On The Issues is produced by Teach with TVW, the education wing of TVW, Washington’s Public Affairs network, in partnership with the Legislative Page Program. Each week throughout the Legislative Session Legislative Pages research issues the legislators are working on and prepare questions to be brought to legislative leadership.
Each topical collection below is bundled with a 20 minute lesson plan. Perfect for kick starting discussion in the classroom, and providing insight into the policymaking process.
If you have 1 to 2 class periods, check out the comprehensive Legislative Committees lesson plan for a deeper dive, and facilitate class discussion and research across multiple committee topics.
2026 SERIES WITH 20 MIN LESSON PLANS
House Consumer Protection and Business Committee
House Consumer Protection and Business Committee considers issues related to:
- Consumer protection and consumer education issues
- Licensing and regulation of businesses
- Regulation of alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, and vapor products as well as product safety and access
- Activities of the Office of the Insurance Commissioner
- Solvency of insurance companies
- Rates and practices of insurance companies
- Financial services issues, including the safety and soundness of state banks and credit unions
- Regulation of consumer credit and lending,
- Regulation of securities and investments.
Overview:
During the 2026 session, Legislative Pages (students ages 14-16) had the opportunity to interview legislators from both the Majority party and the Minority party about issues of interest. In this lesson, students will learn about where the Majority Party, currently the Democrats, and the Minority Party, currently the Republicans, stand on three important policies regarding Consumer Protection and Business.
Essential Questions:
- How does the legislature decide what businesses to regulate?
- To what extent does the legislature regulate businesses differently based upon the age of the consumer?
Senate Transportation Committee
Senate Transportation Committee considers issues relating to:
- State and regional transportation planning and policy
- Traffic safety
- The state ferry system
- Bicycle and motorcycle related policies
- The transportation budget
- Revenue sources for transportation funding
- Transportation related to special events (i.e. World Cup)
- Intersection of transportation and climate
- Transportation agencies, including the Washington State Traffic Safety Commission, the Washington State Patrol, and the Department of Transportation.
Overview:
During the 2026 session, Legislative Pages (students ages 14-16) had the opportunity to interview legislators from both the Majority party and the Minority party about issues of interest. In this lesson, students will learn about where the Majority Party, currently the Democrats, and the Minority Party, currently the Republicans, stand on three important policies regarding Transportation.
Essential Questions:
- To what extent is high speed rail feasible in Washington State?
- How should Washington State address the increase of traffic fatalities?
- How will the legislature address combatting the effects of transportation emissions on the climate?
House Health Care Committee
House Health Care Committee considers issues relating to:
- Physical and behavioral health care services
- Regulations of Health Care Facilities
- Scope of practice for all healthcare professions
- Strategies to promote better health
- Regulates pharmacies and pharmaceutical drugs
- Accessibility and affordability of health insurance, both private and public
Overview:
During the 2026 session, Legislative Pages (students ages 14-16) had the opportunity to interview legislators from both the Majority party and the Minority party about issues of interest. In this lesson, students will learn about where the Majority Party, currently the Democrats, and the Minority Party, currently the Republicans, stand on three important policies regarding Health Care.
Essential Questions:
- How should the Washington State Legislature address the impacts of HR1 on Medicaid coverage?
- What solutions is the Washington State Legislature considering in response to the need for more behavioral health care?
- To what extent is the Washington State Legislature addressing the information gap between men’s and women’s health care?
Senate Higher Education & Workforce Development Committee
Senate Higher Education and Workforce Development Committee considers issues relating to:
- The state’s public and private colleges and universities
- Apprenticeship and workforce programs
- Governance and coordination of higher education
- Higher education faculty, not including collective bargaining issues
- Financial aid
- Tuition
Overview:
During the 2026 session, Legislative Pages (students ages 14-16) had the opportunity to interview legislators from both the Majority party and the Minority party about issues of interest. In this lesson, students will learn about where the Majority Party, currently the Democrats, and the Minority Party, currently the Republicans, stand on three important policies regarding Higher Education and Workforce Development
Essential Questions:
- What is the legislature focusing on in terms of artificial intelligence in higher education?
- How should the legislature address college grants for middle income earners?
- How can the legislature ensure that both community and technical colleges and four-year universities are valued in Washington?
House Early Learning & Human Services Committee
The House Early Learning and Human Services Committee considers issues relating to:
- Broad array of issues and services affecting children and families
- Early learning
- Child care
- Child and youth development
- Child welfare services
- Children’s mental health
- At-risk and homeless youth
- Juvenile justice
- Economic assistance programs
- Developmental disabilities
- Long-term care
Overview:
During the 2026 session, Legislative Pages (students ages 14-16) had the opportunity to interview legislators from both the Majority party and the Minority party about issues of interest. In this lesson, students will learn about where the Majority Party, currently the Democrats, and the Minority Party, currently the Republicans, stand on three important policies regarding State Human Services.
Essential Questions:
- To what extent can the state fill holes made by federal funding cuts?
- To what extent should the youth be involved in making policies surrounding teen use of technology?
- How is the state addressing problems with sentencing in the juvenile justice system?
Law & Justice Committee
The Law and Justice Committee considers issues relating to:
- Civil law
- Criminal law and sentencing
- Commercial law
- Public safety
- Property law
- General court administration
- Firearms
- Family law issues including marriage, child support, adoption, and guardianship
Overview:
During the 2026 session, Legislative Pages (students ages 14-16) had the opportunity to interview legislators from both the Majority party and the Minority party about issues of interest. In this lesson, students will learn about where the Majority Party, currently the Democrats, and the Minority Party, currently the Republicans, stand on three important policies regarding Law and Justice.
Essential Questions:
- To what extent do face coverings for law enforcement officers help with accountability?
- To what extent are firearm background checks effective in improving public safety?
House Housing Committee
The House Housing Committee considers issues relating to:
- Accessibility, affordability, assistance, and supply
- Land use and zoning primarily related to residential uses
- Landlord-tenant law
- Homelessness
- Homeownership
- Farmworker housing
- Manufactured housing
- Housing authorities
- Housing Finance Commission
Overview:
During the 2026 session, Legislative Pages (students ages 14-16) had the opportunity to interview legislators from both the Majority party and the Minority party about issues of interest. In this lesson, students will learn about where the Majority Party, currently the Democrats, and the Minority Party, currently the Republicans, stand on three important policies regarding Housing.
Essential Questions:
- To what extent should the state government invest in emerging technologies in housing?
- What role should the state government play in regulating local policies involving people who are unhoused?
- How is the state government measuring whether affordable housing policies are working?
House & Senate Environment & Energy Committees
The Senate Environment, Energy & Technology Committee considers issues relating to:
- Air quality
- The Puget Sound Partnership
- The State Environmental Policy Act
- Oil spill prevention
- Recycling and solid waste
- Toxic substances
- Hazardous and toxic waste
- Telecommunications including broadband
- Energy
- Climate change
- Stormwater management
- Nuclear waste
- Technology
Overview:
During the 2026 session, Legislative Pages (students ages 14-16) had the opportunity to interview legislators from both the Majority party and the Minority party about issues of interest. In this lesson, students will learn about where the Majority Party, currently the Democrats, and the Minority Party, currently the Republicans, stand on three important policies regarding the Environment and Energy.
Essential Questions:
- Why is nuclear energy an energy policy that the state is considering?
- How do the legislators differ in their opinions on the Climate Commitment Act?
- To what extent should the government be involved in regulating data centers?
House K-12 Education Committee
Considers issues relating to Kindergarten through Twelfth Grade:
- Dual credit programs
- Educator ethics
- Tribal language programs
- Medication in schools
- Learning Standards/Curriculum
- Parent and student rights
- Technical education
- Diversity, equity, inclusion
- Special Education
- Materials and supplies
- School discipline
- Behavioral health
- School meals
- School buses
- And many more …
Overview:
During the 2026 session, Legislative Pages (students ages 14-16) had the opportunity to interview legislators from both the Majority party and the Minority party about issues of interest. In this lesson, students will learn about where the Majority Party, currently the Democrats, and the Minority Party, currently the Republicans, stand on three important policies regarding K-12 Education.
Essential Questions:
- What do the legislators see as priorities in K-12 education?
- To what extent can the State Legislature get involved in immigration policies?
- What are the benefits and drawbacks of funding schools with local levies?
TOPICS FOR 2026 – New episodes coming each Friday!
| Week | Issue | Committee |
|---|---|---|
| 1 – Friday 1/16 | Education | House K-12 Education |
| 2 – Friday 1/23 | Environment & Energy | Senate Environment and Energy |
| 3 – Friday 1/30 | Housing | House Housing |
| 4 – Friday 2/6 | Rights | Senate Law & Justice |
| 5 – Friday 2/13 | Human Services | House Human Services |
| 6 – Friday 2/20 | Higher Education | Senate Higher Education and Workforce Development |
| 7 – Friday 2/27 | Health Care | House Health Care and Wellness |
| 8 – Friday 3/6 | Transportation | Senate Transportation |
| 9 – Friday 3/13 | Consumer Protection | House Consumer Protection & Business |
* Topics and timing subject to change
1-2 PERIOD LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEES LESSON PLAN
In 1 to 2 class periods, this lesson plan introduces students to the issues that Legislative Committees address in a typical Legislative session. Students will have the choice of 11 different issues to examine, learning which committees address these important topics. Additionally, students will assess their own opinions and ideas that relate to the topics presented in the videos. Slide deck and documents can be customized for sharing, and distribution to your students.
Objectives:
- Understand the committee structure of the Washington State Legislature
- Understand the different perspectives of legislators in the 2025 Legislative Session
- Identify follow up questions and research opportunities to determine their own opinions
Resources:
- Teach with TVW video modules: Legislative Process, Committee Chair, Legislative Navigator
- On the Issues Videos: YouTube playlist HERE
- Who Wields Power Slide Deck
- Student Worksheets (includes Viewer’s Guide and Video Links)
2025 SERIES WITH 20 MIN LESSON PLANS
Senate Housing Committee
The Senate Housing Committee considers issues relating to:
- Homelessness prevention
- Housing affordability and stability
- Mobile home parks
- Landlord tenant issues
- Land use issues primarily related to housing
Overview:
During the 2025 session, Legislative Pages (students ages 14-16) had the opportunity to interview legislators from both the Majority party and the Minority party about issues of interest. In this lesson, students will learn about where the Majority Party, currently the Democrats, and the Minority Party, currently the Republicans, stand on three important policies addressed by the House Education Committee.
Essential Questions:
- What are the challenges regarding housing in Washington State?
- To what extent can the government help right past wrongs?
- How does the government balance the need for regulations with the need for growth?
20 min Lesson Plan: Housing
House Education Committee
The House Education Committee considers issues relating to kindergarten through twelfth grade (K-12) education.
Overview:
During the 2025 session, Legislative Pages (students ages 14-16) had the opportunity to interview legislators from both the Majority party and the Minority party about issues of interest. In this lesson, students will learn about where the Majority Party, currently the Democrats, and the Minority Party, currently the Republicans, stand on three important policies addressed by the House Education Committee.
Essential Questions:
- To what extent does the state government control what local school districts do?
- What are the different ideas presented to help students feel safe in school?
- To what extent are the Republican and Democratic parties similar in their approaches to the role of the government in the school system?
20 min Lesson Plan: K12 Education
Senate Higher Education and Workforce Development Committee
The Senate Higher Education & Workforce Development Committee considers issues relating to:
- The state’s public and private colleges and universities
- Apprenticeship and workforce programs
- Governance and coordination of higher education
- Higher education faculty, not including collective bargaining issues
- Financial aid
- Tuition
Overview:
During the 2025 session, Legislative Pages (students ages 14-16) had the opportunity to interview legislators from both the Majority party and the Minority party about issues of interest. In this lesson, students will learn about where the Majority Party, currently the Democrats, and the Minority Party, currently the Republicans, stand on three important policies regarding college affordability in Washington State.
Essential Questions:
- How do the beliefs of those in the majority party differ from those in the minority party?
- To what extent does the State Legislature help students pay for college?
- How does the budget affect college affordability in Washington?
20 min Lesson Plan: Higher Education
House Early Learning & Human Services Committee
The Early Learning & Human Services Committee considers a broad array of issues and services affecting children and families, including early learning; child care; child and youth development; child welfare services; children’s mental health; at-risk and homeless youth; juvenile justice; economic assistance programs; developmental disabilities; and long-term care.
Overview:
During the 2025 session, Legislative Pages (students ages 14-16) had the opportunity to interview legislators from both the Majority party and the Minority party about issues of interest. In this lesson, students will learn about where the Majority Party, currently the Democrats, and the Minority Party, currently the Republicans, stand on three important policies regarding youth care in Washington State.
Essential Questions:
- How do the beliefs of those in the majority party differ from those in the minority party?
- How does the government take care of its most vulnerable residents?
- What reforms do the Representatives recommend to continue serving the youth in Washington?
20 min Lesson Plan: Youth Care
House Transportation Committee
The House Transportation Committee considers issues related to a broad range of multimodal transportation services and infrastructure for all communities and residents regardless of physical and mental disability, income status or age and the intersection of transportation policy with the environment and safety. The committee also considers the transportation budget and revenues to fund investments in transportation and related carbon-reduction programs, and transportation agencies, including the Washington State Traffic Safety Commission, the Washington State Patrol, and the Department of Transportation.
Overview:
During the 2025 session, Legislative Pages (students ages 14-16) had the opportunity to interview legislators from both the Majority party and the Minority party about issues of interest. In this lesson, students will learn about where the Majority Party, currently the Democrats, and the Minority Party, currently the Republicans, stand on three important policies regarding transportation in Washington State.
Essential Questions:
- How do the beliefs of those in the majority party differ from those in the minority party?
- How does the Transportation Committee prioritize Washington’s transportation needs?
- How do Washington’s climate goals relate to Washington’s transportation policy?
20 min Lesson Plan: Transportation
House Civil Rights & Judiciary Committee
The House Civil Rights & Judiciary Committee considers a wide variety of legal issues, including constitutional law; privacy rights; anti-discrimination measures; commercial law; torts; probate; guardianships; civil commitment; forensic mental health; firearms; common interest community issues involving liability and uniform laws; and eminent domain. The committee also considers issues relating to courts and judicial administration; and family law issues such as marriage, marriage dissolution, child support and adoption
Overview:
During the 2025 session, Legislative Pages (students ages 14-16) had the opportunity to interview legislators from both the Majority party and the Minority party about issues of interest. In this lesson, students will learn about where the Majority Party, currently the Democrats, and the Minority Party, currently the Republicans, stand on three important policies regarding civil rights in Washington State.
Essential Questions:
- How do the beliefs of those in the majority party differ from those in the minority party?
- How does Washington State address issues of civil rights through the policymaking process?
20 min Lesson Plan: Civil Rights
Senate Environment, Energy & Technology Committee
The Senate Environment, Energy & Technology Committee considers issues relating to:
- Air quality
- The Puget Sound Partnership
- The State Environmental Policy Act
- Oil spill prevention
- Recycling and solid waste
- Toxic substances
- Hazardous and toxic waste
- Telecommunications including broadband
- Energy
- Climate change
- Stormwater management
- Nuclear waste
- Technology
Overview:
During the 2025 session, Legislative Pages (students ages 14-16) had the opportunity to interview legislators from both the Majority party and the Minority party about issues of interest. In this lesson, students will learn about where the Majority Party, currently the Democrats, and the Minority Party, currently the Republicans, stand on three important policies regarding the Environment and Energy..
Essential Questions:
- How do the beliefs of those in the majority party differ from those in the minority party?
- How does Washington State’s energy policies benefit Washingtonians?
- What are the drawbacks of Washington State’s energy policies?
20 min Lesson Plan: Environment & Energy
House State Government and Tribal Relations Committee
House State Government and Tribal Relations Committee considers issues related to:
State government, including state agency structure; rulemaking; procurement standards; performance audits; and public employment. The committee also considers issues relating to elections; campaign finance; state government open meeting and public records obligations; ethics in government; the regulation and oversight of gaming, including tribal compacts; and the government-to-government relationship of the state and Indian tribes.
Overview:
During the 2025 session, Legislative Pages (students ages 14-16) had the opportunity to interview legislators from both the Majority party and the Minority party about issues of interest. In this lesson, students will learn about where the Majority Party, currently the Democrats, and the Minority Party, currently the Republicans, stand on three important policies regarding Tribal Relations.
Essential Questions:
- How do the beliefs of those in the majority party differ from those in the minority party?
- How does the Washington State government promote government-to-government relationships with the 29 federally recognized tribes of Washington State?
20 min Lesson Plan: Tribal Relations
House Health Care & Wellness Committee
House Health Care & Wellness Committee considers issues relating to:
The provision of physical and behavioral health care services and strategies to promote better health. Health care service issues include the licensing and regulation of health care facilities, the credentialing of new health care professions, and the scope of practice for all healthcare professions. The committee regulates pharmacies and pharmaceutical drugs and has oversight and regulatory responsibility for state public health programs. The committee also considers issues relating to the accessibility and affordability of health care in both the private health insurance market and public health programs such as Medicaid and the state health exchange.
Overview:
During the 2025 session, Legislative Pages (students ages 14-16) had the opportunity to interview legislators from both the Majority party and the Minority party about issues of interest. In this lesson, students will learn about where the Majority Party, currently the Democrats, and the Minority Party, currently the Republicans, stand on two important policies regarding Health Care.
Essential Questions:
- How do the beliefs of those in the majority party differ from those in the minority party?
- What is Washington State doing to ensure that there is affordable health care?
20 min Lesson Plan: Healthcare
Senate Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee
Senate Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee considers issues relating to:
- Agricultural land and products
- Regulation of water and water rights
- Fish and wildlife
- Mining
- Forest practices and forest fire protection
- Management of certain state-owned lands including forest, farm, and aquatic lands
Overview:
During the 2025 session, Legislative Pages (students ages 14-16) had the opportunity to interview legislators from both the Majority party and the Minority party about issues of interest. In this lesson, students will learn about where the Majority Party, currently the Democrats, and the Minority Party, currently the Republicans, stand on important policies regarding sustainable agriculture, and balancing housing and forest conservation.
Essential Questions:
- How do the beliefs of those in the majority party differ from those in the minority party?
- What are some of the positives and negatives of organic farming in Washington State?
- What is Washington State doing to ensure that our Natural Resources are protected while also being available to utilize by Washingtonians?
20 min Lesson Plan: Natural Resources
House Housing Committee
The House Housing Committee considers issues relating to:
A broad array of issues relating to housing, including accessibility, affordability, assistance, and supply; land use and zoning primarily related to residential uses; landlord-tenant law; homelessness; homeownership; farmworker housing; manufactured housing; housing authorities; and the Housing Finance Commission.
Overview:
During the 2025 session, Legislative Pages (students ages 14-16) had the opportunity to interview legislators from both the Majority party and the Minority party about issues of interest. In this lesson, students will learn about where the Majority Party, currently the Democrats, and the Minority Party, currently the Republicans, stand on three important policies regarding Housing.
Essential Questions:
- How do the beliefs of those in the majority party differ from those in the minority party?
- What is Washington State doing to ensure that there is affordable housing for all Washingtonians?
20 min Lesson Plan: House Housing Committee
Senate and House Education Committees
The Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education Committee considers issues relating to:
- Early learning programs, including the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program and the Working Connections Child Care Program
- Kindergarten through 12th grade (K-12) education, including K-12 related funding formulas and school district levy policy
- K-12 student health and safety
- K-12 teacher certification and employment issues
House Education Committee considers issues relating to:
The House Education Committee considers issues relating to kindergarten through twelfth grade (K-12) education.
Overview:
During the 2025 session, Legislative Pages (students ages 14-16) had the opportunity to interview legislators from both the Majority party and the Minority party about issues of interest. In this lesson, students will learn about where the Majority Party, currently the Democrats, and the Minority Party, currently the Republicans, stand on two important policies regarding Early Learning and K-12 Education.
Essential Questions:
- How do the beliefs of those in the majority party differ from those in the minority party?
- To what extent is there bipartisanship in the Washington State Legislature?
- What is Washington State doing to ensure that we are fulfilling the paramount duty of the state?
20 min Lesson Plan: Senate and House Education Committees
House Community Safety Committee
The House Community Safety Committee considers a broad array of issues relating to the criminal legal system, including policing; crisis response; crime prevention; criminal penalties and sentencing; impaired driving; adult correctional programs; rehabilitation and reentry; and adult correctional institutions. The committee also considers issues relating to the registration and civil commitment of sex offenders.
Overview:
During the 2025 session, Legislative Pages (students ages 14-16) had the opportunity to interview legislators from both the Majority party and the Minority party about issues of interest. In this lesson, students will learn about where the Majority Party, currently the Democrats, and the Minority Party, currently the Republicans, stand on three important policies regarding community safety.
Essential Questions:
- How do the beliefs of those in the majority party differ from those in the minority party?
- What is Washington State doing to ensure that we are safeguarding the safety of Washingtonians?
20 min Lesson Plan: House Community Safety Committee
House Environment & Energy Committee
The House Environment & Energy Committee considers issues relating to air quality; aquatic lands; oil spill prevention; solid waste; hazardous waste; toxics; climate change; energy; Puget Sound; the State Environmental Policy Act and the Shoreline Management Act; state parks; and outdoor recreation.
Overview:
During the 2025 session, Legislative Pages (students ages 14-16) had the opportunity to interview legislators from both the Majority party and the Minority party about issues of interest. In this lesson, students will learn about where the Majority Party, currently the Democrats, and the Minority Party, currently the Republicans, stand on three important policies regarding the environment and energy.
Essential Questions:
- How do the beliefs of those in the majority party differ from those in the minority party?
- To what extent is there bipartisanship in the Washington State Legislature?
- What is Washington State doing to protect our environment and access to energy?
20 min Lesson Plan: House Environment & Energy Committee
Senate State Government, Tribal Affairs, and Elections Committee
The 2024 Election was historic with Washington surpassing 5 million registered voters for the first time. In order for this to happen, there needed to be a lot of organization at the state level. The Senate State Government, Tribal Affairs, and Elections Committee is in charge of passing laws to ensure that the state government runs smoothly, ethically, and efficiently.
Overview:
During the 2025 session, Legislative Pages (students ages 14-16) had the opportunity to interview legislators from both the Majority party and the Minority party about issues of interest. In this lesson, students will learn about where the Majority Party, currently the Democrats, and the Minority Party, currently the Republicans stand on two important policies regarding partisanship and elections.
Essential Questions:
- How do the beliefs of those in the majority party differ from those in the minority party?
- To what extent is there bipartisanship in the Washington State Legislature?
- What is Washington State doing to improve our electoral system?
20 min Lesson Plan: Elections & Governance
On The Issues 2024 Series:
20 min lesson plans linked in the slider below:
Have a full class period? Give your students a deeper understanding of the legislative committee process with the Legislative Committees Lesson Plan.