facilities. 

Transit-oriented development 

Transit-oriented development is a civic planning strategy that aims to concentrate jobs, housing and services around public transit. The new bill includes important provisions and incentives to increase the overall affordable housing supply including single-family homes, apartments and condominiums in urban counties. This increased accessibility helps reduce isolation, supports active lifestyles and allows older adults to age in place more comfortably and safely. Residents will be able to easily reach health care facilities, grocery stores and community centers without relying on personal vehicles. 

Tribal elder education 

Learning isn’t just for the young or those seeking a career change; it’s for anyone who wants to keep expanding their mind, including those who have devoted their lives to their communities. Washington law currently allows colleges to waive or reduce tuition for people over 60, but Washington’s 29 federally recognized Tribes define elderhood years earlier. To better align with some tribal definitions of being an “elder,” this bill allows community and technical colleges to waive or reduce tuition and fees for members over 55. The bill passed with overwhelming support in both the Senate and the House.  

Nutrition funding

Across Washington, programs that provide nutritious meals to those in need are facing unprecedented demands. For older adults, these services offer food through hot meals at community sites, senior center food pantries, mobile food pantries and Meals on Wheels to ensure seniors have enough nutritious food to stay healthy and hunger-free. Securing continued funding for Washington's nutrition programs was not guaranteed. With a massive budget shortfall, critical programs saw cuts across the board, and we were worried nutrition funding would suffer the same fate. While we did not receive the requested amount, we have secured enough funding to keep the programs functioning through 2027. 

As the 2025 legislative session concludes, we are proud of the significant strides made despite the challenges faced. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the older adults who actively engaged with their lawmakers, advocating for these vital changes. Your efforts have been instrumental in ensuring that the needs of our communities are met with compassion and dedication. Your role in this process is invaluable, and we thank you for your continued support. 

Cathy MacCaul is advocacy director for AARP Washington.