Rep. Sharon Tomiko Santos

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (not a policy bill) passed by the Washington State House of Representatives on April 4, 2025. It honors Congresswoman Julia Butler Hansen's legacy, recognizing her as the first woman to chair a Congressional Appropriations Subcommittee, her role in building Pacific Northwest infrastructure like the Astoria-Megler Bridge, and her 21-year service in the Washington State Legislature and 14-year U.S. Congress career. The resolution specifically acknowledges her historical significance through the Julia Butler Hansen House, which contains artifacts from her public service. As a procedural resolution, it has no policy impact but formally commemorates her contributions.

Maddy summaryThis resolution honors Walla Walla Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Wade Smith for his nine years of service. It recognizes his leadership in achieving the district's highest on-time graduation rate (94.5%), expanding bilingual programs, closing the graduation gap for Hispanic students (a 20% increase), and earning the 2021 Robert J. Handy Award for improving outcomes. The resolution does not create new policies or affect funding; it is purely a ceremonial commendation.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 4642) is a symbolic gesture recognizing Washington's refugee communities for their historical and ongoing contributions to the state's civic, cultural, and economic life. It acknowledges Washington's history of welcoming refugees, including Vietnamese immigrants after the Vietnam War and current Ukrainian arrivals since 2022, and highlights how these communities enrich the state's diversity. The resolution does not create new policies, programs, or funding - it simply affirms the House's acknowledgment of refugees' role through a formal statement. As a procedural resolution (not a law), it has no binding effect on state actions or resources.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 4635) is a ceremonial House measure celebrating Nowruz, the Persian New Year, and recognizing its cultural significance to communities in Washington state and globally. It acknowledges the holiday's 3,000-year history, its celebration by over 1 million Americans - including tens of thousands in Washington - and the contributions of Middle Eastern and Central Asian communities. The resolution formally urges the House to celebrate Nowruz, recognize its values of renewal and community, and stand with those who observe it. As a symbolic gesture, it does not create new laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution designates March 9 as Billy Frank Jr. Day to honor his lifelong advocacy for tribal treaty rights and salmon conservation. It commemorates his leadership in the 1970s "fish-ins" that led to the landmark U.S. v. Washington court decision affirming tribal fishing rights. The resolution recognizes his work in uniting diverse groups to protect natural resources and tribal sovereignty in Washington. It does not create new policies or affect any specific group, as it is a commemorative resolution.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 4632) is a symbolic statement by the Washington State House of Representatives recognizing the importance of Washington's relationship with Taiwan. It highlights existing cultural ties, economic connections (including $3.8 billion in 2022 trade and 15,000 jobs from Taiwanese investment), and Washington's 2023 trade office in Taiwan. The resolution formally reiterates support for strengthening Washington-Taiwan economic and trade relations. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws or policies but affirms the state's existing partnership with Taiwan.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (HR 4626) introduced by Washington State House Representatives to honor Thomas H. Gray, an aerospace engineer. The resolution recognizes his career achievements, including his work at Boeing, pioneering flight testing, and volunteer efforts at the Museum of Flight. It formally commends his contributions to engineering and aviation history, with a copy of the resolution to be sent directly to Mr. Gray. As a non-legislative gesture, it does not create new laws or policies.

Maddy summaryHR 4619 is a commemorative resolution adopted by the Washington State House of Representatives on February 19, 2025. It formally acknowledges the 83rd anniversary of Executive Order 9066, which led to the forced removal and internment of over 120,000 Japanese-Americans during World War II, including 12,000 from Washington State. The resolution specifically recognizes Japanese-American veterans, incarcerees, and civil rights activists from Washington who endured this injustice and served in the military while incarcerated. It directs copies to organizations like the Nisei Veterans Committee and the Wing Luke Museum, reflecting on the principle of "liberty and justice for all."

Maddy summaryHR 4617 is a ceremonial House Resolution, not a law, adopted by the Washington State House of Representatives on February 17, 2025. It formally encourages all Washington residents to celebrate Children's Day and support children's well-being through community actions. The resolution expresses the House's commitment to prioritizing children's health, safety, and education, referencing student interns and pages working in the legislature. It does not create new policies, funding, or legal requirements - only a symbolic call for public recognition of children's rights.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial House resolution (not a law) that honors Presidents' Day. It expresses the House's recognition of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln's leadership, including Washington's precedent for peaceful power transitions and Lincoln's role in preserving the Union. The resolution has no policy impact or effect on citizens - it simply commemorates presidential legacies through symbolic language. It was introduced and adopted by the House on February 17, 2025, as a routine observance.