Maddy summarySB 6304 requires Washington State’s Investment Board to incorporate ethical investment standards into its management of public retirement and trust funds. It prohibits investments in companies or activities involving serious human rights violations, weapons production, coal energy, tobacco, environmental harm, or other significant ethical risks (as detailed in Section 2). The bill mandates the Board to assess these risks when making investment decisions, develop public proxy voting guidelines supporting ethical standards, and report annually on how these principles are applied. This directly affects how $100+ billion in public funds are managed, ensuring investments align with state values while still aiming for prudent financial returns. The Board must now consider both financial and ethical risks in its investment strategy.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySB 6329 requires Washington's Utilities and Transportation Commission to oversee broadband and voice over internet protocol (VoIP) services, directly affecting internet service providers (ISPs). It establishes new minimum standards for network reliability, including requirements for outage reporting, emergency preparedness, power backup systems, and metrics like latency and packet loss. ISPs must complete service orders within five business days (with specific exceptions) or face automatic $5 daily customer credits, and they must report service quality data annually. The law also mandates public disclosure of rates, service standards, and network performance metrics to ensure affordable, resilient, and safe broadband access for residents.
Maddy summaryWashington's SB 5439 requires the state investment board to fully divest all public funds from thermal coal companies by January 1, 2030. It defines "thermal coal companies" as those deriving significant revenue from coal mining, power generation, or infrastructure (e.g., 10% revenue from coal, 10,000+ tons annual production). The bill prohibits new investments in such companies immediately and allows limited exceptions for companies transitioning to clean energy with a verified timeline. The state must report progress annually to the legislature, aligning with Washington's goal to eliminate coal-fired electricity by 2025.
Maddy summaryThis resolution expresses the Washington State Senate's formal appreciation for the National Guard's service. It recognizes their emergency response work (like 2025 flood support in Skagit and Snohomish counties), election security efforts, and youth programs such as the Washington Youth Challenge Academy. The Senate thanks the Guard's families and employers for their support and acknowledges the Guard's contributions to state safety, community well-being, and economic vitality. Adopted in January 2026, this symbolic resolution was sent to state and federal officials but does not create new laws or policies.
Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 8674) formally honors India's 2026 Republic Day as a symbolic gesture recognizing shared democratic values between India, Washington State, and the U.S. It directly acknowledges Washington's strong ties to Indian Americans - over 100,000 residents who contribute to the state's economy, cultural diversity, and institutions like healthcare and tech. The resolution highlights India's constitutional commitment to equality and Washington's partnership with India’s Seattle consulate on trade, education, and cultural exchanges. Adopted on January 26, 2026, it has no binding policy effects, serving solely as a ceremonial acknowledgment.
Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to remove fixed session length limits for Washington's legislature. Currently, the constitution specifies 105 days for odd-year sessions and 60 days for even-year sessions; this amendment would allow the legislature to set session durations through regular laws instead. If approved by voters, it would change Article II, Section 12 of the state constitution to give lawmakers authority over session timing. The amendment requires voter approval at the next general election and would enable the legislature to adjust session lengths based on evolving needs.
Maddy summarySenate Resolution 8667 is a formal tribute honoring Monica Alexander upon her retirement as Executive Director of the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission. The resolution recognizes her 20+ years of service with the Washington State Patrol - including being the first Black woman promoted to sergeant, lieutenant, and captain - and her leadership in expanding training facilities, reducing officer training wait times, and advancing policy initiatives like sexual assault kit funding. It does not create new laws or policies but celebrates her legacy in transforming law enforcement culture and increasing community representation. The Senate adopted this resolution on January 21, 2026, to acknowledge her contributions to Washington state.
Maddy summarySB 6208 requires health care entities like hospitals, hospital systems, and provider organizations to notify Washington's Attorney General 60 days before certain major transactions. This includes mergers, acquisitions, or ownership changes involving these entities, or conversions from nonprofit to for-profit status, especially when out-of-state entities generate $10 million+ in Washington patient revenue. The Attorney General can request additional information within 30 days, halting the transaction until responses are provided. The bill also establishes data-sharing agreements between the Attorney General and health agencies to support oversight under these new rules. It directly affects large health care organizations planning significant structural changes.
Maddy summarySB 6218 (the RECOURSE Act) requires Washington state to withhold its own payments to the federal government if the federal government withholds state funds due to a valid Washington law (not yet overturned by a court). It mandates the state treasurer to report federal funds withheld from Washington because of state laws, then directs state agencies to withhold equivalent payments to the federal government. These withheld funds must be placed in a special escrow account (the RECOURSE Act account), with release rules tied to court rulings on the state law's validity. The bill directly affects state agencies making federal payments (like tax withholdings) and aims to create a financial countermeasure against federal funding denials.
Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 8661) is a ceremonial recognition of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day by the Washington State Senate. It affirms Dr. King's legacy and calls on all Washingtonians to continue working toward justice, emphasizing persistence and collective action. The resolution does not create new laws, policies, or funding; it is purely symbolic and non-binding. It was adopted by the Senate on January 19, 2026.