WSPMA Hosts Legislative Day at Washington State Capitol

OLYMPIA, Wash. — The Washington State Pest Management Association (WSPMA) hosted its first-ever Legislative Day at the State Capitol in Olympia, Wash., a milestone event that brought together pest management professionals from across the state to engage directly with lawmakers and agency leaders.

The day began with a guided tour of the Capitol campus, where the group visited committee rooms and observed the House and Senate chambers. This firsthand experience gave attendees a deeper appreciation of the legislative process and the critical role pest management professionals play in informing policy.

A highlight of the morning was a special address from Senator Mike Chapman, Chair of Senate Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee. Senator Mike Chapman spoke to the group about the importance of engaging with elected officials early and often — not just when issues arise. He emphasized the value of building relationships, sharing real-world experiences, and earning trust as a strategy for long-term policy success.

Following time at the Capitol, the group walked over to the Natural Resources Building for a key meeting with the assistant director of the Agricultural Environmental Services Division and a policy assistant. This meeting focused on shared challenges, from budget constraints to upcoming regulatory changes and federal pressures. It was also an opportunity to reflect on recent successes achieved through collaboration between the pest management industry and regulatory agencies.

To wrap up the day, participants gathered for a debrief lunch to reflect on what they learned and discuss how we can build on this experience for next year’s full Legislative Day rollout. The energy and engagement from attendees made it clear: this was just the beginning.

WSPMA is already preparing for an expanded event in 2026, with more members, meetings and opportunities to advocate for the industry.